West Bank
Why it Matters?
The United Nations has reported the largest displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank since 1967, with around 30,000 forcibly displaced due to Israel’s ongoing military operation “Iron Wall”.
What You Should Know?
The West Bank is a landlocked territory located west of the Jordan River, forming part of historical Palestine.
It has been under Israeli occupation since the 1967 Six-Day War, previously controlled by Jordan (1949–1967).
Its terrain is hilly with Samarian and Judaean Hills, and eastern slopes descend to the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.
The Oslo Accords (1993–95) divided the West Bank into Area A (PA control), Area B (shared), and Area C (Israeli control).
The Palestinian Authority (PA) administers parts of the West Bank.
Hamas governs Gaza, not the West Bank.
The West Bank is central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and aspiration for a two-state solution.