Understanding the Land Mass and Occupation in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a complex and contentious issue for decades. Central to this conflict are the land masses of Israel and the Palestinian territories, which have been the subject of extensive debate. This article aims to provide a clear and balanced understanding of these issues, drawing from historical and contemporary sources.

Understanding the Land Mass

According to the current geopolitical boundaries, Israel covers an area of approximately 21,000 square kilometers (21,000 km2). This figure can be compared to the historical British Mandate of Palestine, which covered an area of around 115,000 square kilometers (115,000 km2) extending from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River and the Iraqi border.

Modern Jordan occupies around 78,000 square kilometers (77% of the original British Mandate territory). The remaining area is divided between the West Bank, which is currently under Israeli military control, and Gaza, which is under the control of the Palestinian Authority. It is important to note that the term 'Palestine' in this context often refers to the geographic location known as the Palestinian Territories, which includes the West Bank and Gaza.

Occupation and Its Implications

Since 1967, when Israel captured the West Bank and Gaza during the Six-Day War, the region has been the subject of numerous international debates. Approximately 3% of the West Bank is currently occupied by Israel, and this area, known as Area C, is under full Israeli military and administrative control. Approximately 95% of the West Bank is under joint Israeli-Palestinian control or under Palestinian civil control with limited aspects of Israeli civil control.

Due to the ongoing negotiations and changing dynamics in the region, the degrees of occupation and control are subjects of continuous discussion and negotiation. For example, Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) have agreed to share various responsibilities and control in certain areas, although tensions remain.

Historical Context and Treaty References

Historically, the term 'Palestine' was first officially used by the League of Nations in the context of the Palestine Mandate, which was established after World War I. The mandate covered an area of around 21,322 square kilometers (82,810.3 square miles), which is larger than the current area of Israel. The British split off 75% or 77% of this territory to become the Arab State of Jordan.

The remaining territory, which is the basis of modern Israel, is currently being negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians. The region that is currently occupied by Israel in the West Bank, known as Area C, constitutes around 3% of the total land area, but it significantly affects the lives of the Palestinian population residing there. This region is characterized by its diverse geography, which includes significant arable land and strategic importance.

Conclusion

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a multifaceted issue with deep historical roots. Understanding the land masses and the current state of occupation requires a nuanced approach. The historical context, the current geopolitical realities, and ongoing negotiations between the two parties all play crucial roles in shaping the narrative. It is essential to approach these discussions with a balanced and informed perspective to foster a more peaceful and just resolution to the conflict.

While there is no universally accepted boundary for the term 'Palestine,' the term is widely recognized in international discourse as referring to the geographic area that today encompasses the West Bank and Gaza. The occupation of these territories, while officially disputed, affects the lives of millions of people, and ongoing efforts towards a peaceful resolution are crucial for the future of the region.