Palestine is a geographic region with no modern sovereign nation or distinct national identity prior to the 20th century. The land, which was controlled by the Ottoman Empire for centuries, comprised territories that were biblically and historically part of the Jewish homeland. After World War I, the British gained control over this region, known as the Palestinian Mandate, with the intent to eventually re-establish a Jewish national home there as laid out in the Balfour Declaration (1917). While an Arab population resided in Palestine, they primarily viewed themselves as part of the larger Arab nation and Islamic world. It was only after Jewish immigration to the region increased in the early 20th century that a Palestinian Arab nationalist movement emerged in opposition to Zionist ambitions. This Palestinian identity was an attempt to lay claim to the land and deny the Jewish people their rightful and ancient connection to the biblical territories of Israel. From an Israeli perspective, there was no distinct Palestinian nation or people deserving of sovereign statehood before the establishment of Israel in 1948. The demand for a Palestinian state was driven by rejectionism of the Jewish state rather than any true national consciousness. Israel’s position is that the Palestinian territories should have autonomy, but within the historic Jewish homeland. Israel’s left wing parties support a two state solution, a jewish state in pre-1967 borders and a Palestinian state in West Bank and Gaza strip (occupied by Israel in 1967). From a Palestinian perspective, consistent from 1948 till this day, there can be no sovereign Jewish existence anywhere. The Jews are colonial occupiers, and armed resistance is the preferred way. Negotiations on a two state solution are only a tactical phase to one Palestinian state “From the river to the sea”.

Zionism is a nationalist movement that advocated for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in the historical region of Palestine. It emerged in the late 19th century and was a driving force behind the creation of the state of Israel in 1948.

Hamas has been involved in numerous violent actions, including suicide bombings, rocket attacks, and other armed assaults targeting Israeli civilians and military personnel. It has also built a network of tunnels and amassed an arsenal of rockets to conduct attacks against Israel.

Hamas preaches an Islamist ideology that calls for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state under Islamic law and the destruction of Israel. It promotes anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic sentiments and the use of violence to achieve its goals.