Palestine and Israel Explained in Simple Terms

 Palestine and Israel Explained in Simple Terms

The conflict between Palestine and Israel is one of the most well-known struggles in the world, but the history behind it stretches back thousands of years. To understand it better, we have to go back to the very beginning — the land of Canaan.

Canaan: The Ancient Land

In ancient times, the land was not called Israel or Palestine. It was known as Canaan. This was the territory described in the Bible as the “Promised Land” given to Abraham and his descendants.

But here’s something important: Canaan wasn’t just what we call Israel and Palestine today. It also included parts of Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. The Canaanites were a collection of different peoples and city-states living across this whole region.

So, when the Bible talks about the Israelites entering the “land of Canaan,” it’s referring to a much larger area than just modern Israel.

Where the Name “Israel” Comes From

The name Israel first appeared in the Bible. Abraham’s grandson Jacob wrestled with an angel and was given a new name: Israel. His descendants became the Israelites.

For thousands of years, “Israel” meant the family and tribes that came from Jacob. It wasn’t a modern country.

That changed in 1948, after World War II and the Holocaust, when the modern state of Israel was established on part of the land that had been called Palestine. The new state chose the name “Israel” to connect itself to that biblical identity.

Palestine Before 1948

Before 1948, the region was commonly called Palestine. It was home to Arabs (both Muslims and Christians), along with Jewish communities. Major cities like Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Gaza were all part of Palestine.

When Israel declared itself a state in 1948, many Palestinians were forced to leave their homes. This mass displacement is known as the Nakba (“catastrophe”), and it is still a central part of Palestinian history and memory.

Why There’s Conflict

The struggle comes down to this:

Israelis believe the land is their ancient, God-promised homeland, linked to Jacob (Israel) and the Israelites.

Palestinians believe the land is their rightful home, where their families lived, farmed, and built communities for centuries.

And both sides point to history to back up their claim.

Today’s Reality

Israel is now a recognized country, powerful and supported by many nations.

Palestinians mainly live in the West Bank and Gaza, areas under heavy restrictions and often in conflict.

Surrounding countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan still feel the effects, since many Palestinian refugees live there after being displaced in 1948 and later wars.

Final Thought

The land once called Canaan covered modern Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. The name Israel comes from Jacob in the Bible, but the modern country of Israel only began in 1948. Palestinians and Israelis both feel a deep connection to the same land, which is why the conflict is so emotional and so hard to resolve.