palestiinalaisväestön

The term "palestiinalaisväestön" is Finnish for "Palestinian population" or "Palestinian people." It refers to the indigenous Arab people who are ethnically and culturally Palestinian, originating from the region of Palestine. This population is spread across several distinct geographical areas and political statuses.

A significant portion of the Palestinian population resides in the Palestinian territories, which comprise the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. These areas are currently under Israeli occupation, with varying degrees of Palestinian self-rule. Many Palestinians in these territories live in cities, towns, villages, and refugee camps.

Another large segment of the Palestinian population lives as citizens within Israel. These Palestinians are Israeli Arabs, holding Israeli citizenship but often facing challenges related to their minority status and national identity.

Furthermore, a substantial number of Palestinians live in diaspora communities across the Middle East and worldwide. Many of these diaspora members are refugees who were displaced from their homes in historic Palestine during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and subsequent conflicts. Major Palestinian diaspora communities exist in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and further afield in countries like Chile, the United States, and Canada.

The Palestinian population is characterized by a shared culture, language (Arabic), and a strong sense of national identity, often intertwined with aspirations for self-determination and statehood. Their history is marked by displacement, conflict, and a persistent struggle for their rights and recognition.