What is the connection, if any, between the ancient Philistines, who are mentioned in various parts of the Bible, and modern-day Palestinians living in Palestine or Palestinians living elsewhere?

The connection between the ancient Philistines and modern-day Palestinians is a matter of debate among scholars and historians, and there is no clear consensus on the issue.

The ancient Philistines were a people who lived in the eastern Mediterranean region during the Iron Age, roughly from the 12th to the 7th century BCE. They are known from various sources, including the Bible, ancient Egyptian texts, and archaeological evidence. The Philistines are often depicted as enemies of the Israelites in the Hebrew Bible.

The modern-day Palestinians, on the other hand, are a diverse group of people who live in the region of Palestine, which includes the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. They are predominantly Arab, but there are also Christians, Jews, and other ethnic and religious groups among them.

While some scholars have suggested that there may be a connection between the ancient Philistines and modern-day Palestinians based on linguistic and cultural similarities, this remains a subject of debate. Others argue that any such connection is tenuous and that the modern-day Palestinians are primarily descended from the indigenous population of the region.

It's important to note that the term "Palestinian" has been used to refer to the people of the region since ancient times, and it was also used during the British Mandate period to refer to all residents of the area, regardless of ethnicity or religion. The modern-day Palestinian national identity emerged in the 20th century in response to various political and social factors, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the displacement of Palestinians from their homes.