What Would a Potential Palestinian State in the West Bank Be Called?

The proposal of a potential Palestinian state in the West Bank has been a contentious issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Various names have been suggested, some more whimsical than others. This article delves into the proposals made and the historical and political context behind the naming of a future Palestinian state.

Abbas' Proposed Names

Given the ongoing negotiations, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has suggested several potential names for a future Palestinian state. While some of these suggestions were playful, others were more serious. Here are some of the names that have been floated:

Abbas, known for his diplomatic approach, has humorously suggested some names, but it is important to note that these are only jests and not official proposals.

Realistic Considerations for Naming

The serious discussions about naming a future Palestinian state should be based on historical and cultural significance. One potential name that has been suggested is the continuation of the name Palestine. However, it is worth noting that Palestine has not historically been a country in its own right, but rather a geographical and cultural region with a rich history.

Historical Context

The modern idea of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip is a relatively recent concept. The area was under British administration as the mandate known as the Palestine Mandate. A significant portion of this mandate was later incorporated into what became Jordan (the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan) and only a smaller part constituted what Israel eventually recognized as the West Bank.

78% of the Palestine Mandate was allocated to Jordan, which, at the time, was ruled by a Hashemite dynasty, and has a predominantly Palestinian population today. This demographic fact might influence any discussion about the future administrative or cultural identity of the area.

UN Recognition

The United Nations has played a significant role in recognizing Palestine as a state. The UN General Assembly vote in 2012 resulted in 138 countries recognizing Palestine as a non-member observer state, aiming towards a future legal state. This was reflected in the official designation of "The State of Palestine" in all UN documents.

Despite the recognition, the road to statehood remains complex, involving negotiations on borders, security, and other issues. The naming of a Palestinian state is just one aspect of this larger framework.

Conclusion

The naming of a potential Palestinian state in the West Bank would be a significant step in the peace process. While humorous suggestions may provide some levity, the primary considerations should focus on historical, cultural, and practical reasons. As the negotiations continue, it is likely that the term Palestine will remain the most widely recognized and legally established name for a future Palestinian state.