The Palestinian people, known in Arabic as الشعب الفلسطيني (ash-sha‘b al-Filasṭīnī), or simply Palestinians (الفلسطينيون, al-Filasṭīniyyūn; Hebrew: פָלַסְטִינִים), and sometimes referred to as Palestinian Arabs (الفلسطينيين العرب, al-Filasṭīniyyīn al-ʿarab), represent a distinct ethnonational group. Their heritage traces back to the diverse communities who have continuously inhabited the historical region of Palestine over many millennia. Today, they are profoundly shaped by an Arab culture and language, which form a cornerstone of their collective identity.

Despite facing numerous conflicts and significant population displacements, often referred to as 'exoduses' – most notably the events of 1948 – a substantial portion, roughly half, of the global Palestinian population still resides within the geographical boundaries of what was once Mandatory Palestine. This area now encompasses the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and the State of Israel. As of 2005, within this combined territory, Palestinians constituted approximately 49% of the total inhabitants. This includes virtually the entire population of the Gaza Strip, estimated at 1.865 million people; the majority of the West Bank's population, around 2,785,000, in contrast to about 600,000 Jewish Israeli citizens (including approximately 200,000 in East Jerusalem); and almost 21% of the population within Israel proper, who hold Israeli citizenship and are known as Arab citizens of Israel.

A significant number among these communities are either Palestinian refugees or internally displaced persons. For instance, more than a million live in the Gaza Strip, about 750,000 in the West Bank, and approximately 250,000 within Israel's pre-1967 borders. Beyond these lands, a vast segment of the Palestinian population forms what is known as the Palestinian diaspora. More than half of this diaspora lives without citizenship in any country, a situation that often entails unique challenges. Large communities thrive abroad, with between 2.1 and 3.24 million living as refugees in neighboring Jordan. Over 1 million reside between Syria and Lebanon, while about 750,000 have made their home in Saudi Arabia. Further afield, Chile hosts a community of half a million Palestinians, representing the largest concentration outside the Middle East, highlighting their global reach and enduring connections.

The Evolution of Palestinian National Identity

Historically, in 1919, just prior to the significant third wave of Jewish immigration under the British Mandatory Authority established after World War I, Palestinian Christians and Muslims together comprised an overwhelming 90% of the population of Palestine. It was largely in response to the political and demographic shifts introduced by this mandatory rule and the ensuing immigration that a unified Palestinian national identity began to solidify. This emergent identity sought to bridge pre-existing divisions that had been based on regional affiliations, socioeconomic class, religious denomination, and family lineages, fostering a more cohesive sense of shared nationhood.

While the precise historical trajectory of the Palestinian national identity remains a subject of academic debate among scholars, the term "Palestinian" itself began to be used to express a nationalist concept of a distinct people by Palestinian Arabs from the late 19th century, albeit initially in a somewhat limited capacity until the advent of World War I. The dissolution of the vast Ottoman Empire and the subsequent establishment of Mandatory Palestine were pivotal moments. These events effectively replaced Ottoman citizenship with a newly defined Palestinian citizenship, a development that significantly contributed to the consolidation of a national identity. Following the creation of the State of Israel in 1948 and the profound exodus of Palestinians that ensued, and even more so after the 1967 exodus, the term "Palestinian" further evolved. It began to encapsulate a shared aspiration for a future that included a significantly reduced, yet sovereign, Palestinian state. This identity, deeply rooted, proudly encompasses the rich heritage of all ages, from biblical times through to the extensive Ottoman period, reflecting a continuous historical presence and cultural legacy.

Palestinian Representation and International Recognition

In the contemporary political landscape, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), founded in 1964, stands as the principal umbrella organization. It serves as the primary representative body for the Palestinian people, advocating on their behalf before international states and various global forums. Established in 1994 as a direct outcome of the historic Oslo Accords, the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) functions as an interim administrative body. Its nominal responsibilities include local governance within Palestinian population centers located in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, representing a step towards self-rule.

The international community also acknowledges the Palestinian struggle and aspirations. Since 1978, the United Nations has annually observed the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, a testament to global awareness and support. Economically, the impact of historical events on the Palestinian people has been profound. According to analyses by scholars like Perry Anderson, it is estimated that half of the population residing in the Palestinian territories comprises refugees. Furthermore, they have collectively endured substantial property losses, approximated at US$300 billion (calculated at 2008–09 prices), attributed to Israeli confiscations.

The 2006 Tel Aviv Shawarma Restaurant Bombing

On April 17, 2006, the city of Tel Aviv, Israel, was struck by a devastating suicide bombing at the "Rosh Ha'ir" shawarma restaurant. This horrific incident resulted in the tragic deaths of eleven Israeli civilians and left 70 others injured. The Palestinian militant organization Islamic Jihad swiftly claimed responsibility for this terror attack, highlighting the ongoing cycle of violence and conflict in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who are the Palestinian people?

The Palestinian people are an ethnonational group whose ancestry traces back to the various communities that have inhabited the historical region of Palestine for millennia. They are culturally and linguistically Arab and are also known as Palestinians or Palestinian Arabs.

Where do most Palestinians live today?

Roughly half of the world's Palestinian population resides within the former territories of Mandatory Palestine, which today include the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Israel. The other half lives abroad, forming the Palestinian diaspora, with significant populations in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Chile, among other countries.

What is the Palestinian diaspora?

The Palestinian diaspora refers to the Palestinian population living outside the historical region of Palestine. Many in the diaspora are refugees, and more than half are stateless, lacking citizenship in any country. They form substantial communities across the Middle East and globally.

How did Palestinian national identity develop?

Palestinian national identity evolved significantly in the early 20th century. While the term "Palestinian" was used earlier, the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of British Mandatory Palestine, which introduced Palestinian citizenship, helped solidify a distinct national identity. This sense of identity was further shaped by post-1948 and 1967 exoduses, leading to aspirations for an independent Palestinian state.

What are the main organizations representing the Palestinian people?

The primary representative body is the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), founded in 1964, which acts as an umbrella organization for various groups and represents the Palestinian people internationally. The Palestinian National Authority (PNA), established in 1994, is an interim administrative body responsible for governance in Palestinian population centers in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

What happened during the 2006 Tel Aviv shawarma restaurant bombing?

On April 17, 2006, a suicide bombing occurred at the "Rosh Ha'ir" shawarma restaurant in Tel Aviv, Israel. The attack killed eleven Israeli civilians and injured 70. The Palestinian militant organization Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the incident.