Fact Check: Palestine is something made up

Fact Check: "Palestine is something made up"

What We Know

The claim that "Palestine is something made up" overlooks a significant historical and political context. Palestine, officially known as the State of Palestine, is recognized as a country by 147 of the 193 United Nations member states and encompasses the Israeli-occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip (Wikipedia). The term "Palestine" has been used for centuries, deriving from the Latin "Palæstina," which itself comes from ancient Greek and refers to the region historically inhabited by various peoples, including the Philistines (Wikipedia).

The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) declared independence in 1988, and the Oslo Accords signed in 1993 established limited self-governance in parts of the West Bank and Gaza (Wikipedia). The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has roots in the early 20th century, further complicates the narrative surrounding Palestinian identity and statehood. The region has been subject to various forms of governance and occupation, making the historical claim to Palestine complex and multifaceted (Wikipedia).

Analysis

The assertion that Palestine is "made up" dismisses both the historical presence of Palestinian people and their claims to statehood. The region known as Palestine has been inhabited for thousands of years and has a rich history that includes various civilizations and cultures (Wikipedia). The modern political entity of Palestine emerged in the 20th century, particularly after the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, which led to significant displacement of the Arab population, an event referred to as the Nakba, or "catastrophe" (Wikipedia).

The Joint Statement on Palestine issued by several European leaders in May 2025 emphasizes the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for recognition of Palestinian rights, including self-determination. This statement reinforces the legitimacy of Palestinian claims and highlights the international community's acknowledgment of Palestine as a state, despite ongoing conflicts and challenges.

Critically assessing the sources, Wikipedia is a widely used reference but should be cross-verified with academic or governmental publications for rigorous historical analysis. The Joint Statement comes from credible governmental sources, reflecting a consensus among multiple nations regarding the humanitarian situation and the need for a two-state solution, which further legitimizes the Palestinian narrative.

Conclusion

The claim that "Palestine is something made up" is False. Historical evidence, international recognition, and ongoing political discourse affirm the existence of Palestine as a legitimate entity with a distinct identity and claims to statehood. The assertion fails to acknowledge the complex history and the current geopolitical realities faced by the Palestinian people.

Fact Check: Palestine is something made up