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The West Bank is a landlocked territory situated on the eastern bank of the Jordan River.
Answer: False
Explanation: The West Bank is a landlocked territory situated on the western bank of the Jordan River.
Jordan annexed the territory known as the West Bank in 1950, and this annexation received widespread international recognition.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jordan annexed the territory known as the West Bank in 1950; however, this annexation received limited international recognition.
The total land area of the West Bank is approximately 5,655 square miles, which is about 21.2% of the territory of former Mandatory Palestine.
Answer: False
Explanation: The total land area of the West Bank is approximately 5,655 square kilometers, constituting about 21.2% of the territory of former Mandatory Palestine.
During the Ottoman period from 1517 to 1917, the area was part of Ottoman Syria, with parts of the northern region administered by the semi-autonomous Turabay dynasty.
Answer: True
Explanation: From 1517 to 1917, the area now known as the West Bank was under Ottoman rule as part of Ottoman Syria. During the early Ottoman period, parts of the northern West Bank were administered by the Turabay dynasty, a semi-autonomous polity.
The 1920 San Remo conference allocated the area to the French Mandate of Palestine, based on the Balfour Declaration.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1920 San Remo conference allocated the area to the British Mandate of Palestine, incorporating the principles of the Balfour Declaration.
The UN Partition Plan of 1947 proposed assigning the hill country of Samaria and Judea (modern West Bank) to the proposed Jewish state.
Answer: False
Explanation: The UN Partition Plan of 1947 proposed assigning the hill country of Samaria and Judea (modern West Bank) to the proposed Arab state.
The 1949 Armistice Agreements established the permanent border between Israel and Jordan following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1949 Armistice Agreements established the interim border between Israel and Jordan following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
During Jordanian rule (1948-1967), agriculture was the main economic activity, and the West Bank held half of Jordan's agricultural land, though investment was somewhat neglected.
Answer: True
Explanation: During Jordanian rule, agriculture was the primary economic activity, with the West Bank holding half of Jordan's agricultural land. While tourism played a role, investment in the area was somewhat neglected.
After the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel annexed the West Bank, incorporating it directly into Israel under military control.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel placed the West Bank under military control, but did not annex it (except for East Jerusalem).
Ramallah is identified as a key economic and political hub for Palestinians in the West Bank.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ramallah serves as a key economic and political hub for Palestinians in the West Bank.
What is the primary geographical characteristic defining the West Bank's location?
Answer: A landlocked territory on the western bank of the Jordan River.
Explanation: The West Bank is a landlocked territory situated on the western bank of the Jordan River.
Which event led to the emergence of the West Bank as a distinct territory under Jordanian control before 1967?
Answer: The 1948 Arab-Israeli War and subsequent Jordanian annexation in 1950.
Explanation: The territory emerged following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Initially occupied and subsequently annexed by Jordan in 1950, it was named the 'West Bank'. The territory was then occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War.
What is the approximate land area of the West Bank in square kilometers?
Answer: 5,655 sq km
Explanation: The West Bank has a land area of approximately 5,655 square kilometers (2,183 square miles).
What was the role of the 1920 San Remo conference concerning the West Bank?
Answer: It allocated the territory to the British Mandate of Palestine.
Explanation: At the 1920 San Remo conference, the victorious Allies of World War I allocated the area to the British Mandate of Palestine. This decision incorporated the Balfour Declaration of 1917.
How did the UN Partition Plan of 1947 propose to divide the territory that includes the West Bank?
Answer: It recommended dividing the British Mandate into a Jewish state, an Arab state, and an international zone for Jerusalem, assigning the West Bank hill country to the Arab state.
Explanation: The UN Partition Plan for Palestine recommended dividing the British Mandate into a Jewish state, an Arab state, and an internationally administered enclave for Jerusalem. The plan assigned the hill country of Samaria and Judea, which constitutes the modern-day West Bank, to the proposed Arab state.
Following the 1967 Six-Day War, what was Israel's administrative approach to the West Bank?
Answer: Israel did not annex the West Bank (except East Jerusalem) but maintained it under Israeli military control.
Explanation: Following the Six-Day War, Israel captured the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Except for East Jerusalem, which was effectively annexed, the West Bank was not annexed by Israel but remained under Israeli military control.
Under international law, the West Bank is considered occupied Palestinian territory, a designation supported by the UN Security Council and the International Court of Justice.
Answer: True
Explanation: International bodies, including the UN Security Council and the International Court of Justice, classify the West Bank as occupied Palestinian territory under international law.
