A Palestinian state refers to a sovereign nation that represents the Palestinian people, primarily located in the territories of West Bank and Gaza Strip. The idea of a Palestinian state has been a central issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with aspirations for independence and self-governance dating back to the mid-20th century. The concept gained international attention with the 1988 declaration of independence by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Many countries and organizations, including the United Nations, recognize Palestine as a non-member observer state, although the quest for full statehood and recognition continues to face significant political and territorial challenges.