The land of Palestine was inhabited by many peoples throughout history (Canaanites, Jebusites, ancient Philistines, and others)

Modern Palestinians are considered the descendants of the Arab population that settled there after the Islamic conquest in the 7th century, in addition to the blending with those who preceded them

Over the centuries, Palestine was ruled by various empires (Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, Ottoman), while its people remained connected to their land and identity

🔹 The Contemporary Palestinians

They are the Arabs who lived in Palestine before the Nakba in 1948, and their descendants who live today in historic Palestine, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, refugee camps, and the diaspora

Today, Palestinians are estimated to number around 14 million, spread between historic Palestine and across the world

🔹 Identity

Palestinians speak Arabic in local dialects and are culturally part of the Arab Levant

The majority are Muslims, with Palestinian Christian communities and small minority groups also present

They have a rich heritage in literature, poetry, music, cuisine, and traditional dress (such as the Palestinian thobe and keffiyeh)

🔹 The Palestinian Cause

In 1948, the State of Israel was established on most of historic Palestine, which led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in what is known as the Nakba

Since then, Palestinian identity has been deeply tied to the struggle for return, self-determination, and the preservation of collective memory and national rights.