As of 2026, the State of Palestine consists of two territories: the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
What countries make up the State of Palestine?
There are no independent countries within Palestine—just the two Palestinian territories.
Look, Palestine isn’t a collection of sovereign states. Instead, it’s made up of the West Bank (5,860 km²) and Gaza Strip (365 km²). That’s it. These aren’t separate countries but rather two non-contiguous pieces of land under different levels of control. (Yes, the borders get messy—we’ll get to that.) Honestly, this setup makes the political situation even more complicated than it needs to be.
Where exactly are these territories located?
The West Bank sits in Western Asia, bordered by Israel and Jordan, while Gaza borders Israel and Egypt along the Mediterranean coast.
Here’s the thing: the West Bank is landlocked, tucked between Israel to the west, north, and south, with Jordan hugging its eastern edge. Gaza, on the other hand, is a tiny strip hugging the Mediterranean, sandwiched between Israel and Egypt. The coordinates don’t lie—West Bank at 31.9522° N, 35.2332° E, and Gaza at 31.5018° N, 34.4668° E. (Fun fact: Gaza’s coastline is just 40 km long—that’s barely the distance from New York City to Philadelphia.)
What’s the current governance situation in these areas?
The West Bank is partially controlled by the Palestinian Authority, while Hamas runs Gaza—Israel maintains significant control over borders and security in both.
Now, this is where things get really complicated. The Palestinian Authority (PA) handles civil administration in parts of the West Bank, but Israel still calls most of the shots—especially when it comes to security. Over in Gaza? Hamas has been in charge since 2007, but Israel and Egypt keep the borders locked down tight. It’s a patchwork of control that leaves both territories in a weird legal limbo. (And no, it doesn’t look like that’s changing anytime soon.)
What are the key cities in these territories?
In the West Bank, Ramallah (de facto capital), Hebron, Nablus, and Jericho are major cities. Gaza’s main cities are Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah.
Ramallah’s where you’ll find most government offices, even if it’s not the official capital. Hebron’s got that infamous Cave of the Patriarchs and a tense Israeli settlement right in the middle of the city. Nablus? Known for its old soap-making tradition and a vibrant downtown that’s somehow always buzzing. Jericho, meanwhile, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth—seriously, it’s been around since 9000 BC. Over in Gaza, Gaza City’s the biggest urban center, Khan Yunis is a key southern hub, and Rafah sits right on the border with Egypt. (Yes, all of them face their own unique challenges.)
How did these territories become part of Palestine?
The modern Palestinian territories emerged from British mandate policies, the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, and Israel’s 1967 occupation of the West Bank and Gaza.
Blame it on history—or at least on the mess that was the 20th century. Back in 1917, the British promised a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine (that’s the Balfour Declaration for you history buffs). Fast-forward to 1948, and Israel declared independence, sparking the first Arab-Israeli war. By the time the dust settled, Jordan controlled the West Bank and Egypt took Gaza. Then came the 1967 Six-Day War, and Israel seized both territories. The Oslo Accords tried to fix things in the ‘90s, but here we are, decades later, still arguing over borders and control. (Some things never change.)
What’s the population like in these areas?
The West Bank has about 3.2 million people, while Gaza’s population is roughly 2.1 million, bringing the total to around 5.3 million.
Gaza’s one of the most densely populated places on Earth—imagine cramming 2.1 million people into an area smaller than Seattle. The West Bank’s more spread out, but it’s still got over 3 million residents. Most of Gaza’s population is under 25, and youth unemployment? Sky-high. The West Bank’s got a slightly older population, but economic opportunities are scarce for everyone. (It’s a tough spot to be in, no matter how you look at it.)
Can you travel to these territories? What’s it like?
Travel to the West Bank is possible with restrictions, but Gaza is nearly impossible to enter due to blockades.
If you’re planning a trip, the West Bank is the easier option. You can fly into Ben Gurion Airport in Israel or cross at Allenby Bridge from Jordan. Once there, you’ll hit Israeli checkpoints and settlements that complicate movement. Gaza? Forget about it. The Rafah Crossing with Egypt and Erez Crossing with Israel are your only real options, but they’re often closed. Even when they’re open, expect delays, security checks, and a whole lot of uncertainty. (And don’t even think about bringing anything that looks like “dual-use” technology—Israel’s not messing around.)
