Palestinian Territories
The Palestinian Territories [1] include parts of the West Bank (of the Jordan River) and the Gaza Strip. With significant parts of the Territories under Israeli occupation since 1967, their Final Status is still in dispute and remains the subject of ongoing and future negotiation. The Palestinian National Authority (PNA or PA) is the semi-autonomous state institution (created in agreement with Israel and the United Nations) nominally governing the bulk of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip (which it calls "the Palestinian Territories"). The stated outcome of negotiations and Final Status talks is currently regarded as the eventual creation of a new, sovereign state - to be called simply Palestine.
Regions
Most well-known for the Gaza Strip (a contantly fought over piece of land)- it is a small town in Palestine.
Cities
Gaza
West Bank
Other destinations
Culture and History
General
The Palestinian Territories, in a wider sense and together with Israel, are considered the Holy Land for three of the world's major religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Many sites of religious and archeological significance from the so-called Biblical periods are to be found within the current boundaries of the Palestinian National Authority, most notably Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus and Jericho. The ownership of parts of Jerusalem, of course, although claimed by the Palestinian National Authority, remain disputed, with Israel claiming the city as its undivided national capital.
History
The current Palestinian Territories are a sub-division of pre-1948, British Mandatory Palestine. United Nations-projected Arab-held areas of the former Mandate were greatly reduced after the 1948-1949 Israel War of Independence, when the embryonic state of Israel was first attacked by its Arab neighbours, then successfully defeated their armies, leading to a re-drawing of the internationally-recognised borders. Of course, these hostilities were accompanied by much bloodshed and displacement on both sides, much of the focus being on Palestinian refugees who fled in large numbers to neighbouring Arab countries, or to Gaza and the West Bank.
Travel to Palestinian Territories, visa requirements
Get around
Talk
Shopping, Palestinian Territories souvenirs
Currency: Shekels, though US dollars seem to be widely accepted, especially at tourist shops (Jericho and Bethlehem, for example).
Costs
Good restaurants and cheap meals
Palestinian Territories nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
Learn
It is possible to study Arabic and other subjects in the West Bank. Specifically at Birzeit University in Ramallah.
Work
Stay safe
Because of ongoing conflict in this area of the world, travellers should take notice of travel advisories issued by various embassies before undertaking travel here. Security concerns result in travel between Israel and the Palestinian Territories being tightly controlled on occasions. Travellers should ensure that their travel documentation is entirely in order and should monitor local news channels in case the security situation changes suddenly.
Modest clothing is expected in Gaza and to a lesser extend in the West Bank.
A few hints for a successful trip:
- Expect to hear gunfire at night. This is not necessarily fighting, but Palestinian factions tend to fire their weapons in the evening and at night for celebrations, noticeability, etc. Also, bear in mind that fireworks is popular in the cities, and it is possible that what you are hearing is not gunfire at all.
- Always bring a COPY of your passport along with your original copy and hide the copy in your hotel room.
- Show respect at places of worship - take off your shoes. Women shouldn't come into a mosque without covering their heads. It is not usually necessary to cover your face.
- Consider hiring a local tour guide/translator who will also keep you out of trouble.
- Beware of local water, including ice cubes - bottled is the way to go.
- Common sense goes a long way.
Stay healthy
Respect
Contact
Get out
Delays may occur at checkpoints unexpectedly, especially if there has been recent violence or political events. Sometimes it may be quicker to walk through a checkpoint on foot rather than on a vehicle, and then take a taxi to your destination once you get through.
It is highly advised to keep Palestinian flags, PA/PLO pamphlets, and similar articles out of plain sight when going through checkpoints.
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