The Divided Legacy of Palestine: Understanding the Two Parts

For many, the mention of Palestine conjures images of a unified land or a political entity with clear boundaries. However, the reality is more complex. This article delves into the historical and geopolitical context that led to the division of what was once Palestine into two distinct regions: Trans-Jordan and Eretz Israel.

Overview of Palestinian Territory and the Bandwagon

It is often misunderstood that Muslim power has dominated the region and that Europeans and South Africans have merely followed. The term 'bandwagon' in this context refers to the broader international support and involvement in the conflicts in the region, not to be taken literally.

The phrase 'from the river to the sea' is a common reference to the ambition for a truly unified Palestinian state extending from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. However, this has not been recognized internationally due to complex political and historical factors.

The Historical Context of the Division

During the 1920s, the area known as Palestine was under the UK Mandate to assist in the establishment of a Jewish homeland. However, the UK decided to divide the region into two parts. In 1921, the partition decision led to the creation of Trans-Jordan (now known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan) and what remained as Eretz Israel (now known as the State of Israel).

Understanding the Two Parts

The division of Palestine resulted in two distinct entities:

Trans-Jordan (Jordan): Initially, Trans-Jordan was created to exclude the Arab dominant regions, primarily east of the Jordan River, from the Jewish homeland. Today, it is known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, a country recognized internationally and governed by King Abdullah II.

Eretz Israel (Israel): The remaining part, west of the Jordan River, became Eretz Israel. This is the modern State of Israel, which gained official recognition and independence in 1948.

The Current Political Landscape

Today, the area that was once known as Palestine is more accurately described as:

Fatahland: The west bank, controlled by the Palestinian Authority, represented by the Fatah faction.

Hamastan: The Gaza Strip, governed by the more radical Hamas organization.

Both regions face significant challenges, including governance issues, political instability, and ongoing conflicts. The Fatahland and Hamastan are often referred to collectively as the Palestinian territories, reflecting the complex political landscape.

The Fiction and Reality of Palestine

Stanislaw Lem’s Cyberiad includes a story about dragon slayers, emphasizing the importance of understanding the fictional characters they perceive. Similarly, the idea of a unified Palestine exists more in the realm of political dreams and historical narratives rather than in concrete reality.

The last time Palestine was recognized as a unified entity was during the British Mandate period. During this time, the area was known as Mandatory Palestine and was predominantly referred to as Eretz Israel in local contexts. The UK's decision to divide the region marked the end of Mandatory Palestine, leading to the creation of two distinct states: Jordan and Israel.

Conclusion

While the term 'Palestine' continues to be used in political and historical discourse, the reality is that it has been a divided region since the British Mandate, which ended in 1922 with the creation of Trans-Jordan and Eretz Israel. Understanding this historical context is crucial for comprehending the current political landscape and the ongoing complexities in the region.