What is the west bank?
The West Bank is a geographic and political region in the Middle East, located on the west bank of the Jordan River, hence its name. It is bordered by Jordan to the east, Israel to the west, and the Gaza Strip to the southwest. The region has a total area of approximately 5,655 square kilometers (2,183 square miles).
Geographically, the West Bank is a mountainous region, with varying elevations and climate zones. The region can be divided into three main geographic zones: the Jordan Valley, the Mountains of Samaria, and the Mountains of Judea. The highest point in the West Bank is the summit of Tall Asur, standing at 1,022 meters (3,353 feet) above sea level.
Historically, the West Bank has been inhabited by various cultures and civilizations, including the ancient Israelites, the Romans, and the Ottoman Empire. In the 20th century, the region was part of the British Mandate of Palestine, and later it was occupied by Jordan from 1948 to 1967. Since the 1967 Six-Day War, the West Bank has been occupied by Israel.
Today, the West Bank is home to a population of around 3 million Palestinians, with the majority being Muslim. The region is also home to several biblical sites, including Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jericho. The capital of the West Bank is Ramallah, which serves as the administrative center of the Palestinian National Authority.
In terms of governance, the West Bank is divided into three areas: Area A, under Palestinian control; Area B, under joint Israeli-Palestinian control; and Area C, under Israeli control. The region remains a highly disputed territory, with ongoing political tensions and conflicts between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
For those interested in learning more about the West Bank, I recommend checking out the following resources:
- "The West Bank and Gaza Strip: A Geography of Occupation" by Rami Daher
- "A Brief History of the West Bank" by BBC News
- "The West Bank and the Future of Palestine" by The Economist
Additionally, for those planning to visit the West Bank, I recommend using reputable tour operators that support local communities and responsible tourism, such as Green Olive Tours or Mejdi Tours.