This as-told-to story is based on a conversation with Justin Miller, a Tokyo-based DJ and English teacher. He shares what he's learned about Tokyo after living in Japan for 15 years. It's been edited for length and clarity.
21.07.2023 - 07:50 / roughguides.com
The Palestinian Territories are a beautiful, storied place of rolling olive groves, ancient cities and welcoming, diverse communities.
There had been renewed hope for tourism here. Visitor numbers increased by nearly two thirds in the first six months of 2017, with foreigners attracted by the alluring landscapes, Banksy artwork, and the chance to see one of the most historically, religiously and politically important places on Earth.
But it remains to be seen how President Trump’s recognition of the contested city of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel will affect tourism to the region. Lizzie Porter reports from the Middle East.
Since Trump's announcement on December 6th, confirming the USA’s official recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, tensions have been high. There have been mass protests held in the West Bank, and some factions have called for an intifada (uprising) against the move.
Trump’s decision provoked such outcry because Palestinians see Jerusalem’s eastern side as the capital of their future independent state, whereas Israelis believe in their right to the whole, undivided city.
Ryan Rodrick Beiler/Shutterstock
Jerusalem is so important because it has religious significance for the three Abrahamic faiths. Jews revere the city’s Temple Mount as the location of two biblical temples, while Muslims, to whom the same site is known as Haram al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary), believe Prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven from here. Christians believe that the nearby Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
Israel invaded Jerusalem’s eastern side in 1967, in an occupation considered illegal under international law.
At present, it is constantly increasing the presence of settlements in the West Bank (a separate entity from Jerusalem), which the international community considers illegal too. Palestinians live with the reality of such harsh occupation, with many aspects of life, including security, largely controlled by Israeli authorities.
Palestinians widely believe that President Trump’s decision over Jerusalem prevents the USA from being a neutral arbiter in peace talks.
The images of burning tyres and protests broadcast since Trump’s announcement may sow doubt in travellers’ minds about whether the region is currently safe.
The international community has widely viewed the US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital with caution. British Prime Minister Theresa May said it was “unhelpful in terms of prospects for peace in the region”. Britain has no plans to follow the United States, which is relocating its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
The tensions and anger stirred by Trump’s decision have spilled over into violence in recent weeks, and there will
This as-told-to story is based on a conversation with Justin Miller, a Tokyo-based DJ and English teacher. He shares what he's learned about Tokyo after living in Japan for 15 years. It's been edited for length and clarity.
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