Introduction
Jerusalem is a holy city to Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike. It is home to some of the world’s most important religious sites, including the Temple Mount, the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The status of Jerusalem is one of the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital.
The History of Jerusalem
Jerusalem has been a major city for thousands of years. It was first mentioned in the Bible around 2000 BC. The city was conquered by the Israelites in the 10th century BC, and it became the capital of the Kingdom of Israel.
Jerusalem was conquered by the Babylonians in 586 BC, and the city was destroyed. It was rebuilt by the Persians in the 6th century BC, and it became the capital of the province of Judea.
In the 1st century AD, Jerusalem was conquered by the Romans. The city was destroyed again in 70 AD, and the Jewish people were exiled from the city.
Jerusalem was conquered by the Arabs in the 7th century AD. The city became the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate, and it was a major center of Islamic learning.
In the 11th century AD, Jerusalem was conquered by the Crusaders. The city was recaptured by the Muslims in 1244 AD.
In the 16th century AD, Jerusalem became part of the Ottoman Empire. The city was ruled by the Ottomans for over 400 years.
In 1917, Jerusalem was conquered by the British. The city became the capital of the British Mandate for Palestine.
In 1948, the British Mandate for Palestine ended. Jerusalem was divided between Israel and Jordan. The eastern part of the city, including the Old City, was occupied by Jordan. The western part of the city was occupied by Israel.
In 1967, Israel captured the eastern part of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War. Israel has controlled the entire city since then.
The Status of Jerusalem
The status of Jerusalem is a complex and controversial issue. Both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital.
The United Nations has not recognized Jerusalem as the capital of either Israel or Palestine. The UN Security Council has passed several resolutions calling for the internationalization of Jerusalem.
The United States has not recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. However, in 2017, the US Congress passed a law recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
The Future of Jerusalem
The future of Jerusalem is uncertain. The status of the city is one of the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
There are several possible scenarios for the future of Jerusalem. One possibility is that the city will remain divided, with the eastern part of the city being the capital of Palestine and the western part of the city being the capital of Israel.
Another possibility is that Jerusalem will be reunited as a single city, with the entire city being the capital of either Israel or Palestine.
The most likely scenario is that the status of Jerusalem will be resolved through negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.
Conclusion
Jerusalem is a holy city to Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike. It is home to some of the world’s most important religious sites. The status of Jerusalem is one of the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The future of Jerusalem is uncertain.
Tables
Year | Event |
---|---|
2000 BC | Jerusalem is first mentioned in the Bible. |
10th century BC | Jerusalem is conquered by the Israelites. |
586 BC | Jerusalem is conquered by the Babylonians. |
6th century BC | Jerusalem is rebuilt by the Persians. |
1st century AD | Jerusalem is conquered by the Romans. |
70 AD | Jerusalem is destroyed by the Romans. |
7th century AD | Jerusalem is conquered by the Arabs. |
11th century AD | Jerusalem is conquered by the Crusaders. |
1244 AD | Jerusalem is recaptured by the Muslims. |
16th century AD | Jerusalem becomes part of the Ottoman Empire. |
1917 | Jerusalem is conquered by the British. |
1948 | Jerusalem is divided between Israel and Jordan. |
1967 | Israel captures the eastern part of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War. |
Religion | Population |
---|---|
Judaism | 53% |
Islam | 34% |
Christianity | 11% |
Other | 2% |
Year | Population |
---|---|
1948 | 165,000 |
1967 | 263,000 |
2000 | 658,000 |
2015 | 882,000 |
Country | Recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel |
---|---|
United States | Yes |
United Kingdom | No |
France | No |
Germany | No |
Russia | No |
China | No |
Questions for Discussion
- What is the history of Jerusalem?
- What is the status of Jerusalem today?
- What are the different scenarios for the future of Jerusalem?
- What is your opinion on the future of Jerusalem?