In recent days, we have all witnessed what the Palestinian people are enduring – Occupation, Blockade, Violence, Human rights violations, Psychological Trauma, Economic Hardship, and much more, both known and unknown, so I decided to write an article about Palestine.
The History of Palestine
1. The Ancient Stone Age
Archaeological evidence shows that early humans, known as erect men, inhabited Palestine as hunters, they developed stone tools, notably long-bladed knives, during the third phase of the Stone Age, remnants have been found in caves such as Al-Amira and Irc Al-Ahmar, this era marked the beginning of social groups based on hunting and gathering.
2. 17.000 – 8,000 B.C : From Gathering to Production
Between 17,000 and 8,000 B,C, humans shifted from gathering to production, they settled near water sources and cultivated seeds like wheat and barley while continuing to hunt, This period saw increased stability and the invention of pottery for tool-making.
3. 8.000 – 4.000 B.C : Emergence of Agricultural Communities
During this time, people engaged in fishing and cultivating cereals, lacking knowledge of animal husbandry, Trade connections formed between Palestine and Turkey, with Palestinian towns exporting materials like tar and salt in exchange for tools made of obsidian.
4. 4.000 – 2.000 B.C : Closing of the Fourth Millennium B.C
This era marked significant changes in Palestine’s economy, society, and architecture, Numerous rock-cut cemeteries appeared, and the use of metals for tools and vessels emerged, Temples were excavated in various cities, indicating advancements in industry, trade, and agriculture.
5. The Semites and Canaanites
The Semites, among the oldest known nations, inhabited Palestine since the fourth millennium B,C,, originating from tribes descending from Shem, Noah’s son, Ancient Arabs migrated from the Arabian Peninsula to Canaan around this time, The Canaanites, who arrived mid-third millennium B,C,, established the first civilization in the region, evidenced by the ancient city of Jericho (Ariha), They excelled in agriculture, mining, pottery, and architecture, The Canaanite civilization is renowned for its music and literature, significantly influencing the region, Over time, cultural integration blurred distinctions between Canaanites and Hebrews, By the late period, Palestine was shared among various peoples, with Canaanite, Aramean, and Arabic as the predominant languages until the British mandate in 1920.
6. 2000 B.C. – 1200 B.C
In the early second millennium B.C., cities in Palestine flourished with new architectural styles, cemeteries, pottery, and weapons. This era was marked by enhanced trade and political ties with ancient regions like Egypt and northern Syria. Pottery production advanced with improved clay selection and wheel-molding techniques. Egyptian dominance over Bilad Al-Sham grew during the 18th and 19th dynasties, culminating in the defeat of the Hixos around 1567 B.C. The region experienced turmoil as Egyptian campaigns, led by Thutmose III around 1480 B.C., aimed to expel the Hixos, documented in battle manuscripts such as the Battle of Megiddo.
7. 1200 – 550 B.C.: Era of Kingdoms (Iron Age)
During this period, Palestinians viewed themselves as successors to Egyptian authority, controlling much of Palestine’s coastal region. Major cities like Gaza, Askalan, and Asdoud emerged. Canaanite influence was evident in the names of deities, such as Dagon and A’shtartout, and in religious practices, particularly in the Canaanite-style temples at Tal Al-Kasilah, which incorporated Egyptian architectural elements. Israeli archaeologists have claimed some artifacts and structures as of ancient Israeli origin, labeled as “collared-rim jars.”
