Introduction
The question of why Israel gave land to Jordan instead of Egypt is a common point of confusion in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This article aims to clarify why Israel’s land divisions post-1967 did not involve giving land to Jordan or Egypt, and why these countries have their own land claims and territories. Understanding this history can provide clarity on the complex geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
The 1967 Six-Day War and Land Divisions
In 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israel began controlling land that was previously under the control of Egypt and Jordan. This included areas such as the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. However, it is important to note that the land given to Jordan and Egypt did not come from a state called 'Palestine,' but rather from areas where these two countries had historical control. Jordan controlled the West Bank, and Egypt controlled the Gaza Strip before the 1967 war.
Land Claims and Sovereignty
The concept of 'Palestine' as a sovereign state or nation exists primarily in the context of certain political narratives and is not recognized by the United Nations or other international bodies. The land referred to as the West Bank and the Gaza Strip is occupied by Israel and has been under Israeli control since the 1967 war. Prior to 1967, the area of the West Bank was controlled by Jordan, while the Gaza Strip was under Egyptian administration.
The land given to Jordan and Egypt was not taken directly from a hypothetical 'Palestinian' state but from areas that were historically under their jurisdiction. The land was divided based on historical, political, and strategic considerations, rather than on the current or future aspirations of a non-existent Palestinian state.
The 1988 Hamas Covenant and Misconceptions
It is often mentioned that the 1988 Hamas covenant identified Israel as 'Palestine,' but this is a point of misunderstanding. The covenant, written in Arabic, occasionally uses 'Palestine' as a reference to the entire region, much as 'Arab' sometimes refers to all Arabs, not exclusively the current Palestinian population. Benjamin Netanyahu, then the Israeli foreign minister, observed that the text uses 'Palestine' to refer to areas controlled by Arab states, not to a distinct entity that is 'Palestinian.'
Hamas, the Palestinian militant organization, does indeed refer to itself as 'Palestine,' but this does not imply that there is another sovereign state called Palestine. Rather, it is a political and cultural identity that they claim.
Modern Political Context and Confusion
The modern political context often causes confusion about land claims in the Middle East. Many believe that Israel occupies land that belongs to the Palestinians, but this overlooks the historical context. Prior to the war, Jordan and Egypt controlled parts of what is now Israel, and after the 1967 war, Israel took control of areas that were historically under their jurisdiction. Therefore, any discussion of dividing land between Israel, Jordan, and Egypt must take into account the pre-1967 geopolitical landscape.
The current conflicts and negotiations in the Middle East are complex and multifaceted. While Israel is indeed engaged in war with Hamas, this does not imply that Israel is occupying land belonging to Jordan, Egypt, or any other state. The land claims and divisions are a result of historical events and the ongoing need for peace and stability in the region.
Conclusion
The land divisions in the Middle East are not as straightforward as they may seem. The land given to Jordan and Egypt during and after the 1967 war was a result of historical and strategic decisions, not a give-and-take between Israel and non-existent 'Palestinian' territories. Understanding the historical context and the geopolitical landscape is crucial for addressing the complex issues in the region.