International bodies like the UN and ICJ consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank legal, based on interpretations of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Answer: False
Explanation: International bodies like the UN and ICJ consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal, based on interpretations of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are consistent with the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Answer: False
Explanation: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are inconsistent with the Fourth Geneva Convention.
The 2024 ICJ advisory ruling declared Israel's occupation of the West Bank lawful and praised its conduct regarding racial segregation.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 2024 ICJ advisory ruling declared Israel's occupation of the West Bank unlawful and stated it violates the prohibition on racial segregation.
The Israeli government's Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterizes the West Bank as 'occupied' territory.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Israeli government's Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterizes the West Bank as 'disputed' territory.
According to international law and major international bodies, how is the West Bank legally classified?
Answer: As occupied Palestinian territory.
Explanation: Under international law, the West Bank is considered occupied Palestinian territory, a designation supported by the UN Security Council and the International Court of Justice.
What is the international consensus regarding Israeli settlements built in the West Bank?
Answer: They are deemed illegal under international law, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Explanation: The international consensus, supported by numerous UN resolutions and rulings by the International Court of Justice, is that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law. These settlements are considered a violation of Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
What is the international consensus regarding Israeli settlements and the Fourth Geneva Convention?
Answer: Settlements are considered illegal under the Convention, specifically Article 49.
Explanation: The international consensus, supported by numerous UN resolutions and rulings by the International Court of Justice, is that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law, specifically violating Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
What does the 2024 ICJ advisory ruling state about Israel's occupation of the West Bank?
Answer: It reaffirmed the occupation is unlawful and violates the prohibition on racial segregation.
Explanation: In 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) reaffirmed in an advisory ruling that Israel's military occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem is unlawful. The ruling further stated that Israel's conduct violates the international prohibition on racial segregation and apartheid.
What is the status of the West Bank according to the Israeli government's Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
Answer: As disputed territory.
Explanation: The Israeli government's Ministry of Foreign Affairs defines the West Bank as 'disputed' territory rather than 'occupied'. This perspective argues that the territory was not captured from a recognized sovereign state prior to the Six-Day War, and its final status should be determined through negotiations.
Following the Oslo Accords, Area C, comprising roughly 60% of the West Bank, came under the full civil administration of the Palestinian National Authority.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following the Oslo Accords, Area C, comprising approximately 60% of the West Bank, remained under full Israeli civil and security control.
Area C, under full Israeli control, constitutes the majority of the West Bank's land area and contains all Israeli settlements.
Answer: True
Explanation: Area C constitutes approximately 61% of the West Bank's land area and is under full Israeli control. It contains all Israeli settlements, roads connecting them, buffer zones, and most of the Jordan Valley and Judean Desert.
The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) divides the West Bank into 11 governorates for administrative purposes following the Oslo Accords.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the Oslo Accords, the West Bank was divided into 11 governorates under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian National Authority.
The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) is responsible for gathering demographic and socioeconomic data through censuses and surveys.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) conducts official censuses and surveys to gather demographic and socioeconomic data.
The Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) was established to manage water resources and implement water policy within the Palestinian territories.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) was established by presidential decree in 1995 to manage water resources and implement water policy within the Palestinian territories.
Under the Oslo Accords, which area of the West Bank is described as being under full Israeli control and constitutes the largest portion of the territory?
Answer: Area C
Explanation: Area C constitutes approximately 61% of the West Bank's land area and is under full Israeli control. It contains all Israeli settlements, roads connecting them, buffer zones, and most of the Jordan Valley and Judean Desert.
The Israeli shekel is the only currency accepted as legal tender in the West Bank.
Answer: False
Explanation: Both the Israeli shekel and the Jordanian dinar are accepted as legal tender in the West Bank.
The West Bank barrier has been criticized for facilitating Palestinian movement and economic activity by creating secure corridors.
Answer: False
Explanation: The West Bank barrier has been criticized for restricting Palestinian movement and economic activity, and for illegally annexing Palestinian land.
Palestinian universities in the West Bank have faced consistent closures since the Oslo Accords due to political activities.
Answer: False
Explanation: Palestinian universities in the West Bank have largely remained open since the Oslo Accords, though they have historically faced closures due to political activities.
The Israeli occupation has generally benefited the West Bank's economy by removing trade barriers and increasing access to resources.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Israeli occupation has generally hindered the West Bank's economy by imposing restrictions on trade, movement, and access to resources.
