Why didn't Egypt and Jordan make the state of Palestine when they were in control of Gaza and West Bank before 1967?

The situation regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state prior to 1967 is complex and multifaceted, and it involves various historical, political, and geopolitical factors. Here are some key points to consider:

Absence of Sovereignty: Before 1967, neither Egypt nor Jordan established an independent Palestinian state in Gaza and the West Bank, despite their control over these territories following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War (also known as the Israeli War of Independence). Instead, these territories were governed by Egypt (Gaza) and Jordan (West Bank) as occupied territories, with no recognition of Palestinian sovereignty.

Pan-Arabism and Palestinian Identity: During this period, the broader Arab nationalist ideology of pan-Arabism influenced the political landscape in the Middle East. Arab leaders and governments, including those of Egypt and Jordan, prioritized the goal of Arab unity and the liberation of Palestine from Israeli control within the framework of a broader Arab state.

Political Instability and Conflict: The region experienced significant political instability and conflict during the 1950s and 1960s, including tensions between Arab states, conflicts with Israel, and internal struggles for power. These factors contributed to the inability of Arab governments to establish a unified and stable political framework for Palestinian self-determination.

Israeli Opposition and Occupation: Israel's establishment in 1948 and subsequent expansion into Palestinian territories further complicated efforts to establish a Palestinian state. Israeli opposition to Palestinian statehood, combined with military occupation and settlement expansion in Gaza and the West Bank after the 1967 Six-Day War, effectively prevented the realization of Palestinian self-determination under Egyptian and Jordanian rule.

United Nations Resolution 194: United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194, adopted in December 1948, called for the return of Palestinian refugees to their homes and for the establishment of a Palestinian state. However, implementation of this resolution faced significant challenges due to ongoing conflict, regional tensions, and the inability of the international community to enforce its provisions.

Overall, the failure to establish a Palestinian state prior to 1967 can be attributed to a combination of historical circumstances, geopolitical dynamics, internal divisions, and external pressures. It was not solely the responsibility of Egypt and Jordan but reflected broader challenges facing the region at the time.