The Conflict

In 1947 the United Nations declared that Palestine, then under British mandate, should be split into separate Jewish and Palestinian states, and that Jerusalem—the holy city coveted by both groups—should be placed under international jurisdiction. In the fighting that following, both immediately and in the years to come, Jerusalem became increasingly divided and its disposition increasingly difficult to resolve. As Israel and the Palestinians move toward a potential settlement in 2000, the issue of Jerusalem remains as difficult as it was in 1947.

Religion

• Judiasm, Christianity, and Islam all regard Jerusalem as a holy place, central to religious expression.

Political

• The division of the city following the war and Israel's declaration of statehood has led to the politicization of all aspects of the city.
• After years of being unwilling to discuss any compromise, Israel, which regards Jerusalem as the capital and the core...