8. The Israeli People
The term “Israel” refers to Jacob (peace be upon him), son of Isaac (peace be upon him) and grandson of Ibrahim (peace be upon him), who is considered the father of this nation. Ibrahim (peace be upon him), originally from the city Ur of Chaldees, migrated to Canaan in the 20th century B.C. to worship Allah, leaving behind idol worship. His first stop was Haran, where his father, Tarikh, died. Ibrahim had two sons: Ishmael (peace be upon him), ancestor of the Arabs, and Isaac (peace be upon him), grandfather of the Jews. Isaac’s sons, Esau and Jacob (Israel), had twelve sons, each representing a Jewish tribe. Joseph (peace be upon him), one of Jacob’s sons, was sold into Egypt by his brothers, where he rose to power and later reunited his family in Egypt. Eventually, the Egyptians enslaved the Israelites, leading to Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) receiving divine inspiration to liberate them around 1227 B.C. After wandering for 40 years due to disobedience, Moses sent scouts to Canaan, discovering it as a land flowing with milk and honey. However, upon deciding to enter, they faced resistance and crossed the Jordan River, where Moses died, and Joshua (Yousha’ Bin Noon) became leader. They captured Jericho and much of northern Palestine while Canaanites retained part of it. The ensuing era of Judges saw a mix of coexisting nations and numerous conflicts, lasting over a century and a half until the Israelites appointed Saul as their king, succeeded by Prophet and King David (peace be upon him) (1010 B.C. – 971 B.C.) and his son, Prophet Solomon (peace be upon him) (971 B.C. – 931 B.C.), known for his wisdom and peace. The Israeli entity eventually fell to the Assyrians around 724 B.C., followed by the Chaldean Empire under Nebuchadnezzar, which ruled Palestine.
9. The Persian Empire (550 B.C – 330 B.C)
The Persian Empire, established by Cyrus, Cambyses, and Darius I, succeeded Assyria and spanned from the Aegean Sea to the Indian borders and from Egypt to the Black Sea. Under Darius, the empire was divided into 20 states, including Palestine, known as “Abr Nahra,” covering Bilad Al-Sham, Syria, Cyprus, and Phoenicia.
10. The Era of Alexander the Great (330 B.C – 63 B.C)
In 334 B.C., Alexander the Great crossed into Asia Minor, defeating the Persians at the Battle of Granicus and later at Issus. He aimed to dismantle the Persian naval power, capturing Damascus and the coastal areas of Bilad Al-Sham by 332 B.C. Following his death, the empire faced power struggles, leading to the rise of the Seleucid state in Syria and the Ptolemaic state in Egypt. The Maccabean revolt against the Seleucids in 175 B.C. resulted in the establishment of the Hasmonean dynasty, which ended in 63 B.C. when Pompey occupied Jerusalem, integrating Palestine into the Roman Empire.
11. The Roman Empire (63 B.C – 636 A.D)
The Romans intervened in the Seleucid state due to its weakening, defeating Antiochus III in 190 B.C. Pompey captured Jerusalem in 63 B.C., making Palestine part of the Roman province. Notable governors included Crassus and Ghabyonous. Herod ruled from 37 B.C. to 4 B.C., naming Antipas as his successor. By 41 A.D., Palestine was officially a Roman state.
12. The Rise of Christianity
Isa (peace be upon him) was born in Bethlehem in 4 B.C, his era is divided into three phases: the Age of Messengers (30–95 A.D.), marked by the spread of Christianity; a century of growth until Constantine’s embrace of Christianity in 312; and the revolt led by Odenathus and Zenobia in the late 3rd century. In 395 A.D., the Roman Empire split into Eastern and Western parts, ruled by Arcadius and Honorius, respectively. The Byzantine Empire faced ongoing wars with the Sassanids until the Arab conquest culminated in the Battle of Yarmuk in 636 A.D., ending Sassanian control and marking a significant shift in Bilad Al-Sham and Egypt.
13. From the Islamic Arabic Conquest to The Seljuk State
The Islamic Arabic Conquest began with Muslim troops advancing into Bilad Al-Sham, starting with Basra under Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him), The Muslims won the decisive Battle of Ajnadin against the Byzantine forces, leading to the capture of Fahl. after Abu Bakr’s death, Umar bin Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) continued the conquests, culminating in the pivotal Battle of Yarmuk in 636 A.H., where a smaller Muslim force achieved a stunning victory, significantly weakening Byzantine control. Following the conquest, Palestine became a stable province within the Islamic state, initially governed by Amr bin Al-As (may Allah be pleased with him). Under the Umayyad Caliphate established by Muawiyah bin Abi Sufian (may Allah be pleased with him) in 661 A.D., Palestine thrived until internal strife during Yazid’s reign led to further division and conflict, particularly with Ibn Az-Zubair’s claims to caliphate. The Abbasids took over in 750 A.D., implementing strict control over Syria, including Palestine, leading to unrest. The Tulunid State, founded by Ahmad bin Tulun in 870 A.D., briefly stabilized the region, while the Ikhshidid rule, beginning in 935 A.D., followed with Abu Bakr bin Tughj’s leadership. The Fatimid Caliphate emerged in Egypt and expanded into Bilad Al-Sham, facing internal discord due to sectarian divides. The Seljuk Turks began settling in the region by 1067 A.D., becoming the dominant military power and defending against European and Mongol incursions for centuries.
