Palestine

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Quick Facts

[edit]

Capital

Jerusalem (disputed)

Population

3,700,000

Government

Religions

Judaism, Islam, Christianity

Languages

Arabic, Hebrew

Calling Code

+970

Nationality

Palestinian

Local name

Dawlat Filastin

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Introduction

Nablus

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Palestine is a violently contested concept. The simple question, "Where is Palestine?", is loaded with political volatility. Exact boundaries do not exist, at present, but it is generally agreed upon that the West Bank and Gaza Strip fall into the land of Palestine.

A quick survey of the names on a map of the West Bank highlights the immense religious and historical significance of the area. The city of Jerusalem is a prime example, with its supreme importance to Christians, Jews and Muslims alike. Further south lies Bethlehem, the town of Christ's birth; to the east lies Jericho, the first town in history. It is an area with an incredibly rich history, which is what draws people to it. Yet this very same history is what makes Palestine such a violent and dangerous land.

Brief History

Geography

Regions

• West Bank
• Gaza Strip

Cities

• Gaza City
• Jerusalem
• Bethlehem
• Jericho
• Nablus
• Ramallah

Sights and Activities

Bethlehem

The birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth, and home of several sites of particular importance to followers of Christianity and of Judaism, including:

• The Church of the Nativity - built over the cave where it is claimed that Jesus was born.
• The Milk Grotto where Jerome translated Hebrew scriptures to Latin.
• Rachel's Tomb

Bethlehem is also a significant centre of Palestinian culture, housing a number of museums and institutions aimed at preserving and promoting Palestinian heritage.

Nablus

A historic city with a number of important sites, including five mosques, Nablus is also a window into the Palestinian crisis with 3 refugee camps in the surrounding area. It is possible to visit a camp by pre-arranged tour.

Ramallah

Generally acknowledged to be the most permissive and progressive city in the State of Palestine, Ramallah is the current seat of the Palestinian government.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Palestine contains two seperate areas, both of which have generally warm summers and mild and wet winters.
Though there are some differences. The area where Jerusalem is located generally has lower temperatures compared to areas at lower altitude and along the coast, like Gaza, especially during winter. Temperatures from May to September average between 27 and 31 degrees Celcius during the day, between 16 and 18 degrees at night. December to February has highs of 13 to 16 degrees Celcius and nights are rather chilly, 5 to 7 degrees Celcius. May to October is almost completely dry while January and February have around 130 mm of rain (or, though rare, sometimes snow).
Most of this also applies to Gaza, but with milder winters and higher humidity throughout the year.

Getting There

By Plane

Currently, there are no international flights to and from the State of Palestina, although Jerusalem does have its own airport: Atarot Airport (JRS) which has domestic flights only, despite its official name Jerusalem International Airport.

By Car

It's fairly straightforward with your own car or a rental car to get to the Palestinian Territory from Israel. Roads between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are good and although there are checkpoints along the route, you won't face any problems if documentation of you and the car are in order.

By Bus

Buses go to Palestine from Israel and Jordan, including places like Haifa and Amman.
The Gaza strip is currently off limites for travellers.

Getting Around

By Car

International and local firms have offices at the Jerusalem airport and in most major cities and towns. Roads are in a good condition but you will have to deal with checkpoints a lot. Be sure to have all your documentation in order. Traffic drives on the right and you will need your national driver's licence to rent a car.

By Bus

Sheruts are small minibuses and the best way of getting around the Palestinian Territories. Sometimes, sheruts only travel between road checkpoints so you have to switch a few times. Shared taxis are also a possibility and they are faster, albeit a bit more expensive.

Red Tape

Money

See also: Money Matters

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

See also: Travel Health

Safety

See also: Travel Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

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