Jerusalem: Religion, Politics and Law
Al Aqsa Mosque Dome of the Rock The following are answers to questions commonly asked regarding Jerusalem, one of the “final status” matters in the Palestinian-Israeli peace process. *What is the issue with Jerusalem? Is it a done deal with Israel having annexed it and declared it the “eternal capital of the Jewish people”? There is a myth that Israel has annexed East Jerusalem. This is not the case at all. Israel has not annexed East Jerusalem. Had it annexed it, the population of the city would have automatically become Israeli citizens. This is not the case. They are Jordanian passport holders with permanent residency cards issued by Israel. * If not annexed, then what is Jerusalem’s status? Israel has extended its jurisdiction over it. In a letter to the UN dated 7/10/1967, Israel stated: ‘The term “annexation” is out of place. The measures adopted related to the integration of Jerusalem in the administrative and municipal spheres and furnish a leg