Palestinian territories

1947-UN-Partition-Plan-1949-Armistice-Comparison

2018 OCHA OpT map East Jerusalem

Gaza City

Map of Gaza Strip with no-go zone 2012

Situation in the West Bank (May 2021)

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Palestinian territories refer to the geographic regions comprising the West Bank and the Gaza Strip that have been recognized in various international forums as part of the territory to be allocated for a future State of Palestine. The term is often used in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a long-standing dispute that has its roots in the early 20th century, with the territories in question being central to discussions concerning the rights of the Palestinian people and the possibility of a two-state solution.

History

The history of the Palestinian territories is deeply intertwined with the broader history of the Middle East. Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, the League of Nations granted the United Kingdom a mandate over the region known as Palestine, which included the areas now known as Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. After decades of growing tensions and conflict between Jewish and Arab populations, the United Nations proposed a partition plan in 1947 to create independent Jewish and Arab states. The plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab leaders, leading to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. By the conclusion of the war, Israel had been established, and the territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip came under the control of Jordan and Egypt, respectively.

In the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel captured the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, along with other territories. Since then, these areas have been at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Palestinians seeking to establish an independent state in these territories.

Geography

The West Bank is located to the east of Israel and the west of Jordan, containing significant religious and historical sites, including East Jerusalem, which contains sites holy to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Gaza Strip is situated on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Israel to the north and east and Egypt to the south.

Demographics

The Palestinian territories are predominantly inhabited by Palestinians, with a majority of them being Muslims, and a minority of Christians and others. The population is young, with a high growth rate, and faces significant challenges, including high unemployment and limited access to essential services.

Politics and Governance

The Palestinian Authority (PA) is recognized as the governing body of the Palestinian territories, with limited self-governance in parts of the West Bank. However, the PA's authority is constrained by Israeli security measures, internal Palestinian political divisions, and the lack of control over the Gaza Strip, which is governed by Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist political organization and militant group.

Economy

The economy of the Palestinian territories is heavily dependent on external aid, agriculture, and small-scale industries. Restrictions on movement and access to resources, particularly in the Gaza Strip, have severely hampered economic development and access to markets.

International Status

The international community is divided on the status of the Palestinian territories. While a significant number of countries and international organizations support Palestinian sovereignty and recognize the State of Palestine, others, including Israel, maintain that the status of the territories should be determined through negotiations.

Challenges and Prospects

The future of the Palestinian territories remains uncertain, with peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders having stalled in recent years. Issues such as the status of Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, security concerns, and the borders of a future Palestinian state remain contentious.