History of Oceania

Who are the Israelis and Palestinians?

The Israelis and Palestinians are two distinct ethnic groups with a complex and often-conflictual history.

The Israelis are a people of Jewish origin, many of whom have ancestors from the region that is now Israel. The Jewish people have a long and rich history in the area, dating back to biblical times. Modern Israeli identity began to form in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Jews from around the world began to migrate to the region and settle there. The foundation of the State of Israel in 1948 was a significant milestone for the Israeli people, and today, there are an estimated 8.6 million Israeli citizens, most of whom are Jewish.

The Palestinians, on the other hand, are an Arab people who have lived in the region of Palestine (which now includes Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip) for centuries. The term "Palestinian" refers to people of Arab descent who were living in Palestine at the time of British Mandate (1922-1948) and their descendants. Palestinians have their own distinct culture, language, and history, and their identity is closely tied to their homeland. The Palestinian people have faced various challenges and obstacles over the years, including the displacement and dispossession that resulted from the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. Today, there are an estimated 13 million Palestinians worldwide, with a significant number living in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and refugee camps in neighboring countries.

The relationship between Israelis and Palestinians has been marked by periods of conflict, tension, and negotiation. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the most protracted and intractable conflicts in modern history. It has its roots in competing national aspirations, historical grievances, and the unresolved question of Palestinian statehood. The conflict has had profound consequences for both societies and continues to be a source of instability in the region.