Modern Palestinians are NOT Descended From Ancient Philistines -- Implications?

One Enduring Gaza Truth?: The most enduring truth of the current unrest between modern Palestinians and the Jews is this: The fight is between two ancient residents who both equally have rights to the land. Correct? Actually, you’ll be amazed that this idea, now prevalent around the globe--is certainly false.

Philistines Were Cretan: The Jews, as descendants from the ancient Hebrews, have a strong claim to Israel. But the Palestinians are not descended directly from ancient Philistines. So are their claims still equally legitimate? For example, the most infamous Palestinian since Goliath, Yasser Arafat was born in Egypt. Does this fact shock you? And does it change your opinion of the current war? Ironically, and to understand the graft in Gaza, Arafat died a billionaire at $5.5 Billion!!

Biblical Story: First, let’s recall who the ancient Philistines were, that most modern folk simply assume were the forebears of today’s Palestinians. See Biblical History Daily, “Who Were the Philistines, and Where Did They Come From?”

“In the Bible, the Philistines are remembered as an uncircumcised people with advanced technology and a formidable military (Judges 14:3; 1 Samuel 13:19–20; Exodus 13:17). The Philistines frequently encroached on Israelite territory, which led to some battles, including the famous clash between David, the Israelite, and Goliath, the Philistine (1 Samuel 17). They were condemned for being idol worshipers (1 Samuel 5:1–5) and soothsayers (Isaiah 2:6). In short, the Philistines are portrayed quite negatively in the Bible.”

But, as to their origins, according to the Biblical Archeology Society, in an essay titled, Piece by Piece: Exploring the Origins of the Philistines, the scholarly consensus is that the earliest Philistines were actually derived from Crete, according to their DNA and also cultural remains, such as pottery styles.

See the Jewish Virtual Library, which states:

“The Philistines are referred to as the descendants of the Casluchim in Genesis 10:14 and Exodus 13:17. Known as a seafaring nation, the Philistines were a non-Semitic people who left Crete and arrived in Canaan at the beginning of the 12th century B.C.E. The Philistines inhabited the Mediterranean coast of Canaan during the period of the Book of Judges. They founded five principalities - Gaza, Asheklon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath.”

Source of Philistines: But the story of the history of the Philistines takes even more turns. Consider points from an October 9, 2023 essay: “Are the Palestinians Descendants of the Ancient Philistines?” by Caleb Howells, which relates that the Cretan Philistines were actually destroyed twice before the modern age:

“In the years surrounding 600 BCE, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon waged war against the Levant. Part of this campaign involved an attack against Philistia. During this attack, he devastated the Philistine nation. Some of their most important cities were utterly destroyed. Over the following decades, the Philistines limped on as a nation.

However, by the fifth century BCE, it appears that all historical and archaeological traces of the Philistines had disappeared. They may have survived as a group for some time thereafter, but Alexander the Great’s conquests in the following century certainly eliminated whatever trace of that nation was left.” 

Howells goes onto to answer the question of where modern Palestinians derive from, stating,

“Because the term ‘Palestinians’ emerged in modern times--simply as a designation for those who lived in Palestine--it originally included a variety of ethnicities. However, most people living in Palestine when this distinct nationality began to emerge were Arabs. Therefore, the majority of Palestinians are Arabs. In fact, most of them are Muslim Arabs, but Christian Arabs in Palestine also identify as Palestinians.”

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And Got Questions says this:

Until Israel was re-established as a nation in 1948, Palestine was the term for the territory between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. The word Palestinian was applied to anyone living in that area. As one of the longest continually inhabited places on earth, this region has changed political ownership numerous times and has been a nexus of migration for many different cultures. The modern-day “Palestinians” represent a mixture of local inhabitants and many other groups of Muslims brought from Bosnia, the Balkans, and the Caucasus by the Turks in the 16th to 19th centuries; and from the Sudan, Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon by the British in the 20th century.

