Palestine and Israel in Simple Terms

 Palestine and Israel in Simple Terms

The fight between Palestine and Israel today goes way back thousands of years. To really understand it, let’s look at how the land was known through history.

1. The Land of Canaan (the beginning)

Long ago, the land was called Canaan.

It wasn’t just Israel and Palestine — it also included parts of Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.

The people who lived there were called Canaanites.

2. Jacob Becomes Israel (the Bible story)

In the Bible, Abraham’s grandson Jacob had his name changed to Israel.

His children and their families were called the Israelites.

So “Israel” was first a person’s name, not a country.

3. The Israelites in Canaan

The Bible says the Israelites settled in parts of Canaan, which they called the “Promised Land.”

Over time, different kingdoms and empires took over the area — Egyptians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans.

4. The Land Called Palestine

After many centuries, the land became widely known as Palestine.

Arabs (both Muslims and Christians) lived there, along with small Jewish communities.

Cities like Jerusalem, Gaza, Bethlehem, and Nazareth were all part of Palestine.

5. The Birth of Modern Israel (1948)

After World War II and the Holocaust, the United Nations supported the creation of a new Jewish state.

In 1948, the modern country of Israel was declared on land that had been called Palestine.

The name “Israel” was chosen to connect back to Jacob and the ancient Israelites.

6. The Palestinian Nakba (“Catastrophe”)

When Israel was created, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forced out of their homes.

Many became refugees in nearby countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.

Palestinians call this the Nakba, which means catastrophe.

7. Why the Conflict Today

Israelis say: “This is our ancient homeland, promised to us through Abraham and Jacob (Israel).”

Palestinians say: “This is our home where our families lived for centuries.”

Both are attached to the same land, and both have history to prove it.

In the Simplest Terms

First it was called Canaan.

Then Jacob (Israel) gave the land a connection to the Israelites.

Later it was called Palestine for many centuries.

In 1948, the modern country of Israel was created, using the old biblical name.

Now, both Palestinians and Israelis claim the land, which is why there’s ongoing conflict.

👉 That’s the story in plain, easy language. It’s one piece of land, known by different names over time — Canaan → Israelite lands → Palestine → Modern Israel/Palestine — and two peoples who both feel it belongs to them.