What are the main border crossings for these territories?
The West Bank’s main crossings are Ben Gurion Airport and Allenby Bridge. Gaza’s primary crossings are Rafah (with Egypt) and Erez (with Israel).
For the West Bank, Ben Gurion’s your best bet if you’re flying in. Allenby Bridge connects you from Jordan, but expect long waits and paperwork. Gaza’s a different story. Rafah’s the main exit to Egypt, but it’s been shut more often than it’s been open. Erez is the only way in from Israel, and even then, entry’s heavily restricted. (Good luck getting in if you’re not a journalist, aid worker, or Palestinian with special permission.)
What’s the deal with Israeli settlements in the West Bank?
Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this.
Here’s the ugly truth: over 700,000 Israelis live in settlements scattered across the West Bank. The international community—including the UN—says these are illegal under the Geneva Conventions. Israel argues it’s all part of its historical and biblical claims to the land. The settlements fragment Palestinian communities, control key resources like water, and make a future Palestinian state nearly impossible to piece together. (And no, the situation isn’t improving.)
How does the Israeli blockade affect Gaza?
The Israeli-Egyptian blockade restricts the movement of goods and people in and out of Gaza, crippling its economy and access to basic needs.
Imagine living in a place where you can’t import building materials, medicine, or even enough food to feed your family. That’s Gaza under blockade. The restrictions started in 2007 when Hamas took control, and they’ve only tightened since. Three wars later, the strip’s infrastructure is in shambles, unemployment’s through the roof, and most people are stuck relying on aid just to get by. (And no, the blockade isn’t just about security—it’s also about control.)
What’s the status of East Jerusalem in all this?
East Jerusalem was captured by Israel in 1967 and later annexed, but its status remains disputed and not recognized by most of the international community.
East Jerusalem’s the elephant in the room. Israel says it’s part of its “united capital,” but the Palestinians want it as their future capital. The UN and most countries don’t recognize Israel’s annexation—it’s considered a violation of international law. Meanwhile, Palestinians in East Jerusalem face residency restrictions, home demolitions, and limited services. (And yes, this is one of the biggest sticking points in any peace deal.)
Are there any ongoing peace negotiations?
No formal peace negotiations are currently underway, and the prospects for a resolution appear slim.
Believe it or not, there hasn’t been serious peace talks since 2014. The Trump administration’s “Deal of the Century” went nowhere, and the current Israeli government’s not exactly eager to negotiate. Hamas and Israel exchange fire every few years, and the PA’s weak and divided. Add in the expansion of settlements, the blockade of Gaza, and a complete lack of trust on all sides, and you’ve got a recipe for stalemate. (Honestly, this might be the most frustrating conflict to follow—it’s like watching a car crash in slow motion.)
What’s the humanitarian situation like in these territories?
The humanitarian crisis is severe, with high unemployment, food insecurity, and limited access to healthcare and education in both territories.
Let’s start with Gaza: 80% of the population depends on aid, and over half the people are food insecure. The West Bank’s not much better—youth unemployment’s around 40%, and poverty’s widespread. Healthcare’s underfunded, schools are overcrowded, and mental health needs are sky-high thanks to constant conflict and uncertainty. (And the international aid that does come in? Often gets blocked or delayed.)
How do Palestinians in these territories identify themselves?
Palestinians generally identify as Palestinian first, with religious, regional, and political identities playing secondary roles.
Most Palestinians see themselves as part of a broader national identity, regardless of whether they’re Muslim, Christian, or secular. There’s pride in Palestinian culture, history, and resilience—even in the face of occupation and blockade. That said, there are divisions: Hamas supporters in Gaza see things differently than Fatah supporters in the West Bank, and political factions often clash. (But at the end of the day, the shared experience of living under occupation binds many together.)
What’s the international community’s stance on these territories?
Most countries and international bodies recognize the 1967 borders as the basis for Palestinian statehood, though actual recognition varies widely.
The UN, the EU, and most of the world say the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem should form a future Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. Over 130 countries recognize Palestine as a state, but Israel and the U.S. don’t. The international community funds aid programs, pushes for negotiations, and occasionally condemns settlement expansion—but actions rarely match the rhetoric. (It’s a classic case of “we support you in principle, but not in practice.”)
