With a history that envelops more than one million years, Palestine has played an important role in human civilisation. The crucible of prehistoric cultures, it is where settled society, the alphabet, religion, and literature developed, and would become a meeting place for diverse cultures and ideas that shaped the world we know today. Its rich and diverse past, abundant cultural heritage, and the archaeological and religious sites of the three monotheistic faiths including the birthplace of Jesus Christ, make Palestine a unique centre of world history.

For Palestinians, this cultural diversity is viewed as a source of wealth, and each part of the million years of settled life plays an integral part in wider human heritage of those that call this land home. This past makes up a large part of the contemporary Palestinian philosophy of sustainable development, which seeks to keep active the cultural identity of the Palestinian people.

Visitors to Palestine will encounter on their journey myriad religious, historical, and archaeological sites. Beyond the historical, Palestine offers walks and hikes in its extensive valleys, along coasts, as well as desert hills, towns, and ancient marketplaces at the hearts of cities and villages nestled in the heart of breath-taking landscapes. They will enjoy Palestine’s sumptuous cuisine and, most important, feel the warmth and hospitality of the Palestinian people, Christians and Muslims alike, who will share with them the hopes and aspirations of a nation that is in the process of rebuilding. With its million years of human history, and a welcoming people offering rich hospitality, visitors are left with the warm feeling of being at home.

 

The Palestinian territories consist of three physically separate entities, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. All are currently universally considered parts of Palestine although recognition as a sovereign nation varies by country. The West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip have been under Israeli occupation since 1967 (Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005 although it retains de-facto control of that region's land, sea, and air spaces). The final status of these territories remains the subject of ongoing and future negotiations. 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. Therefore, it is commonplace to refer to the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip collectively as Palestine although the accepted terminology used by the United Nations remains the "occupied Palestinian territories".

 

Shawarma and falafel sandwiches are really popular foods for Palestinians, as well as olives and hummus. It is traditional to eat with bread and not a spoon or fork. It is unusual to eat a meal without bread.

 

Taybeh Beer is the only Palestinian national beer with 5 and 6 percent of alcohol. It has a mild taste. The Taybeh Beer Brewery is located in Taybeh village and is accessible by taking a shared taxi/private taxi from Ramallah's bus station Taybeh village (inquire for the price of the trip before taking the taxi)

 

Because of ongoing conflict in this area of the world, travellers should take notice of travel advisories issued by various governments 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.

A few hints for a successful trip:

• Fireworks are popular in the cities, and it is possible that what you are hearing is not gunfire at all. Unfortunately however, Gaza remains relatively unsafe as of 2014.

• Always bring a COPY of your passport along with your original and hide the copy in your hotel room. Both Israeli and Palestinian security services may ask for ID, so carry your passport at all times.

• 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.

• As a foreigner you are likely to be noticed and many people will call to you as you walk around. This is almost always friendly and well-intentioned although you should be cautious at night, as in any city.

• 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.

• Use caution if you wear any types of clothing, jewellery, or anything else that identifies with the Jewish faith. You may be in danger if you do so.

• Use extreme caution when waiting for a bus, taxi, or any other type of ride at a bus stop or hitchhiking stop. There has been a surge of vehicle attacks against innocent bystanders.

• Use caution around political rallies. You might get hurt from stones, tear gas or shot by security forces. Unless you are travelling specifically for this reason, keep your distance from political demonstrations.