A State Recognised by 146 UN Members — Living Under Occupation
The State of Palestine is recognised as a sovereign state by 146 of 193 UN member states (as of 2024), including Spain, Ireland, Norway, most of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It holds non-member observer state status at the UN (upgraded from observer entity in 2012). However, Palestine lacks the internationally recognised borders, full territorial control, and monopoly on the use of force typical of sovereign states.
Palestinian territories consist of the West Bank (under Israeli occupation since 1967, with varying degrees of Palestinian Authority administration) and the Gaza Strip (ruled by Hamas since 2007). The October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent Israeli military operations in Gaza have caused catastrophic civilian casualties and displacement — the worst destruction in Gaza’s history.
A Brief History
The territory has been under various empires — Roman, Byzantine, Arab Caliphates, Crusader, Mamluk, Ottoman (1517-1917), British Mandate (1920-1948). The 1948 Arab-Israeli War resulted in the establishment of Israel and the displacement of approximately 700,000 Palestinians (Nakba). The 1967 Six-Day War led to Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.
The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) under Yasser Arafat led Palestinian nationalism. The Oslo Accords (1993-1995) established the Palestinian Authority. Hamas won the 2006 elections and took control of Gaza in 2007.
Geography and Climate
Palestinian territories cover 6,220 km² — the West Bank (5,655 km²) and Gaza Strip (365 km²). Mediterranean climate.
Culture, Language and Religion
Arabic is official. Religion: approximately 85% Muslim (Sunni) in West Bank, 99%+ Muslim in Gaza, with significant Palestinian Christian communities.
The Economy
Palestinian territories have severely constrained economies — restricted movement of people and goods, limited control over borders, tax revenues, and water. The Gaza war since 2023 has catastrophically damaged the Gazan economy.
UNESCO Sites
Palestine has 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route in Bethlehem, Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir, and the Old Town of Hebron/Al-Khalil (all listed in danger).
Travel Guide
Travel to West Bank and Gaza is severely restricted. Bethlehem (West Bank) has been accessible through Israeli checkpoints.
Surprising Facts
- Palestine has been recognised as a state by 146 of 193 UN members — though not by the US, UK, France, Germany, or Japan.
- The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is among the oldest continuously operating churches in the world (built 325-339 AD).
- Palestine has observer-state status at the UN since 2012.
- The Gaza Strip is among the most densely populated territories in the world — 2 million+ people on 365 km².
- Palestinian refugees registered with UNRWA number over 5.9 million worldwide.
- Hebron’s Old City has been divided between Palestinian and Israeli-controlled sections since 1997.
Sources and References
See the frontmatter for cited sources.