Fact Check: "Palestine has historically been considered an independent state."
What We Know
The claim that "Palestine has historically been considered an independent state" is complex and requires examining the historical context and international recognition of Palestine. The State of Palestine was officially declared by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on November 15, 1988, claiming sovereignty over the territories of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. This declaration was recognized by 78 countries shortly thereafter (source-1).
As of March 2025, the State of Palestine is recognized as a sovereign state by 147 of the 193 member states of the United Nations, which accounts for over 75% of UN members (source-2). Furthermore, the PLO has been recognized as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people since 1974, when the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 3236, affirming the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and national independence (source-1).
Analysis
The assertion that Palestine has been considered an independent state historically can be viewed from multiple angles. On one hand, the declaration of independence in 1988 and subsequent recognition by numerous countries lend credence to the idea that Palestine has been viewed as an independent entity by a significant portion of the international community. The PLO's establishment and its recognition by the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) further support this perspective (source-1).
However, the recognition of Palestine as a state is not universally accepted. Key nations, including the United States and several European countries, have withheld formal recognition, often citing the need for direct negotiations with Israel as a prerequisite for recognizing Palestinian statehood (source-1). This lack of consensus complicates the narrative of Palestine's historical status as an independent state.
Moreover, the historical context reveals that prior to the 20th century, the region known as Palestine was part of various empires, and the concept of a distinct Palestinian state emerged more prominently in the mid-20th century. The lack of a continuous, recognized statehood prior to 1988 may lead some to argue against the claim of historical independence (source-4).
Conclusion
The claim that "Palestine has historically been considered an independent state" is Partially True. While there have been significant developments since the 1988 declaration of independence and a substantial number of countries recognize Palestine as a sovereign state, the historical context and ongoing disputes regarding its status complicate the assertion. The recognition of Palestine as an independent state is not universal, and its historical claims to statehood are intertwined with broader geopolitical dynamics.