Water access in the West Bank is equitable, with both Palestinian communities and Israeli settlements using similar per capita amounts.
Answer: False
Explanation: Water access in the West Bank is not equitable, with Israeli settlers using significantly more water per capita than Palestinian communities.
Israel is accused of using the West Bank as a 'sacrifice zone' for waste disposal, potentially endangering the mountain aquifer.
Answer: True
Explanation: Israel has been accused of using the West Bank as a 'sacrifice zone' for waste disposal, operating treatment plants under less stringent regulations than those in Israel, potentially endangering the mountain aquifer.
Israel's policy allows Palestinians extensive access to operate quarries in Area C, significantly boosting their economy.
Answer: False
Explanation: Israel's policy restricts Palestinian access to operate quarries in Area C, significantly hindering their economy.
The Israeli occupation has reportedly led to the loss of Palestinian cultural heritage, including the confiscation of archaeological resources like the Palestine Archaeological Museum.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Israeli occupation has been linked to the loss of Palestinian cultural heritage through actions such as the confiscation of archaeological resources, including the Palestine Archaeological Museum and its library.
Tourism in the West Bank flourishes due to easy access and Palestinian-led development, with most revenue staying within the territories.
Answer: False
Explanation: Tourism in the West Bank faces challenges due to restricted access and Israeli control over revenue, hindering Palestinian-led development.
The economy of the Palestinian territories has experienced consistent growth and low unemployment rates since the year 2000.
Answer: False
Explanation: The economy of the Palestinian territories has experienced chronic depression and high unemployment rates since the year 2000.
Roads in the West Bank often function differently for Israeli settlers compared to Palestinians.
Answer: True
Explanation: It has been observed that for Jewish settlers, roads serve to connect communities, while for Palestinians, they often function as separators. The construction of bypass roads has been criticized for fragmenting Palestinian areas.
Checkpoints and barriers in the West Bank facilitate easy and quick travel for Palestinians between townships.
Answer: False
Explanation: Checkpoints and barriers in the West Bank significantly impede travel for Palestinians between townships.
Movement restrictions have reportedly improved healthcare access for pregnant women in the West Bank, reducing roadside births.
Answer: False
Explanation: Movement restrictions have reportedly hindered healthcare access for pregnant women in the West Bank, increasing roadside births.
The World Bank estimates that movement restrictions in the West Bank cost approximately USD 185 million annually due to longer travel times.
Answer: True
Explanation: The World Bank has estimated that the additional costs arising from longer travel times due to movement restrictions in the West Bank amount to approximately USD 185 million per year.
Area C, under Israeli control, holds vital resources like arable land and water springs, but Palestinian development there is significantly hindered.
Answer: True
Explanation: Area C, which constitutes about 61% of the West Bank and is under full Israeli control, contains vital resources like arable land, water springs, and quarries. Israeli restrictions on Palestinian development and resource extraction in Area C significantly hinder economic growth.
Wastewater treatment in the West Bank is generally adequate for both Israeli settlements and Palestinian communities, ensuring environmental protection.
Answer: False
Explanation: Wastewater treatment in the West Bank is generally inadequate for Palestinian communities, while settlements often have adequate facilities, raising environmental concerns.
Israel's policy restricting Palestinian access to quarries in Area C costs the Palestinian economy approximately US$241 million per year.
Answer: True
Explanation: Israel's policy of restricting Palestinian access to quarries and mineral resources in Area C significantly impacts the Palestinian economy, costing an estimated US$241 million per year.
The primary reason cited by supporters for the construction of the Israeli West Bank barrier is to protect Israeli civilians from Palestinian attacks.
Answer: True
Explanation: Supporters of the Israeli West Bank barrier state that it is necessary for protecting Israeli civilians from Palestinian attacks, which increased significantly during the Second Intifada.
What potential economic benefit for the Palestinian economy is estimated from the production and sales of Dead Sea minerals?
Answer: Conservatively estimated at US$918 million per annum.
Explanation: The potential incremental value that could accrue to the Palestinian economy from the production and sales of Dead Sea minerals has been conservatively estimated at US$918 million per annum.
Which currencies are accepted as legal tender in the West Bank?
Answer: Israeli Shekel and Jordanian Dinar
Explanation: The currencies used in the West Bank are the Israeli shekel (ILS) and the Jordanian dinar (JOD). Both are accepted as legal tender within the territory.
What significant economic impact has the Israeli occupation had on the West Bank, according to the provided text?
