Jerusalem stands as one of the most historically and religiously significant cities in the world. Its complex political status and the question of control have been at the heart of regional and international disputes for decades. At the core of this issue is the question: who controls the city of Jerusalem? This question is layered with historical, religious, and political implications, making it one of the most sensitive topics in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Historical Background of Jerusalem's Control
Ancient and Medieval Periods
Jerusalem's history stretches back thousands of years, with control shifting among various empires and civilizations. It was an important city in ancient Israelite history, later conquered by Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Islamic caliphates. During the medieval period, Jerusalem was a focal point of Crusades and Islamic rule, notably under the Umayyads, Abbasids, and later the Ottoman Empire.
Ottoman Era and British Mandate
From 1517 to 1917, Jerusalem was part of the Ottoman Empire. Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, the League of Nations mandated Britain to govern Palestine, including Jerusalem, under the British Mandate for Palestine.
Post-1948 Developments
The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 led to the Arab-Israeli war, which resulted in Jerusalem being divided. West Jerusalem was controlled by Israel, while East Jerusalem, including the Old City, was controlled by Jordan. This division persisted until 1967, when Israel captured East Jerusalem during the Six-Day War.
Current Political Control of Jerusalem
The Status of Jerusalem in International Law
The status of Jerusalem remains one of the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The international community is divided on the city's sovereignty, with most countries advocating for a negotiated settlement that respects both Israeli and Palestinian claims.
Israeli Control
West Jerusalem and Parts of East Jerusalem
Israel considers the entire city its undivided capital, establishing its government institutions in West Jerusalem. After capturing East Jerusalem in 1967, Israel extended its law and administration over the entire city, effectively annexing East Jerusalem—a move not recognized internationally.
Key Aspects of Israeli Control
- Municipal Authority: The Jerusalem Municipality manages the city under Israeli law.
- Security: Israel maintains a significant security presence throughout the city.
- Legal Status: Israel treats Jerusalem as its indivisible capital, though this is contested internationally.
Palestinian Claims and Control
East Jerusalem as the Capital
Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. They emphasize the city's significance as the spiritual center for Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, and its importance for Palestinian national aspirations.
Administrative and Religious Sites
- Palestinian Authority: Has limited administrative control over parts of East Jerusalem.
- Religious Sites: Several key religious sites are administered by religious authorities, such as the Islamic Waqf for the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Christian denominations for churches.
International Perspectives
Most countries do not recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv. The United Nations and many international bodies call for Jerusalem to be a shared city or an international city, pending negotiations.
Key Areas and Their Control
The Old City
The Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds immense religious significance. It is divided into four quarters:
- Jewish Quarter
- Christian Quarter
- Muslim Quarter
- Armenian Quarter
While Israel controls the entire Old City, religious authorities, such as the Waqf, manage the Islamic and some Christian sites.
Holy Sites and Religious Significance
- Western Wall: Located in the Jewish Quarter; controlled by Israel.
- Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock: Located within the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount; administered by the Islamic Waqf under Jordanian custodianship, but under Israeli security control.
- Church of the Holy Sepulchre: Controlled by Christian denominations, with oversight by the Greek Orthodox Church and others.
The Role of International Law and Agreements
Oslo Accords
The Oslo Accords (1993 and 1995) set frameworks for Palestinian self-governance and aimed to determine final status issues, including Jerusalem. These agreements established the Palestinian Authority's limited control over parts of the West Bank, but did not resolve Jerusalem's status.
The Status Quo Arrangements
Israel maintains a security and administrative control over the city, while religious authorities manage sites of worship. This arrangement has been a source of tension and dispute.
The Impact of Control on the Population
Israeli Residents and Authorities
Israeli control has facilitated the development of neighborhoods and infrastructure, but also led to disputes over land and settlement expansion, especially in East Jerusalem.
Palestinian Residents
Palestinians in East Jerusalem face restrictions, residency issues, and limited political rights under Israeli control, leading to tensions and protests.
Religious and Cultural Impacts
Control over religious sites and access remains a sensitive issue, often leading to clashes and international concern.
Recent Developments and Controversies
U.S. Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's Capital
In 2017, the United States officially recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moved its embassy there, sparking protests and diplomatic controversy.
International Reactions
Most countries oppose unilateral moves regarding Jerusalem’s status, emphasizing negotiations and international resolutions.
Ongoing Negotiations and Future Perspectives
The future control of Jerusalem remains a core issue in Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. Many proposals advocate for a shared sovereignty or special international status to ensure access and religious rights.
Conclusion
The question of who controls the city of Jerusalem is complex, rooted in centuries of history, religious significance, and modern political disputes. While Israel maintains de facto control over the entire city, including East Jerusalem, the international community largely regards its sovereignty claims as unresolved and subject to negotiated settlement. Palestinian leaders aspire for East Jerusalem to serve as the capital of a future Palestinian state, emphasizing the city's importance to their national identity and religious heritage. As tensions persist, the control of Jerusalem continues to symbolize broader conflicts and hopes for peace in the region. Achieving a just and lasting resolution requires careful diplomacy, respect for religious sensitivities, and recognition of the city's unique significance to multiple communities worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has sovereignty over the city of Jerusalem today?
The city of Jerusalem is administered by Israel, which controls the entire city, though its sovereignty is disputed by Palestinians and other parties.
Why is Jerusalem considered a disputed city?
Jerusalem is considered disputed because both Israelis and Palestinians claim it as their capital, and its status remains a core issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Which international organizations or countries recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital?
Most countries historically did not recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, but in 2017, the United States officially recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital and moved its embassy there. Many other countries maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv.
What is the significance of East Jerusalem in the conflict?
East Jerusalem is primarily Palestinian and was captured by Israel in 1967; Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state, making its control a key issue.
Does the Palestinian Authority have control over any parts of Jerusalem?
The Palestinian Authority has limited administrative authority in East Jerusalem, but Israel maintains overall security and administrative control over the city.
How does international law view the control of Jerusalem?
International law generally considers Jerusalem's status as occupied territory, with many countries advocating for a negotiated settlement that would determine its final status.
What is the significance of the Old City of Jerusalem?
The Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage site and holds religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, making control of this area highly sensitive and contested.
Are there any recent changes or developments in who controls Jerusalem?
Recent developments include the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017 and ongoing negotiations and tensions regarding its final status, but Israel remains the de facto administrator.
What role do international peace agreements play in controlling Jerusalem?
Peace agreements like the Oslo Accords have called for negotiations on Jerusalem's status, emphasizing a negotiated resolution rather than unilateral control, but a final agreement has yet to be reached.
