Palestine, ranked 99th, are returning to the Finals after conceding 11 goals in three successive defeats in their debut on the Asian stage in Australia in 2015, but the experienced side will surely present a more determined challenge this time around
Buoyed by strong showings against some of the Continent's heavyweights since 2015, Jaber believes anyone expecting his side to be pushovers in the United Arab Emirates is in for a shock.
"We have improved a lot," said the 25-year-old defender. "Now almost 90 percent of the national from the first Asian Cup have changed. This generation is a very good generation. I think it's the best generation of Palestine."
"When we are facing Saudi Arabia, (United Arab) Emirates, Qatar - these big countries who have a history in football - we can look at them in the eyes. Before it wasn't like this.
"We are going to matches and starting from 2-0 (behind). Now we can challenge them and get good results against these teams."
Knockout stage appearances at this year's AFC U23 Championship and Asian Games underline the promise of Palestine's young brigade, including 20-year-old Oday Dabbagh, while Chilean-born Yashir Islame has been a revelation since his 2016 call-up, scoring six goals in 12 matches.
Now under the tutelage of Algerian head coach Noureddine Ould Ali, the team dreams of a first ever appearance in the AFC Asian Cup knockout stage, but their path is by no means easy.
In UAE 2019, Palestine have been drawn alongside the reigning champions - this time Australia - and neighbouring Jordan, with a Syrian side boasting some of the Continent's most prolific forwards completing what looms as a testing Group B.
Abdallah Jaber - Palestine
But Jaber isn't interested in conceding defeat, insisting Palestine are more than capable of challenging their illustrious opponents.
"I hope from this Asian Cup to do well and get a good result. We know our group is very difficult but we've developed ourselves a lot, we have confidence in ourselves and we hope we can create something," he revealed.
"In football everything can happen - the last World Cup was a lesson for everyone - if we believe we can do it, and until now we are believing and working very hard.
"Our dream is to qualify from this group. That's the dream, but we want to start with getting points. Our mission is to get points from this group, because if we get points it will be the first time for our country in this competition - the Asian Cup. So let's start from this and then develop ourselves and see where we can be."
Now a senior member of the national team with over 40 appearances, Jaber also sees bright futures for many of his teammates at club level, stating success in UAE 2019 could lead to high-profile transfers.
"All of our group are talented and, for anyone who will do well in this competition, we know that a lot of agents and clubs are searching for talent," he declared.
"(The AFC Asian Cup) will be a good opportunity to show the world that Palestinian players deserve to play in the biggest leagues. Why not?"
Palestine's AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 campaign gets underway on January 6, with their first match against Syria to be held in Sharjah.
Photos: AFP, AFC
