State of Palestine, Sovereign state in West Asia, Middle East.
The State of Palestine is a partially recognized territory in Western Asia made up of two separate land areas. One section borders the Mediterranean Sea and runs along a narrow coastal strip, while the other sits in the hilly region east of Israel.
Self-governance emerged after the Oslo negotiations in the early 1990s, which allowed for a first form of partial autonomy. Independence was declared in 1988, though political recognition remains contested and incomplete to this day.
Weekly markets feature vendors selling fresh produce from local farms and artisans displaying handwoven textiles and embroidery. Many homes and cafés prepare dishes using ingredients grown on family plots and gathered from wild plants in the countryside.
Entry and movement are subject to heavy restrictions, with checkpoints between areas and special permits required for foreign visitors. Administration splits between two different governments, resulting in varying access rules across the two territories.
Jerusalem is claimed as the future capital, yet administrative functions currently run through Ramallah. This separation reflects the complex political situation and the lack of international recognition of the claims.
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