A comparative summary highlighting the key differences between the israeli Declaration of Independence (1948) and the Palestinian Declaration of Independence (1988):
Israeli Declaration of Independence (1948)
- Proclaims the establishment of the State of israel in Eretz-israel, to be known as the State of israel.
- References the historical connection of Jewish people to the land of israel, emphasizing spiritual, religious, and political identity shaped in the region.
- Cites the Balfour Declaration of 1917 and the Mandate of the League of Nations as international recognition of Jewish people’s right to establish a national home in the territory.
- Mentions the catastrophe of the Holocaust as a demonstration of the urgency for a Jewish state to solve the problem of Jewish homelessness.
- Highlights the mass return of Jews in recent decades, their contributions to the development of the land, and aspirations for independent nationhood.
- Calls for Jewish immigration and the Ingathering of the Exiles, aiming to build a state based on freedom, justice, and peace, ensuring equality and safeguarding holy places of all religions.
- Appeals to the United Nations for recognition and to the Arab inhabitants for peace and participation in state-building.
Palestinian Declaration of Independence (1988)
- Declares the establishment of the State of Palestine in the land of Palestine, with its capital at Jerusalem.
- Emphasizes the continuous presence and development of the Palestinian Arab people in the land, despite challenges to their political independence.
- References the historical injustices faced by Palestinians, including displacement and denial of self-determination, especially following the 1947 UN partition plan.
- Criticizes the occupation of Palestinian territory by Israeli forces and the impact on Palestinian rights and national identity.
- Designates the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
- Calls for the establishment of a democratic state ensuring full equality, freedom of opinion, social justice, and non-discrimination, aiming for peace and coexistence.
- Appeals to the United Nations and the international community for support in achieving Palestinian goals and ending the occupation.
Key Differences
- Foundational Basis: The Israeli declaration emphasizes the historical and spiritual connection of Jews to the land of Israel, while the Palestinian declaration focuses on the continuous presence and national development of Palestinians in the land.
- International Recognition: Israel’s declaration references specific documents (Balfour Declaration, League of Nations Mandate) as legitimizing its establishment, whereas Palestine’s declaration references general UN resolutions and international legitimacy principles.
- Context of Creation: Israel’s declaration was made in the immediate aftermath of the Holocaust and British Mandate, while Palestine’s declaration came after decades of occupation and conflict, highlighting ongoing struggles for sovereignty and independence.
- Appeals for Peace: Both declarations appeal to neighboring states and international communities for peace and cooperation, but from significantly different historical and political contexts, reflecting their distinct narratives and struggles for recognition and statehood.
- United Nations: There is a UN Member State israel while there is only a UN Observer State Palestine.
These summaries and differences reflect the contrasting narratives, historical contexts, and aspirations of the israeli and Palestinian peoples as expressed in their respective declarations of independence.
