Who Controls the West Bank and East Jerusalem?

For many, the term 'Palestine' evokes a complex and long-standing geopolitical situation in the Middle East. However, it's important to clarify that there is no internationally recognized state of Palestine. Instead, the Palestinian territories are governed by the Palestinian Authority (PA), which operates as a semi-autonomous entity under Israeli occupation.

Jordanian History and Current Status

Historically, Jordan held control over the West Bank, which is also known as Judea and Samaria, from 1948 to 1967, when Israel captured the area during the Six-Day War. Since then, Israel has maintained sovereignty over this territory. In 1988, Jordan officially renounced all claims to the West Bank, paving the way for the establishment of the PA under the Oslo Accords in 1993.

Control of the West Bank

The West Bank, also known as Judea and Samaria, is a territory of significant contention. Currently, three main entities control different parts of the region:

Israel State: Israel exercises full control over the C areas, which include many Jewish communities. Palestinian Authority (PA): The PA governs the B areas, which include many Arab populated cities and towns, and the A areas, where the PA has control over civil services but Israel retains military control. Hamas: The Palestinian militant group has strongholds in certain areas, particularly in refugee camps, though it is not officially recognized as a government.

The Status of East Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a city with profound significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Since the Six-Day War, Jerusalem has been under Israeli rule, and Israel considers it its capital. East Jerusalem, specifically, is an inseparable part of this city.

International Recognition and Legal Status

Despite the intertwining of political claims, it's crucial to recognize the following:

Israel's Sovereignty: Israel exercises sovereignty over the entire territory, including East Jerusalem and the disputed areas of Judea and Samaria. Palestinian Authority's Autonomy: The PA operates with limited sovereignty over parts of the West Bank, as defined by the Oslo Accords. International Opinion: The United Nations and many countries do not recognize the claims of an independent Palestinian state but continue to affirm the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

Conclusion

The West Bank and East Jerusalem are a complex geopolitical issue with various stakeholders and claims. While the Palestinian Authority manages certain parts of the West Bank, the final control and status of these territories remain under Israeli sovereignty, as affirmed by the international community and legal precedents.