The Sovereignty over Jerusalem

Abstract

The Palestinian position towardsJerusalemis in absolute contradiction with the Israeli one. The indications show that both parties firmly hold to their positions. The Israelis aim to unify the city as the capital ofIsraeland refuse to negotiate otherwise. The Palestinians' aspiration is to establish their capital inJerusalemwith the intention to keep the city open for worshipers from different faiths and religions. The strong Israeli position in negotiating the future ofJerusalemwith the Palestinians is based on the changes made on the ground since occupying the city, particularly the Israeli settlements constructed among the Palestinian population centres and areas.Israelhas succeeded in removing the Palestinian characteristics in theWest Jerusalemin particular. However, the effectiveness of the Palestinians position is sustained by the international community, which neither recognises the Israeli transformation ofJerusalemnor acknowledges it as the capital ofIsrael. In addition, the United Nations Resolutions have frequently condemnedIsraelfor its activities inJerusalemand have not consideredJerusalemas the capital ofIsrael. Some UN Resolutions obviously demanded complete cessation of Israeli settlement activities and requestedIsraelto halt its deliberate acts aimed at changing the features of city.Israelhas imposed its position by force, while the Palestinian position is based on legitimacy and international support. It is unfeasible to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict without settling the issue ofJerusalem. Considering both parties' positions, peace is unattainable in the region in the foreseeable future.