The term Palestinian did not take on its current popular meaning until the mid-20th century. In common use today, the term Palestinian is primarily applied to non-Jewish, Arabic-speaking residents of this region. This usage is highly controversial, however, since for most of human history a “Palestinian” was simply a person born or living in that land. When used in reference only to non-Jews, it implies an historical claim to the territory in opposition to Israel. In reality, the concept of Palestine as a nation-state in opposition to Israel or as a racial group predating the presence of Jewish inhabitants is historically false.

Thoughts: So, what conclusions should we draw from these facts? First, these facts obliterate the notion that the folks in Gaza are descendants from ancient Israel’s territory. Second, therefore, that Gaza is not an ancient property belonging to these modern folks. Third, given the incessant warring between the two, Palestinians could be relocated to outside of the State of Israel.

From War to Peace: Now as the current rulers of Gaza, the unhinged Hamas war machine, has promised permanent war against Israel 'till all are slaughtered. So, here is a proposition. It hasn’t worked out for modern Palestinians to live inside Israel. Further, as ancient Philistines were derived from Greeks, and as they were all slaughtered and obliterated, anyway, let’s put a set of new eyes on these problems. Let’s think outside the box. It’s time to protect Palestinians and give them a chance for success.

Relocation: The answer is to remove the residents of Gaza and relocate them nearby, but outside of Israel, in a gleaming and state of the art, brand new city, with every amenity and comfort possible. A new country, not run by terrorists and thieves, but by sincere pacifists who pledge peace with Israel. Now this is something to finally celebrate after 4,000 years of war.

TELOSA: Consider this current description from 2021 in USA, Plans for $400-billion new city in the American desert unveiled:

The cleanliness of Tokyo, the diversity of New York and the social services of Stockholm: Billionaire Marc Lore has outlined his vision for a 5-million-person “new city in America” and appointed a world-famous architect to design it. Now, he just needs somewhere to build it--and $400 billion in funding.

The former Walmart executive last week unveiled plans for Telosa, a sustainable metropolis that he hopes to create, from scratch, in the American desert. The ambitious 150,000-acre proposal promises eco-friendly architecture, sustainable energy production and a purportedly drought-resistant water system. A so-called “15-minute city design” will allow residents to access their workplaces, schools and amenities within a quarter-hour commute of their homes. Lore stated, “The mission of Telosa is to create a more equitable and sustainable future. That’s our North Star.”

How to Finance: So how would the fundraising go for such a massive project? First, consider Telosa will be supported by the following: “Funding will come from “various sources including private investors, philanthropists, federal and state grants, and economic development subsidies.” Well, since the entire globe appears to be protesting currently, then certainly most would be interested in aiding the Palestinians.

First World Finance: Now, there are currently 66 first world countries on our globe. If each were to offer $1 Billion, this would be enough to build the start of a first world city for 5 million, if each country then offered a billion a year for ten years, for $660 billion. And since the entire world is criticizing the loss of innocent life, they should gladly accept a plan which will immediately stop the killings, which now total over 11,000 Palestinians. And while no Muslim country has stepped up to offer a new place to live, if Egypt, Iran and others gave temporary shelter while the new city is built, we can create permanent peace.

From Muslims & Brothers: In terms of the land, Saudi Arabia and Jordan both appear to have vast tracts of unpeopled land, and given their mutual religion. It’s a good foundation. They could choose a plot which was between the nations to defray costs, and illustrate the love of Islam for the poor and downtrodden. It would be very cheap for Arabia and Jordan to donate the land since they own it and it’s possibly unused.

From Insane Danger to Prosperity & Peace: Now, many may say that this is unfair to remove the Palestinians from their rightful lands. But as the above proves, these lands are not their inheritance or birthright. And so, this insistence on fighting to the bitter end brings only an unnerving and bloody harvest. There must be a better way, and there is…let’s build the Palestinians a new home, which I will call Neo-Philistine.

Middle East Supercity: It will be the most technically advanced city. Move them in and also block all terrorist factions while banning guns from all. It will be the safest city in the world. And as time passes, the wars will be forgotten while the Palestinians' new city--just might become a monstrous economic force.

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