14. From the period of the Crusades to the rise of Mamluks
The Crusades, spanning from 1095 to 1291, were military expeditions initiated by Pope Urban II to reclaim sacred Christian sites in the East, driven by a surge in religious fervor and the Byzantine Emperor’s plea for help against the Seljuks. The First Crusade began in 1096, leading to the siege of Jerusalem in July 1099, where Crusaders committed massacres against native residents and established the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. This sparked ongoing conflict with the Fatimid Caliphate, culminating in battles for control over coastal cities. The Second Crusade (1146-1149) witnessed internal strife among the Crusaders and the resurgence of the Seljuks, while the rise of leaders like ‘Imad Al-Din Zinky laid the groundwork for resistance against European forces. Salah El-Din Yusuf bin Ayyub, who founded the Ayyubid Dynasty, united Egypt and Syria, achieving a pivotal victory at the Battle of Hattin in 1187, which marked a turning point against the Crusaders and led to the capture of Jerusalem. The Third Crusade, involving powerful European kings, saw significant battles, particularly at Acre, resulting in a truce that allowed Christians to visit Jerusalem while Salah Al-Din maintained control. Despite his death in 1193, conflict with the Crusaders continued until the rise of the Mamluks.
15. From The Mamluks regime until the withdrawal of Napoleon
The Mamluk regime, originating in the Abbasid era, rose to prominence after the Ayyubid dynasty’s decline, establishing a powerful kingdom in Egypt and Bilad Al-Sham that lasted over two centuries. They successfully defended Egypt against the seventh Crusade, defeating the Crusaders at a critical moment when Al-Salih Ayyub was dying. Baybars emerged as a key figure, leading the Mamluks to victory against the Mongols at Ein Jalout in 1260, which marked a pivotal moment in West Asian history. Subsequently, the Ottoman Empire began to rise, eventually conquering Mamluk territories, including Egypt, following decisive victories at Marj Dabeq in 1516. The Ottoman rule expanded under Selim I and Suleiman the Magnificent, flourishing as a center of Islamic civilization. Meanwhile, Zaher Al-Omar and Ahmad Al-Jazar exerted local control in Palestine, with Al-Jazar ultimately facing the French invasion led by Napoleon Bonaparte from 1798 to 1801, marking the beginning of European colonization in the region. Following Napoleon’s retreat, Muhammad Ali of Egypt rose to power, achieving significant military victories but ultimately leading to the re-establishment of Ottoman control after European intervention. The growing influence of European consuls and missionaries in the region, particularly regarding the rights of Christian minorities, set the stage for increased foreign intervention as the Ottoman Empire weakened, heightening competition among European powers for control over its territories.
16. The Zionist Settlement in Palestine
In the 19th century, a surge of national awareness emerged in Bilad Al-Sham, including Palestine, influenced by the rise of capitalism in Europe. This growing sentiment aimed to unify the Arabic nation against foreign forces, particularly in response to the Zionist settlement in Palestine. Despite an initial lack of organizational resistance, the Arab population began to oppose Zionist migration and land acquisition. The Ottoman government, while permitting Jewish settlement, restricted immigration to Palestine, urging Jews to obtain Ottoman nationality. However, Zionist activities persisted through bribery and foreign support, leading to increased land purchases and settlements. As Zionist encroachments intensified, resistance grew among peasants and Bedouins, who conveyed their grievances to the Turkish Parliament. Despite this opposition, Zionist political power continued to expand, particularly during the Second Migration from 1904 to 1914, fueled by Ottoman administrative corruption and foreign consular backing.
17. British Mandate
17.1 The pre-British Mandate period
The Zionist movement emerged among European Jews in the late 19th century, deriving its name from the Hebrew word “Tziyyon,” referring to a hill near Jerusalem where they believe King David (peace be upon him) is buried. Prior to this, Jews were scattered globally, lacking political or social ties, with only a religious bond. The claim of a distinct “Jewish nationality” is considered a fabrication, as they lacked common territory, language, and culture. Zionism began gaining traction in Europe in the 16th century and solidified in the 19th century, culminating in the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which aimed to establish a Jewish national home in Palestine. Initially, British forces were seen as liberators, but the arrival of the Zionist Committee revealed intentions that alarmed the Arabs, as the British sought to create a Jewish national home despite Palestine being over 92% Arab.
