Will you comment on this article about the Palestinian people and the history of Palestine?

I was interested in the claim I have heard more than once that Arafat invented the Palestinian people. I found this article, which is obviously written by someone who is pro-Israel. I know many jellies here know much more about the history of the middle east than I, and also have more sympathy for the Palestinian cause, and I was hoping to get the collectives take on the idea that there never was a Palestine. Also, if you accept that Arafat did invent the Palestinians then do you think that has actually hurt them in the long run?

This is really a historical question more than anything regarding the Palestinian people as a group and if their ever was a Palestine, but any discussion about the article is welcome.