The status of Jerusalem is the main and most sensitive part of the Israeli-Palestine conflict. It is sensitive because of its religious importance for all three sides, especially for Muslim and Jewish communities. The international community and even close allies of Israel, the United States, refuse to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. A majority of countries, including the United States and most European countries, refuse to locate their embassies in Jerusalem.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Demographic of Jerusalem
1.2 Jerusalem under Muslim
1.3 Jerusalem after Jewish migration
1.4 Status of the Jerusalem
1.5 Plans for the future of Jerusalem
2. OUR PROPOSAL
2.1 The dividing of Jerusalem into a dual capital for a comprehensive two-state solution
2.2 The establishment of an interfaith committee: “Parliament of Jerusalem”
2.3 Jerusalem Fund
3. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
The primary objective of this work is to analyze the complex geopolitical and religious status of Jerusalem within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to propose a viable framework for a shared, dual-capital model that addresses the needs of both nations while ensuring the sanctity of holy sites.
- Historical and demographic evolution of Jerusalem across three monotheistic religions.
- Impact of international proposals and the status quo on regional stability.
- The role of Jerusalem as a symbolic heart and recruitment tool in global conflicts.
- A novel proposal for a dual-capital governance structure and an interfaith administrative body.
Excerpt from the Book
Jerusalem after Jewish migration
Jews coming to Jerusalem from all over the world and especially from European countries in the last days of the Ottoman Empire had different social structures than the old Jews living in Palestine for centuries. New Jewish immigrants changed demographic factors of the city; Muslims felt threatened and dwindled from a relatively larger minority to a very small minority compared to the Jewish population. The British were struggling to control riots and armed resistance from both Muslim and Jewish groups in Jerusalem. As usual, the British tried to maintain control by a divide and rule policy; they were pitted Jewish and Muslim groups against each other. The divide and rule policy of the British drove the line of division between Jews and Muslims even further and the tension between the two communities led to a bloody war.
In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan for Palestine; the plan proposed Jerusalem is a city under international administration. After the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, Jerusalem was divided between Jordan and the new state of Israel. The Western half of the city came under Israeli control, while East Jerusalem came under Jordanian control. There were holy sites for both Muslims and Jews on both sides of the partition line.
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: Provides a historical overview of Jerusalem's significance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and outlines the progression of conflicts from the Jewish kingdom to the post-1948 era.
OUR PROPOSAL: Outlines a concrete framework for dividing Jerusalem into a dual capital for a two-state solution and suggests the creation of an interfaith "Parliament of Jerusalem" to manage holy sites.
Conclusion: Argues that resolving the status of Jerusalem is essential for global stability and suggests that reconciliation should be rooted in mutual tolerance and religious understanding rather than conflict.
Keywords
Jerusalem, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, dual capital, interfaith committee, holy sites, demographic shift, two-state solution, Ottoman Empire, British Mandate, religion, peace initiative, sovereignty, Parliament of Jerusalem, Middle East, regional stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The work examines the status of Jerusalem as the most sensitive component of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, analyzing historical, demographic, and political factors.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Central themes include the religious importance of the city, the history of Jewish migration, the failure of past partition attempts, and the potential for a peaceful dual-governance model.
What is the main objective of the author?
The author aims to move beyond current tensions by proposing a divided yet unified Jerusalem that functions as a dual capital for both Israeli and Palestinian states.
Which methodology is employed in this study?
The author uses a historical and comparative policy analysis approach, drawing upon existing academic literature and international diplomatic history to evaluate proposed solutions.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the demographic evolution from the Ottoman era to the modern day, the status of holy sites, and a detailed proposal for an interfaith governing committee.
What defines this work's unique perspective?
The study uniquely bridges the gap between historical grievances and future governance, focusing specifically on the creation of an interfaith "Parliament of Jerusalem."
What role does the "Parliament of Jerusalem" play in the author's proposal?
It acts as an interfaith body formed by Palestinians, Israelis, and an international representative to enforce regulations and manage the sanctity of holy sites.
How does the author view the connection between Jerusalem and global terrorism?
The author argues that the ongoing conflict in Jerusalem serves as a recruitment tool for extremist groups and that resolving this issue is necessary to reduce global instability.
- Quote paper
- Abdulwali Sherzad Miakhel (Author), 2008, The Issue of Jerusalem, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/135269
