Palestinians

The Palestinians: A People with a Complicated History

Have you ever wondered about the rich history and complex identity of the Palestinians? They are an Arab ethnonational group native to Palestine, with a disputed national identity that dates back to the late 19th century. The term ‘Palestinian’ has evolved over time, reflecting the changing political landscape and aspirations for self-determination.

The Emergence of Palestinian Identity

Let’s delve into how this identity came about. In 1898, Khalīl Beidas first used the term ‘Palestinian,’ but its usage gradually spread throughout the late Ottoman period. By the early 20th century, strong opposition to Zionism and evidence of a burgeoning nationalistic Palestinian identity were found in Arabic-language newspapers. This was a pivotal moment when Palestinians began to assert their distinct cultural and political identity.

Historical Context

The British establishment of Mandatory Palestine after World War I led to Jewish immigration, which was met with opposition from the local Arab population. The term ‘Palestinian’ then took on new meaning as it referred to aspirations for a Palestinian state after Israel’s Declaration of Independence in 1948.

Political Organizations and Governance

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was founded in 1964 as an umbrella organization representing the Palestinian people. The Palestinian National Authority, established later, is an interim administrative body responsible for governance in Palestinian population centers. These organizations have played crucial roles in shaping the political landscape of the region.

Demographics and Displacement

About half of the world’s Palestinian population resides in the territory of former Mandatory Palestine, with many living in Israel proper or displaced due to conflicts and exoduses. Over 2.3 million Palestinians live abroad, with more than half being stateless and lacking legal citizenship.

Historical Roots

The term ‘Palestinian’ has its roots in ancient Greek toponymy, with Herodotus using the term to denote the coastal land from Phoenicia to Egypt. The name evolved over time, with various empires and administrators referring to the region by different names. The Arabic word Filastin has been used to refer to the region since medieval times.

Identity and Nationalism

The emergence of a distinct Palestinian national identity is a matter of scholarly debate. Some scholars suggest it can be traced back to the peasants’ revolt in 1834, while others argue that it did not emerge until after the Mandatory Palestine period. The term ‘Palestinian’ was first used by Khalīl Beidas in 1898 and its usage gradually spread throughout the late Ottoman period.

Opposition to Zionism

By the early 20th century, strong opposition to Zionism and evidence of a burgeoning nationalistic Palestinian identity were found in Arabic-language newspapers. Historian Rashid Khalidi’s book ‘Palestinian Identity’ is considered a foundational text on the subject, noting that Palestinian identity has never been exclusive and includes Arabism, religion, and local loyalties.

Occupation and Resistance

The Israeli policy to prevent refugees from returning to their homes was initially formulated by David Ben Gurion and Joseph Weitz. The UN adopted resolution 194 in December 1948, which resolved that refugees should be permitted to return at the earliest practicable date. However, Israel has consistently refused to change its position on refugee repatriation and introduced legislation to hinder Palestinians from returning and reclaiming their land.

Modern Challenges

The lack of sovereignty over the land has been used to deny Palestinians their rights to self-determination. The right of Palestinian self-determination has been affirmed by international authorities, with 133 countries recognizing Palestine as a state. However, boundaries remain contested between Palestinians and Israelis.

Resistance and Activism

Palestinian hip hop emerged in 1998 with Tamer Nafar’s group DAM, blending Arabic melodies and hip hop beats, often with lyrics sung in Arabic, Hebrew, English, and French. Since then, the new Palestinian musical subgenre has grown to include artists in various locations, borrowing from traditional rap music and incorporating elements from Arabic music such as ‘zajal, mawwal, and saj’.

Conclusion

The Palestinians have a rich history and complex identity that continues to evolve. From the early 20th century opposition to Zionism to modern-day resistance through hip hop, their journey is one of resilience and determination. Understanding this history helps us appreciate the challenges they face and the strength with which they continue to fight for their rights.

Condensed Infos to Palestinians