Answer: Chronic economic depression with high unemployment rates due to restrictions.
Explanation: The Israeli occupation has led to significant economic consequences for the West Bank, including restrictions on trade, movement, and access to resources, contributing to chronic economic depression and high unemployment rates.
Which area of the West Bank holds vital resources like arable land and water springs but remains under full Israeli control, hindering Palestinian development?
Answer: Area C
Explanation: Area C, which constitutes about 61% of the West Bank and is under full Israeli control, contains vital resources like arable land and water springs. Israeli restrictions on Palestinian development and resource extraction in Area C significantly hinder economic growth.
What is a major criticism regarding the West Bank barrier?
Answer: It is seen as an illegal attempt to annex Palestinian land and restricts Palestinian livelihoods.
Explanation: Opponents of the West Bank barrier argue that it is an illegal attempt by Israel to annex Palestinian land under the guise of security. They contend that it violates international law, preempts final status negotiations, and severely restricts Palestinian livelihoods and freedom of movement.
How do roads in the West Bank often function differently for Israeli settlers compared to Palestinians?
Answer: They serve to connect settler communities while often acting as separators for Palestinians.
Explanation: It has been observed that for Jewish settlers, roads serve to connect communities, while for Palestinians, they often function as separators. The construction of bypass roads has been criticized for fragmenting Palestinian areas.
What impact do checkpoints and barriers have on Palestinian daily life?
Answer: They significantly impede movement, causing delays and fragmenting communities.
Explanation: Checkpoints, embankments, concrete slabs, and barriers significantly impede Palestinian movement, leading to long travel times and fragmenting townships into isolated enclaves. This affects access to work, education, healthcare, and family.
According to the World Bank, what is a significant economic cost associated with movement restrictions in the West Bank?
Answer: An estimated USD 185 million per year from longer travel times.
Explanation: The World Bank has estimated that the additional costs arising from longer travel times due to movement restrictions in the West Bank amount to approximately USD 185 million per year.
What issue is highlighted regarding water resource management and access in the West Bank?
Answer: A stark disparity in water access, with Israeli settlers using significantly more water than Palestinians.
Explanation: Water resource management in the West Bank is contentious, with a stark disparity in water access between Palestinians and Israeli settlers. Israeli policies are criticized for discriminatory practices, leading to settlements using significantly more water per capita than neighboring Palestinian communities.
What accusation is made against Israel concerning waste disposal in the West Bank?
Answer: Israel uses the West Bank as a 'sacrifice zone' for waste disposal with less stringent regulations.
Explanation: Israel has been accused of using the West Bank as a 'sacrifice zone' for waste disposal, operating treatment plants under less stringent regulations than those in Israel, potentially endangering the mountain aquifer.
How does Israeli policy impact Palestinian access to quarries and mineral resources in Area C?
Answer: Israel heavily restricts Palestinian access, costing the economy millions annually while settlement quarries operate.
Explanation: Israel's policy of restricting Palestinian access to quarries and mineral resources in Area C significantly impacts the Palestinian economy, costing an estimated US$241 million per year. While international law suggests that resources of occupied territories should benefit the occupied population, Israel licenses settlement quarries that primarily serve the Israeli market.
What has been the reported impact of the Israeli occupation on Palestinian cultural heritage?
Answer: The loss of cultural patrimony through confiscation of resources and ransacking of homes.
Explanation: The Israeli occupation has reportedly led to the loss of Palestinian cultural heritage through actions such as the confiscation of archaeological resources and the ransacking of homes, contributing to the erosion of cultural property and Palestinian identity.
What challenges limit the development of tourism in the West Bank, despite its religious sites?
Answer: Israeli control over access points, roads, and checkpoints hindering Palestinian-managed tourism.
Explanation: Tourism in the Palestinian territories faces challenges due to Israeli control over access points, road systems, checkpoints, and obstacles. This limits Palestinian access to areas like the Dead Sea and hinders the development of Palestinian-managed tourism.
What is the primary reason cited by supporters for the construction of the Israeli West Bank barrier?
Answer: To protect Israeli civilians from Palestinian attacks.
Explanation: Supporters of the Israeli West Bank barrier state that it is necessary for protecting Israeli civilians from Palestinian attacks, which increased significantly during the Second Intifada.
Arabic is the sole official language spoken in the West Bank, with Hebrew only used in specific religious contexts.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Arabic is the primary language, Hebrew is also commonly spoken in the West Bank.
