Language
What does ‘Free Palestine’ mean?
EXPLAINED FROM SOURCES
The short answer
At its simplest, “Free Palestine” means Palestinians should be able to live with freedom, equal rights and self-determination rather than under occupation or outside control. For many people, that means ending Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory, ending settlement expansion and allowing Palestinians to have an independent state.
The fuller explanation
At its simplest, “Free Palestine” means Palestinians should be able to live with freedom, equal rights and self-determination rather than under occupation or outside control.
For many people, that means ending Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory, ending settlement expansion and allowing Palestinians to have an independent state.
Different people using the phrase may imagine different solutions. Some support two states — Israel and Palestine — living alongside each other. Others support one democratic state where Israelis and Palestinians have equal rights.
It does not automatically mean “destroy Israel” or “remove Jewish people.” Some people may use similar language with more extreme intentions, so context matters.
The right of Palestinians to self-determination is recognised by the United Nations and international law.