Palestine- Palestine Flag- The Promised Land?

The State of Palestine is a country located in West Asia, recognised by a majority of United Nations (UN) member states. It encompasses the Israeli occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip regions collectively referred to as the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). These lands are part of the broader historic region, which holds deep cultural, religious, and historical significance for Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike.

Geography & Borders:

The country shares most of its borders with Israel, while Jordan lies to the east and Egypt to the southwest. It has a total land area of approximately 6,020 square kilometers (2,320 square miles), making it one of the smaller sovereign states in the region.

Palestine Flag:

The flag consists of four colours black, white, green, and red arranged in a horizontal tricolour with a red triangle on the left. It symbolises identity, nationalism, and resistance.

• Black, white, and green represent the historical Arab Revolt (1916–1918) and the Pan-Arab colors and symbols found in many Arab flags.
• The red triangle symbolises sacrifice, struggle, and unity.

The flag was officially adopted in 1964 by the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and is recognised as the symbol of the people and their quest for sovereignty

Jerusalem: A City of Religious and Historical Significance:

Jerusalem is one of the most revered cities in the world, playing a central role in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. It is a city of profound spiritual and historical importance, and its status has long been a point of geopolitical contention.

• In Islam, Jerusalem is home to Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam. It is the location of Al-Haram Al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary), where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is believed to have ascended to the heavens during the Isra and Miraj (Night Journey). The Dome of the Rock, an iconic Islamic landmark, marks the spot where this event is said to have taken place. Historically, Jerusalem was also the first Qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims before it was changed to the Kaaba in Mecca.
• In Christianity, Jerusalem is significant as the site of Jesus Christ’s (peace be upon him) crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City is one of Christianity’s most sacred places, believed to be where Jesus was crucified and resurrected. The city was a central location in his ministry and remains a major pilgrimage site for Christians worldwide.
• In Judaism, Jerusalem is regarded as the holiest city, dating back to the time of King David, who established it as his capital, and his son King Solomon, who built the First Temple on the Temple Mount. The Western Wall (Kotel) is a significant site for Jewish prayer and pilgrimage, as it is the last remaining part of the Second Temple, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. The city is also linked to the Promised Land, as mentioned in the Torah, and remains a focal point of Jewish religious and historical identity.

Given its sacred status, Jerusalem has been at the heart of numerous historical conflicts, including the Crusades, Ottoman rule, and the modern day Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where both claim the city as their capital. Currently, East Jerusalem is considered occupied Palestinian territory under international law, but Israel has declared the entire city as its capital, a move not widely recognized by the international community. These ongoing tensions highlight the need for reflection and seeking guidance. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of the Quran’s message of peace and justice in relation to sacred places, our online Quran classes can offer a space for learning and contemplation. It’s about finding spiritual grounding in a complex world.

Religious & Historical Context:

The State has long been regarded as a sacred land in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. In Jewish tradition, it is associated with the Promised Land, as mentioned in the Torah and the Hebrew Bible, where God is believed to have granted the land to the descendants of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim, peace be upon him) through Prophet Isaac (Ishaq, peace be upon him). However, in Islamic tradition, the land is also seen as blessed, with strong ties to Prophet Abraham through his son Prophet Ishmael (Ismail, peace be upon him).

This land has witnessed numerous civilisations, including Canaanites, Israelite, Babylonians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Islamic Caliphates (Umayyads, Abbasids, Fatimids), Crusaders, Ottomans, and the British Mandate, before the modern day Israeli-Palestinian conflict shaped its contemporary history.

Population & Major Cities:

The population exceeds five million people, consisting primarily of Palestinian Arabs, including Muslims and Christians. The proclaimed capital is Jerusalem, though it remains under Israeli occupation, while Ramallah serves as the de facto administrative capital of the Palestinian Authority (PA). Before the 2023 mass evacuations, Gaza City was the largest city and a major economic and cultural hub.

Political Status & Recognition:

The State declared independence in 1988 and has since gained recognition from over 130 countries and international organisations, including the United Nations General Assembly, which granted it non member observer state status in 2012. However, its sovereignty remains limited due to Israeli military control, settlement expansions, and ongoing geopolitical conflicts.

Culture & Heritage:

It is home to a rich cultural heritage, with traditions deeply rooted in Arab, Islamic, and Christian history. The region boasts some of the world’s most sacred religious sites, including Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, one of Islam’s holiest locations. Palestinian art, music, cuisine, and literature reflect a history of resilience, struggle, and identity preservation despite decades of conflict.

Current Situation & Challenges:

The fragile state continues to face significant political, economic, and humanitarian challenges, primarily due to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The blockade on Gaza, expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and diplomatic struggles for full international recognition remain central issues. Despite these difficulties, the State maintains a strong sense of national identity and continues efforts toward self determination and statehood.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)