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The West Bank: A Geopolitical Crossroads

Navigating History, Governance, and Contemporary Realities.

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Nomenclature and Terminology

"West Bank"

The designation "West Bank" originates from its geographical position on the western side of the Jordan River. This term emerged following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, when Jordan annexed the territory west of the river, distinguishing it from the "East Bank" (Transjordan). While widely used in English and other Germanic languages, its adoption signifies a specific historical and political context.

"Cisjordan"

In Romance languages and others, the term "Cisjordan" (derived from Latin, meaning "on this side of the Jordan") is commonly employed. This nomenclature reflects a similar geographical reference point but is utilized across a different linguistic spectrum, highlighting the varied terminologies used to describe the region.

Hebrew Designations

Within Hebrew discourse, the territory is often referred to as "Judea and Samaria" (ื™ื”ื•ื“ื” ื•ืฉื•ืžืจื•ืŸ, Yehuda VeShomron). This naming convention draws upon ancient biblical and historical associations with these regions, reflecting a distinct perspective on the territory's historical and cultural significance.

Historical Trajectory

Ottoman and Mandate Eras

From 1517 to 1917, the region was part of the Ottoman Empire. Following World War I, it became integral to the British Mandate for Palestine (1920-1948). The 1947 UN Partition Plan proposed this area as part of a future Arab state, a proposal that was not universally accepted.

Jordanian Annexation (1948-1967)

Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Jordan occupied and subsequently annexed the territory in 1950, naming it the "West Bank." This annexation was recognized by only a few nations. Palestinians in the West Bank were granted Jordanian citizenship, participating in its political and economic life.

Israeli Occupation (1967-Present)

The Six-Day War in 1967 led to Israel's occupation of the West Bank. Since then, the territory has remained under Israeli military administration, with East Jerusalem being effectively annexed by Israel in 1980. The Oslo Accords in the mid-1990s introduced a division into Areas A, B, and C, altering the administrative and security arrangements.

Geographical and Climatic Context

Area and Terrain

The West Bank encompasses approximately 5,640 square kilometers (2,178 sq mi), constituting about 21.2% of the territory of Mandatory Palestine. The terrain is predominantly rugged and dissected upland, with elevations ranging from the Dead Sea's lowest point to the Judaean Mountains. It is landlocked, bordering Jordan and Israel.

Water Resources

The region includes about 220 kmยฒ of water area, notably the northwestern quarter of the Dead Sea. The highlands serve as a critical recharge area for Israel's coastal aquifers, highlighting the interconnectedness of water resources.

Climate Characteristics

The climate is predominantly Mediterranean, characterized by cooler, wetter conditions in elevated western areas and drier, hotter conditions in the eastern Judaean Desert and Dead Sea region. Rainfall varies significantly across the territory.

Governance and Legal Status

Political Administration

The Oslo Accords established a division of the West Bank into three administrative areas: Area A (full Palestinian Authority control), Area B (Palestinian civil control, joint Israeli-Palestinian security), and Area C (full Israeli control, comprising about 60% of the territory). This division results in fragmented Palestinian governance and significant Israeli oversight.

International Legal Perspective

The international community, including the UN, ICJ, and EU, largely regards the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as occupied Palestinian territory. International law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, prohibits settlement activity in occupied territories. The ICJ has affirmed the illegality of Israel's occupation and associated practices, including racial segregation and apartheid.

Israeli Settlements and Area C

Area C, under full Israeli control, contains the majority of the West Bank's land resources and all Israeli settlements. These settlements, numbering over 130 (excluding East Jerusalem), are considered illegal under international law by most nations. Israeli civil law is applied within these settlements.

Economic Conditions and Challenges

Economic Impact of Occupation

The Palestinian economy in the West Bank is characterized by chronic depression, with high unemployment rates. Israeli restrictions on movement, access to resources in Area C, and control over trade significantly hinder Palestinian economic development, stability, and growth, as noted by World Bank reports.

Restrictions and Development

Movement restrictions, checkpoints, and the West Bank barrier fragment Palestinian communities and impede access to essential services and markets. The inability of the Palestinian Authority to develop infrastructure in Area C further constrains economic potential and perpetuates dependency.

Labor and Trade

Palestinian labor often commutes to Israel for employment, contributing to remittances but also creating internal labor scarcity. Israeli protectionist policies have historically distorted trade relations, leading to a high degree of import dependency on Israel and limiting Palestinian commercial autonomy.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Road Networks and Restrictions

Road systems in the West Bank are characterized by restrictions that often separate Palestinian communities. Bypass roads, checkpoints, and physical barriers significantly impede Palestinian freedom of movement, impacting daily life, access to employment, and essential services. The World Bank estimates substantial economic costs due to these movement restrictions.

The West Bank Barrier

The Israeli West Bank barrier, a complex system of fences and walls, runs largely along the 1949 Green Line but deviates into the West Bank to encompass Israeli settlements. While Israel cites security concerns, opponents argue it facilitates annexation, violates international law, and severely restricts Palestinian movement and economic activity.

Infrastructure Status

The region's infrastructure includes limited rail plans, a closed airport (Atarot), and key crossing points to Jordan (Allenby Bridge). Palestinian transportation and communication services are provided by Palestinian companies, but are subject to Israeli regulations and control, particularly concerning movement and development in Area C.

Public Opinion and Perspectives

Palestinian Views

Palestinian public opinion overwhelmingly opposes the Israeli military and settler presence, viewing it as an infringement on their right to self-determination and sovereignty. There is a strong desire for an independent Palestinian state encompassing the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Israeli Perspectives

Israeli public opinion is divided. Significant segments support withdrawal and peaceful coexistence based on a two-state solution ("land for peace"). Others advocate for maintaining a military presence, partial annexation, or full assimilation of the Palestinian population, with demographic concerns often cited as a factor in policy considerations.

International Consensus

The broader international community largely supports a two-state solution and views Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal under international law. UN resolutions and international court rulings consistently affirm the status of the West Bank as occupied territory.

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References

References

  1.  According to Mansour, the population stood at 803,600,[37]
  2.  It is often stated that Pakistan recognized it as well, but that seems to be incorrect; see S. R. Silverburg, Pakistan and the West Bank: A research note, Middle Eastern Studies, 19:2 (1983) 261รขย€ย“263.
  3.  George Washington University. Law School (2005). The George Washington international law review. George Washington University. p. 390. Retrieved 21 December 2010. Jordan's illegal occupation and Annexation of the West Bank
  4.  Armstrong, Karen. Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths. New York: Ballantine Books, 1996. p. 387.
  5.  Democracy Report 2024, Varieties of Democracy
  6.  Gorenberg, Gershom. "The Accidental Empire". New York: Times Books, Henry Holt and Company, 2006. p. 99.
A full list of references for this article are available at the West Bank Wikipedia page

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Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This document has been generated by an AI, synthesizing information from publicly available data. It is intended for academic and informational purposes, providing a structured overview of the West Bank's complex geopolitical, historical, and administrative landscape. The content is based on the provided source material and aims for accuracy within that context.

This is not professional advice. The information presented does not constitute legal, political, or historical consultation. Given the sensitive and multifaceted nature of the subject matter, readers are strongly encouraged to consult primary sources, academic research, and official documentation for comprehensive and nuanced understanding. The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations or actions taken based on the information provided herein.