The Israeli Occupation of Palestinian Territories: Overview

Definition and Scope

The Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories refers to Israel's military control since the 1967 Six-Day War over:

• West Bank (including East Jerusalem)
• Gaza Strip (though Israel disengaged settlers/soldiers in 2005, it controls airspace, maritime access, and most border crossings)
• Golan Heights (Syrian territory, annexed 1981—unrecognized internationally)

Legal Framework

Governed by international humanitarian law (Fourth Geneva Convention). Israel applies military law to Palestinians; settlers fall under Israeli civil law. The ICJ (2004) and UN consider settlements illegal.

Current Status

Decades of negotiations (Oslo, Camp David, Annapolis) have not ended the occupation. It remains a core issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.