18. The British Mandate in Palestine: 1923-1948
At the start of the British Mandate in Palestine, Britain governed the region under the League of Nations’ Covenant, although it had already established control years earlier through its Zionist colonization policy, which continued until 1948. Palestinian Arabs faced oppression and had to submit complaints to a powerless Mandate committee in Geneva, resorting to protests, resistance, and civil disobedience against British troops and Jewish settlers. The High Commissioner, Herbert Samuel, introduced a Palestinian currency in 1927, but concerns about its impact on the Arab economy emerged. He also granted Palestinian nationality to settled Jews. The British government opposed establishing a legislative council that would give Palestinian Arabs a majority. Tensions escalated after Balfour’s 1925 visit and the Buraq incident in 1928, leading to violent clashes as Arabs resisted Jewish immigration, which increased significantly during the 1930s. An Islamic conference in 1931 denounced Zionism and British policies, leading to calls for unity against colonization. By 1935, Jewish immigrants in Palestine had doubled since 1929, comprising one-fourth of the total population.
19. Sheikh Eiz Al-Din Al-Qasam Revolution and the Division Project
The British Mandate in Palestine faced a critical situation during the Sheikh Eiz Al-Din Al-Qasam revolution, where Al-Qasam and his mujahideen fought to defend their land, culminating in his martyrdom in Jenin. Following this, the British High Commissioner Wauchope proposed a Legislative Council to address Palestinian demands. This proposal included creating a new constitution with a legislative majority, restricting land sales, and regulating Jewish immigration based on Palestine’s capacity.
In February 1936, a revolution erupted after a Jewish contractor refused to hire Arab laborers, leading to violent clashes and a general strike across Palestine. Arab resistance organized into armed groups, employing various tactics against British forces, who responded with heavy military force. Amid escalating tensions, Arab leaders urged for peaceful negotiations, but the Supreme Arab Committee declared the strike’s end only after significant casualties among Palestinians.
On June 7, 1937, the Royal Committee, led by Lord Bill, recommended the division of Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem and Bethlehem under British control. Despite proposed financial support for the Arab state and an exchange of populations, Palestinian Arabs rejected the division, continuing their resistance. British understanding of Arab sentiments grew, as highlighted in a speech by Malcolm Macdonald in November 1938, emphasizing the importance of considering Arab perspectives in resolving the conflict.
In May 1939, the British issued “The White Book,” outlining plans for a Palestinian government and regulating Jewish immigration with Arab approval. Post-World War II, Zionist groups intensified their political efforts in the U.S., seeking support from President Harry Truman for increased Jewish immigration to Palestine. The changing dynamics prompted Britain to propose an Anglo-American Inquiry Committee to address the Palestinian issue, reflecting the complex interplay of local resistance and international diplomacy in this critical period.
20. The Division Resolution Summary
In September 1947, the UN formed the United Nations Special Committee on Palestine (UNSCOP) to address the Palestinian issue, composed of eleven members from various countries. They proposed dividing Palestine into an Arab and a Jewish state, with around 56% allocated to Jews, and a portion under international control, This resolution faced strong opposition from Arab leaders, who viewed it as biased and detrimental to Palestinian sovereignty, protests erupted across Arab nations, prompting the Arab League to unify against the division plan.
The political committee condemned the proposal as a threat to peace, urging Arab states to provide urgent support to Palestinians. In response, resistance grew among Palestinian Arabs against Zionist settlement, leading to violent clashes and significant casualties on both sides, as tensions escalated, the international Security Council recognized that the division plan was unfeasible.
On May 14, 1948, the British Mandate ended, and the State of Israel was declared just minutes later, followed by immediate U.S. recognition. This event marked the beginning of significant turmoil, known as the Catastrophe of 1948, resulting in widespread displacement of Palestinians. The historical context of this conflict includes the Balfour Declaration, which promised a Jewish homeland in Palestine, disregarding the rights of the indigenous population. The subsequent establishment of Israel and ongoing occupation highlight the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights and sovereignty.
To be Continued…
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