However, it ignores the fact that a group of people becomes a nation when it thinks of itself as such. Nations come into existence and fade away.
If ancient history were required for national status, most of the independent nations of the world would not qualify. For instance, India (despite an ancient history) had never been a unified state prior to its gaining independence from Britain.
I am willing to wager that nobody can post a disqualifying factor for Palestinian nationhood that does not equally fit at least one other group whose national status is universally accepted.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not a supporter of the present Palestinian actions, but denying that this group is a nation NOW serves little useful purpose.
The debate should be about how to deal with the Palestinian nation, not whether these roughly five million people should be accorded that status.
Sorry...
That pollyanna attitude doesn not square with history or reality.
All the Muslim countries expelled all the Jews and enjoy stability as a result.
The Jews are entitled to at least the same.
Israel made a huge (fatal?) mistake in granting the muslims any administrative right in Israel, the West Bank or Gaza strip, and particularly Jerusalem.
It will have completed it's own coffin if it allows a hostile muslim state without an adequate physical buffer.
Perhaps you are (intentionally) unaware that the destruction of Israel is still part of the "palestinian" charter?
Thinking of oneself as a nation does not equal a right to statehood. There are numerous nations across the world that do not have a state. This includes numerous Native Tribes in America, the Basques and Catalans of Spain, the Welsh, the Scots, the Kurds. If the gates are opened for even all nations to receive a state, only turmoil will result as each group claims a state for itself.
...India (despite an ancient history) had never been a unified state prior to its gaining independence from Britain...
India is not a good example. It has been unable to maintain a stable government. It is at constant war with Pakistan. Internally the Taamil and Sikh people want independence. There are religious riots between the Hindu and Muslims. The caste system keeps the poorest people poor with no way of advancement. India as constituted today was not ready for independence.
...denying that this group is a nation NOW serves little useful purpose...
There is also no purpose in creating a state where none should exist. The world is full of failed states now (search posts on Zimbabwe). Do we need one more?