Why Was Jerusalem a Contested Territory in the 20th Century?

Jerusalem became a flashpoint in the 20th century primarily because it is a holy city for three major religions:

• Judaism: Holiest city; site of the First and Second Temples; focus of prayer and national identity.
• Christianity: Site of Jesus's crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension; major pilgrimage destination.
• Islam: Third holiest city; location of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock; associated with the Prophet's Night Journey.

Competing national movements—Zionism and Palestinian nationalism—both claimed Jerusalem as their capital, turning religious reverence into a territorial dispute that fueled wars, negotiations, and ongoing conflict throughout the century.