The West Bank is religiously monolithic, with Islam being the only significant religion practiced within its borders.
Answer: False
Explanation: The West Bank is religiously diverse, with significant populations of Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
According to a 2021 estimate, the population of the West Bank, including both Palestinian residents and Israeli settlers, was nearly 3 million people.
Answer: True
Explanation: According to a 2021 estimate, the population of the West Bank was approximately 2,949,246 people. This figure includes both Palestinian residents and Israeli settlers living in the territory.
The Arabic name for the West Bank, 'ad-Daffah al-Gharbiyyah', translates to 'the eastern bank' of the Jordan River.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Arabic name for the West Bank, 'ad-Daffah al-Gharbiyyah', translates to 'the western bank' of the Jordan River.
In Hebrew, the territory is commonly known as 'Hagada HaMa'aravit', meaning 'the western bank'.
Answer: False
Explanation: While sometimes referred to as 'Hagada HaMa'aravit' ('the western bank'), the territory is more commonly known in Hebrew as 'Yehuda VeShomron' ('Judea and Samaria').
The term 'Cisjordan' is a Latin term meaning 'beyond the River Jordan' and is primarily used in English-speaking contexts.
Answer: False
Explanation: The term 'Cisjordan' is derived from Latin, meaning 'on this side of the River Jordan,' and is primarily used in Romance languages.
The majority of the West Bank's population is Jewish, with Muslims forming a small minority.
Answer: False
Explanation: The majority of the West Bank's population is Muslim, with Jews forming a significant minority.
In 2008, approximately 30% of the West Bank's Palestinian population were identified as refugees displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2008, approximately 30% of the West Bank's Palestinian population, numbering around 754,263 individuals, were identified as refugees or descendants of refugees who were displaced from areas that became part of Israel during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, according to UNRWA statistics.
Since 1967, the Palestinian population in the Jordan Valley (Area C) has increased, while the Jewish population has remained relatively stable.
Answer: False
Explanation: Since the Israeli occupation began in 1967, the Palestinian population in the Jordan Valley (Area C) has significantly decreased due to Israeli demolitions and restrictions, while the Jewish population has increased substantially.
The Israeli Civil Administration provides population figures for Palestinians in the West Bank, estimating around 2.6 million in May 2012.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Israeli Civil Administration provides population figures for Palestinians in the West Bank, such as the estimate of 2,657,029 as of May 2012.
Palestinian public opinion generally supports the Israeli military and settler presence in the West Bank as beneficial for security.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Palestinian public opinion generally opposes the Israeli military and settler presence in the West Bank, viewing it as a violation of their right to statehood and sovereignty.
Israeli public opinion regarding the West Bank is unified, with a strong consensus favoring annexation and maintaining full control.
Answer: False
Explanation: Israeli public opinion regarding the West Bank is divided, with varying views on annexation, withdrawal, and control.
What are the two primary languages commonly spoken in the West Bank?
Answer: Hebrew and Arabic
Explanation: The common languages spoken in the West Bank are Arabic and Hebrew. Arabic is the primary language of the Palestinian population, while Hebrew is spoken by the Israeli population, including settlers.
Which of the following religions, besides Islam and Judaism, has a significant presence in the West Bank?
Answer: Christianity and Samaritanism
Explanation: The West Bank is religiously diverse, with Islam, Judaism, and Christianity all having a significant presence. Samaritanism is also present.
What is the Arabic name for the West Bank, and what does it mean?
Answer: 'Ad-Daffah al-Gharbiyyah', meaning 'the western bank'.
Explanation: The Arabic name for the West Bank is 'ad-Daffah al-Gharbiyyah', which translates to 'the western bank'. This name signifies its geographical location on the western side of the Jordan River.
In Hebrew, besides 'Hagada HaMa'aravit', what is the more common name used for the territory?
Answer: Yehuda VeShomron
Explanation: While sometimes referred to as 'Hagada HaMa'aravit' ('the western bank'), the territory is more commonly known in Hebrew as 'Yehuda VeShomron' ('Judea and Samaria').
The term 'Cisjordan' is derived from Latin and primarily used in which language families?
Answer: Neo-Latin languages like Spanish, French, and Italian.
Explanation: Cisjordan is a neo-Latin term that literally means 'on this side of the River Jordan'. It is the usual name for the territory in Romance languages such as Spanish ('Cisjordania'), French ('Cisjordanie'), and Italian ('Cisgiordania').