In which country is Jerusalem located?

Travel Destinations

By Kristy Tolley

The Location of Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a city located in the Middle East, and it is one of the oldest cities in the world. It has been the center of political, cultural, and religious activity for thousands of years, and it continues to be an important city today. Jerusalem is a city with a rich history, and it is regarded as one of the most holy cities by many people around the world.

Historical Significance of Jerusalem

Jerusalem has played an important role in the history of many civilizations, including the Israelites, Romans, Byzantines, Muslims, and Crusaders. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, and it has been inhabited for over 5,000 years. Jerusalem has been the site of many significant events in history, including the construction of the Temple of Solomon, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and the Arab-Israeli wars. The city has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, and it has been conquered by various empires over the centuries. Today, visitors can still see the ancient walls, gates, and buildings that have survived from the city’s past.

Geographical Location of Jerusalem

Jerusalem is located in the Judean Mountains of Israel, near the Jordan River. The city is situated between the Mediterranean Sea to the west, and the Dead Sea to the east. The city covers an area of approximately 125 square kilometers, and it has a population of around 900,000 people. Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, and it is one of the most important cities in the Middle East.

The Holy City of the Three Abrahamic Religions

Jerusalem is considered a holy city by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. For Jews, Jerusalem is the site of the Temple Mount, where the first and second Temples were located. For Christians, Jerusalem is the site of the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For Muslims, Jerusalem is the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina, and it is the site of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. The city’s religious significance has led to many conflicts over the centuries, and it remains a contentious issue today.

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict over Jerusalem

Jerusalem is at the center of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and it is one of the main issues that have prevented a resolution to the conflict. Both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital, and the city’s status is a key point of contention in any peace negotiations. The conflict over Jerusalem is rooted in the history of the region and the competing claims of the different religious and ethnic groups that inhabit the area.

Jerusalem in Israeli Control

Jerusalem has been under Israeli control since the 1967 Six-Day War, when Israeli forces captured East Jerusalem from Jordan. The Israeli government has declared Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel, and it has moved many of its government offices to the city. However, the international community has not recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and most countries maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv.

International Status of Jerusalem

Jerusalem remains a contentious issue in international relations, and its status is the subject of ongoing debate. The United Nations has recognized Jerusalem as a disputed city, and it has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict over the city. The international community has urged Israelis and Palestinians to negotiate a two-state solution, which would involve the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.

The United States Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital

In December 2017, the United States recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and it moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The decision was controversial, and it was met with condemnation from many countries around the world. The move was seen as a significant shift in US policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and it was seen as a blow to the peace process.

Reactions to the U.S. Recognition of Jerusalem

The US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital was met with protests and violence in the region. Palestinians saw the move as a betrayal, and they staged protests in Jerusalem and the West Bank. The move was also criticized by many countries around the world, including the European Union and the Arab League.

Jerusalem’s Future: A Two-State Solution?

The future of Jerusalem remains uncertain, and the city’s status is likely to be an ongoing issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The international community has called for a two-state solution, which would involve the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. However, the details of such a solution remain unclear, and the prospects for peace in the region remain uncertain.

Conclusion: The Significance of Jerusalem’s Location

Jerusalem’s location is significant for its historical, cultural, and religious significance. The city has been a center of activity for thousands of years, and its importance has not diminished over time. The conflict over Jerusalem is rooted in the competing claims of different religious and ethnic groups, and it remains one of the main issues that have prevented a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The future of Jerusalem is uncertain, but its importance to the region and the world is unlikely to diminish anytime soon.

References and Further Reading

  • "Jerusalem." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., n.d. Web. 13 July 2021.
  • "Jerusalem: Three religions, three families, one home." BBC News. BBC, 21 Dec. 2015. Web. 13 July 2021.
  • "United Nations General Assembly Resolution 181." United Nations. United Nations, 29 Nov. 1947. Web. 13 July 2021.
  • "Israel and Palestine: Two States for Two Peoples." United Nations. United Nations, 14 July 2020. Web. 13 July 2021.
  • "Jerusalem: Trump recognition and what it means." BBC News. BBC, 6 Dec. 2017. Web. 13 July 2021.
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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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