How long was Palestine a country before Israel? Unravelling the Historical Timeline

The question of “How long was Palestine a country before Israel” is a topic steeped in complex history and geopolitics. This article delves into the intricate timeline of Palestine’s existence, leading up to the creation of Israel, and the enduring impact it has had on the region.

How long was Palestine a country before Israel?

Palestine, as a recognized country, didn’t exist before the State of Israel. The region we now call Israel and Palestine was part of the British Mandate, and the concept of a separate Palestinian state wasn’t established until later. To answer, “How long was Palestine a country before Israel”it is necessary to know that Israel was established in 1948, but there wasn’t a recognized Palestinian state before that. Instead, there were various administrations, including Jordan’s control of the West Bank and Egypt’s control of the Gaza Strip. So, the idea of Palestine as a separate country came after the creation of Israel in 1948.

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Palestine: Pre-1948

Before the birth of the State of Israel on 15 May 1948, the territory we now associate with Israel and Palestine was part of the British Mandate. This period, often referred to as pre-1948 Palestine, was marked by significant developments, including a vision for partition outlined in the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 181 of 1947. This vision sought to establish two separate states – one for the Arab population and the other for Jewish inhabitants.

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Transitional Period: 1948-1967

The State of Israel came into existence in 1948, but there was no concurrent establishment of a recognized Palestinian state. Instead, the territories that constituted pre-1948 Palestine underwent significant changes. The West Bank, including East Jerusalem, was administered by Jordan, while the Gaza Strip was under the

administration of Egypt. During this period, the Palestinian people did not have their own sovereign state.

1967 and the Israeli Occupation

The turning point occurred in 1967 when Israel occupied the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. This marked the beginning of what is now known as the occupied Palestinian territory (OPT). The international community, through various United Nations resolutions, has consistently called for Israel’s withdrawal from these occupied territories, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

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Peace Efforts and Palestinian State-Building

In the years following the 1967 occupation, efforts were made to establish a two-State solution through peace accords between the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Israeli government. These efforts led to Israel’s partial military withdrawal from certain areas within the OPT. In 1994, the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) was established by the PLO to assume governance responsibilities in these regions.

Ongoing Challenges and Global Consensus

Despite these efforts, the path to Palestinian statehood remains fraught with challenges. The expansion of Israeli settlements in the OPT, declared a “flagrant violation of international law” by Security Council resolution 2334 (December 2016), continues to disrupt the peace process. Political complexities, economic setbacks, and the ongoing Gaza blockade since 2007 have added to the challenges.

Nevertheless, the international community maintains a global consensus on the importance of realizing a two-state solution – one for Israel and the other for Palestine. Security Council Resolution 1397 (2002) affirmed this vision, emphasizing the need for secure and recognized borders for both states.

FAQ

Was there a recognized Palestinian country before Israel was established in 1948?

No, there wasn’t a recognized Palestinian country before Israel’s creation. The region was part of the British Mandate, and the concept of a separate Palestinian state came later.

When did Israel come into existence?

Israel was established on May 15, 1948.