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The term "Palestinian" refers to the Arab people who have historically inhabited the region of Palestine. While the concept of a distinct Palestinian identity has evolved, it gained prominence in the 20th century, particularly after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, often referred to by Palestinians as al-nakbah (the catastrophe). This war led to a significant displacement of the Arab population, with hundreds of thousands becoming refugees.12

Today, Palestinians are found in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and within Israel, where they constitute a significant minority. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) emerged in 1964, aiming to represent all Palestinian people and advocating for an independent Palestinian state. The political landscape and territorial control, particularly concerning the West Bank and Gaza Strip, remain central to the Palestinian cause and have been significantly impacted by the Arab-Israeli wars.314

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