By Usama Nicola, Bethlehem, Palestine

Since my school days, I have devoted myself to educating fellow students about the significance of the Palestinian Declaration of Independence. Each year around November 15th, I organized activities to teach the story of the declaration, its history, its hopes, and its meaning. I would read aloud poems by Mahmoud Darwish and other Palestinian poets, weaving their words into the present moment. These were not just lessons in history but calls to remember sacrifice and remain steadfast in the pursuit of freedom. For me, November 15th is not just a date but a continuing commitment for all Palestinians.

On November 15, 1988, in Algiers, the Palestine National Council proclaimed the Declaration of Independence of the State of Palestine. Written by Mahmoud Darwish and declared by Yasser Arafat, it marked the formal assertion of Palestinian statehood. The declaration expressed a commitment to peace, rejected violence, and honored the sacrifices of Palestinian martyrs while affirming the people’s right to liberation and sovereignty.

It named East Jerusalem as the capital and called Palestine “the land of the three monotheistic faiths.” Referencing U.N. resolutions and the 1947 Partition Plan, it grounded Palestinian statehood in international legitimacy. The declaration also affirmed that the State of Palestine belongs to Palestinians everywhere, uniting those in exile and under occupation under one national identity.

For the full text, see: Palestinian Declaration of Independence Full Text.

International Recognition Milestones

1988–1990s: Within months, around 82 countries, mostly in the Global South, recognized Palestine, signaling broad solidarity.

1990s–2000s: Recognition expanded to over 100 countries, with Palestine participating in the Oslo peace process.

2012: The U.N. General Assembly granted Palestine non-member observer state status, supported by 138 countries, a landmark in international diplomacy.

Today: About 140 U.N. members recognize Palestine. Key Western powers, led by the U.S., still withhold recognition, insisting on negotiations under Israeli terms.

Reflecting on Independence Today

Fragmentation: Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem remain separated by checkpoints, segregation walls, and occupation policies.

Restrictions: Movement, trade, and access to land and resources are tightly controlled by Israel.

Settlements: Ongoing settlement expansion undermines hopes for a contiguous Palestinian state.

Resilience: Despite these obstacles, Palestinians continue to uphold their national identity and hope for sovereignty.

Today, as more nations move toward recognizing the State of Palestine, Israel with the backing of the United States, is escalating punitive measures against the Palestinian people. This backlash includes intensified military raids, settlement expansion, and diplomatic pressure on countries that acknowledge Palestinian statehood. Instead of engaging in genuine peace efforts, these actions aim to punish and isolate Palestinians for seeking the recognition that was declared and deserved decades ago.

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About the Author

Usama is a Palestinian civil society activist, husband, and father of three, rooted in the ancient and resilient city of Bethlehem. He brings together his love for people, justice, and faith in everything he does. His writing flows from the lived realities of Palestinians under occupation, grounded in both hope and heartbreak, and carried by a deep commitment to human dignity and spiritual reflection.

Bethlehem the city where heaven met earth is not only Usama’s birthplace, but also the heart of his mission. For him, it is a sacred place where history, struggle, and faith meet; a city that teaches him daily about rootedness, resistance, and radical love. His stories rise from this soil, offering readers an invitation to listen deeply, reflect honestly, and act justly.

Through his Patreon page, Usama shares regular reflections, updates from Bethlehem, and spiritual insights, building a global circle of solidarity and learning. His hope is to warm hearts, challenge comfort, and remind people everywhere that even in places of sorrow, life still grows.

Support Usama’s writing ministry and family by subscribing to Bethlehem Updates as a generous supporter.