This is one of the most complex, emotionally charged, and historically rooted questions in modern geopolitics. Any meaningful answer must acknowledge history, international law, human rights, and political realities — as well as the grievances, narratives, and fears of both Israelis and Palestinians. Below is a structured response that covers ownership, decision-making legitimacy, current conflict context, and the possibility of peace.
The West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem are considered occupied territories under international law.
According to UN Security Council Resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), Israel is expected to withdraw from territories occupied in the 1967 Six-Day War — including Gaza and the West Bank.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) and most of the global community do not recognize Israel’s sovereignty over these territories.
Palestinians view Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem as parts of their future sovereign state.
Many base their claim on historical presence, self-determination, and multiple UN resolutions.
Some in Israel argue for historical, religious, or security reasons that parts of the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) are integral to Jewish identity.
Others support a two-state solution, which would entail ceding control of much of the West Bank and accepting Gaza as part of a Palestinian state.
🧭 Conclusion: According to international law and global consensus, these areas should belong to the Palestinians, forming part of a negotiated two-state solution. But Israel retains control over much of the West Bank and blockades Gaza.
Only Israelis and Palestinians can ultimately decide through direct negotiations, likely with the involvement of:
International mediators (U.S., EU, UN, Arab League)
Legal frameworks (UN resolutions, ICJ opinions)
Moral considerations (human rights, security, justice)
Public opinion on both sides plays a crucial role, as do political leaders, religious groups, and external actors.
❗ No external body can impose a lasting solution; it must be legitimate and accepted by both peoples.
Hamas holds hostages, and continues armed resistance, often targeting civilians.
Israel is conducting military operations aimed at:
Rescuing hostages
Eliminating Hamas’ military capabilities
Civilians in Gaza are suffering immensely under bombardment and humanitarian collapse.
The West Bank is also volatile, with increased settler violence and military crackdowns.
🧨 This is not a situation conducive to peace. Trust is at an all-time low.
Release of hostages by Hamas.
Ceasefire and humanitarian access in Gaza.
International monitoring mechanisms.
Disarmament or transformation of Hamas into a political-only actor (like the IRA model).
Rebuilding Gaza with international aid and oversight.
Political reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah for unified Palestinian representation.
Two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders with land swaps.
Jerusalem as shared capital (possible model: corpus separatum).
Right of return vs compensation for Palestinian refugees.
Security guarantees for Israel, including demilitarized zones and international peacekeepers.
✅ Yes — but not under current leadership, power dynamics, and mutual distrust.
Peace is theoretically possible but would require:
New political leadership on both sides.
Massive international investment in trust-building and governance.
A shift in public narratives away from maximalist goals and dehumanization.
“There are no military solutions to political problems.”
Hamas cannot destroy Israel; Israel cannot eliminate Palestinian nationalism. Only mutual recognition, coexistence, and compromise can end the conflict sustainably.
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Legality of occupation
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International law and self-determination
Conflict resolution models
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