Palestine (פלשתינה, فلسطين‎)

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View of Palestine between Jenin and Nablus on the West Bank
photo source

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:West_Bank-27.jpg
authorship

Almonroth

Palestine (Hebrew: פלשתינה; Arabic: فلسطين‎) is a region in the Middle East between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea. It comprises the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Together, Palestine has a population of around 4 million people (2012 estimate). The city of East Jerusalem is proclaimed as the capital of the State of Palestine, government administrative bodies are at Ramallah for the West Bank and Gaza for the Gaza Strip.

Street in Jenin on the West Bank
photo source

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:West_Bank-17.jpg
authorship

Almonroth

Palestine comprises two separate areas politically under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian National Authority and the Hamas Government in Gaza. The State of Palestine came about following the Palestinian Declaration of Independence in 1988. So far, three quarters of the governments of the world have recognized it as the State of Palestine. However, the entities and states that do not recognize it include the United Nations, Israel, the United States and major Western nations.

In June one can find quite a few opportunities for most inspiring spiritual tours, for pilgrimage to Italy & Jerusalem as just some of many destinations offered.

Mosque in Nablus, West Bank
photo source

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:West_Bank-44.jpg
authorship

Almonroth

East Jerusalem is regarded by the Palestinian National Authority as part of the West Bank, making it therefore part of Palestine. Israel however regards East Jerusalem as part of Israel following its annexation in 1980.

In 2007, a military conflict erupted between Hamas and Fatah, the two factions within the Palestinian authority national unity government. This resulted in Hamas fighters ousting Fatah officials from the Gaza Strip. Fatah continues to rule the West Bank as the internationally recognized official Palestinian Authority.