The British Museum has removed references to “Palestine” from several maps and informational panels in its ancient Middle East galleries following correspondence from the pro-Israel legal advocacy group UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI). The changes were confirmed in mid-February 2026 after the group argued that the term was historically inaccurate in certain ancient contexts.
The revisions affect descriptions and cartographic labels that previously used “Palestine” to describe regions across different historical periods. UKLFI maintained that applying the term to eras such as the second millennium BCE could mislead visitors about shifting political and cultural identities in the region.
However, critics have expressed concern that the removal risks contributing to what they describe as a broader pattern of diminishing Palestinian historical identity in international institutions. Cultural commentators argue that while historical terminology evolves, decisions about naming carry contemporary political significance, particularly amid ongoing tensions in the region.
The museum stated that updates are being conducted on a case-by-case basis and are part of a broader review process aimed at improving historical precision. The move has sparked debate among historians, legal groups and members of the public over how ancient history should be presented in modern contexts.
