The capital of the State of Palestine is East Jerusalem. This city holds a deeply significant place in the history and politics of the region, serving as a focal point of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and embodying a rich tapestry of religious, cultural, and historical narratives. The status of Jerusalem, including East Jerusalem, remains one of the most contentious issues in the ongoing struggle for a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Historically, Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world, with its roots extending back thousands of years. It has been a center of religious and political importance for various civilizations, and its significance is especially pronounced in the context of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. The city is home to some of the most sacred sites in these religions, including the Western Wall and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which contribute to its profound importance for the people of the region and beyond.
The contemporary political status of Jerusalem is complex and fraught with controversy. Following the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordan and subsequently annexed it, declaring the entire city as its capital. This move was met with international condemnation and has not been widely recognized by the global community. The United Nations and most countries, including the United States, do not recognize Israeli sovereignty over East Jerusalem, maintaining that its final status should be determined through negotiations.
For Palestinians, East Jerusalem is regarded as the capital of their future state. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) have consistently asserted this claim, seeking international recognition of East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. This position is supported by various United Nations resolutions, which call for the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital and emphasize the need for a negotiated settlement to address the city’s status and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The city’s demographics and territorial boundaries add to the complexity of its status. East Jerusalem encompasses a number of predominantly Palestinian neighborhoods, including Sheikh Jarrah, Silwan, and the Old City. The latter is particularly significant due to its religious sites, such as the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Israeli government has undertaken various measures to solidify its control over the area, including settlement expansion and infrastructure development, which have been met with resistance and criticism from Palestinians and the international community.
The issue of Jerusalem’s status is deeply intertwined with the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a protracted and multifaceted struggle characterized by competing national aspirations, historical grievances, and divergent visions for the future. Efforts to reach a peace agreement have repeatedly addressed the status of Jerusalem, but a comprehensive resolution has remained elusive. The city’s future is central to the peace process, with both sides holding firm positions on its significance and governance.
In summary, the designation of East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine reflects the aspirations of the Palestinian people for national sovereignty and self-determination. However, this claim is contested by Israel, which considers the entire city as its capital. The international community remains divided on this issue, and the resolution of Jerusalem’s status is likely to be a key element in any potential peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians. The ongoing struggle over the city underscores the broader challenges of achieving a lasting and just resolution to the conflict.