West Bank at Heart of Israeli-Palestinian Crisis: Expansion Threatens Two-State Solution

West Bank at Center of Israeli-Palestinian Conflict The West Bank has long been a contentious issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with its strategic location between Israel and Jordan making it a crucial component of any potential two-state solution. However, the growing expansion of Israeli settlements and rising violence have cast doubt on this outcome. According to the United Nations, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in just under two years. The International Court of Justice, the Geneva Conventions, and the overwhelming majority of UN member states consider these settlements to be illegal. The conflict's roots date back to the 1947 UN Partition Plan, which recommended creating separate Jewish and Arab states. However, after Israel declared independence in May 1948, Arab states invaded, triggering the first Arab-Israeli war. At the end of the war in 1949, Israel held much of the land originally allocated for a Palestinian state. "Jordan's annexation of the West Bank in 1950 was a pivotal moment in the conflict," said Dr. Nabil Shaath, a former Palestinian foreign minister. "It created a situation where Palestinians were under Jordanian rule, while Israelis controlled the surrounding territory." The Oslo Accords in 1993 aimed to establish a framework for peace between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). However, progress has been slow, with both sides accusing each other of violating agreements. "The expansion of Israeli settlements is a major obstacle to peace," said Saeb Erekat, a senior PLO official. "It undermines any potential two-state solution and creates a sense of hopelessness among Palestinians." The international community has repeatedly called for an end to settlement expansion and the resumption of negotiations. However, with tensions running high, it remains unclear whether a lasting resolution can be achieved. Background The West Bank is situated on the western bank of the Jordan River, bordering Israel to the north and east, and Jordan to the west. The region has been under various forms of occupation since 1948, with Israel controlling much of the land and Jordan holding sway over the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Additional Perspectives The Israeli government maintains that settlements are a legitimate expression of its right to self-defense and territorial expansion. "We will continue to build in Jerusalem and the West Bank," said an Israeli official, who wished to remain anonymous. However, international pressure has mounted on Israel to cease settlement activity. The European Union, for example, has imposed economic sanctions on companies involved in settlement construction. Current Status The conflict remains unresolved, with both sides dug in and unwilling to compromise. The situation is further complicated by the rise of extremist groups on both sides, which have fueled violence and undermined efforts at peace. As the international community continues to call for a resolution, it remains unclear whether a lasting agreement can be achieved. One thing is certain, however: the West Bank will remain at the center of any potential solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. *Reporting by Dw.*