The Centre for Social and Economic Progress, or CSEP, is an independent public policy think tank based in New Delhi. It conducts research and policy analysis on major issues facing India and the world, especially in areas related to economic growth, development, sustainability and foreign policy. CSEP describes itself as an independent public policy think tank that aims to help shape policies for sustainable growth and development. Background CSEP was earlier associated with Brookings India. After Brookings India’s institutional transition, it became the Centre for Social and Economic Progress in September 2020. Brookings notes that after seven years of partnership, Brookings India became CSEP, an independent public policy institution based in India. Nature of Institution CSEP is a not-for-profit, independent policy research institution. It is not a government body. Its role is to provide evidence-based research, policy recommendations and analytical inputs for public debate. It does not hold one fixed institutional view on every subject; its researchers publish work based on their individual research and analysis. Major Research Areas CSEP works mainly in three broad areas: Economic Growth and Development This includes issues such as employment, trade, macroeconomics, welfare, public finance, urbanisation and human development. Energy, Natural Resources and Sustainability This includes climate change, energy transition, environment, water, land, minerals and sustainable development. Foreign Policy and Security This includes India’s external relations, Indo-Pacific, neighbourhood policy, connectivity, strategic affairs and global governance. Importance CSEP is important because it contributes to evidence-based policymaking. Its research helps in: Think tanks like CSEP play an important role between academia, government, media and civil society.
Periodic Labour Force Survey
The Periodic Labour Force Survey is India’s main official survey for measuring employment and unemployment. It is conducted by the National Statistical Office, under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. PLFS was launched in 2017. Before PLFS, employment and unemployment data was mainly collected through large surveys conducted after longer intervals. This created a gap in timely labour market data. PLFS was introduced to provide more frequent and regular employment data, especially for urban areas. Main Objectives PLFS has two major objectives. This makes PLFS important for tracking employment trends more regularly. Important Indicators Labour Force Participation Rate LFPR shows the percentage of people who are either working or seeking/available for work. It includes both employed and unemployed persons. Worker Population Ratio WPR shows the percentage of people who are actually employed. It measures the share of workers in the total population. Unemployment Rate UR shows the percentage of people in the labour force who are unemployed but seeking or available for work. It is calculated among the labour force, not the total population. Activity Status PLFS classifies people according to their activity status. Important categories include: Usual Status Usual Status measures a person’s activity over a longer reference period, generally one year. It includes: This method captures more stable and long-term employment patterns. Current Weekly Status Current Weekly Status measures a person’s activity during the last seven days. A person is considered employed if they worked for at least one hour on at least one day during the reference week. This method captures short-term labour market conditions and seasonal changes. Difference Between Usual Status and Current Weekly Status Usual Status gives a broader picture of employment over a longer period. Current Weekly Status gives a more immediate picture of employment in the previous week. Because of this, unemployment or labour force participation figures may differ under both methods. Latest Trends According to the PLFS Annual Report 2025, for persons aged 15 years and above, the usual status indicators were: This shows an improvement in labour force participation, especially among women, though the quality of employment remains an important concern. Monthly PLFS data for March 2026 under Current Weekly Status showed: These figures differ from annual usual status data because monthly PLFS uses the short reference period of current weekly status. Importance PLFS is important because it provides regular and official labour market data. It helps in understanding: It is widely used by policymakers, economists, researchers and government agencies. Significance for Policy PLFS data helps the government design and evaluate employment-related policies. It supports policy decisions on: For example, female LFPR data helps assess whether women are entering the labour force and what kind of work they are getting. Limitations PLFS is useful, but it has some limitations. It may not fully capture unpaid domestic work. Women’s work in family farms, livestock, household enterprises and informal activities may be underreported. Short-term employment estimates may fluctuate due to seasonality. Survey-based data depends on accurate reporting by households. It measures whether people are employed, but not always the quality, wages or security of employment in detail. Key Concern A rise in employment indicators does not automatically mean good-quality employment. For example, an increase in self-employment or unpaid family work may raise labour force participation, but it may not represent secure or well-paid jobs. Therefore, PLFS data should be read along with wage data, sectoral employment, informality, social security coverage and quality of work. Conclusion The Periodic Labour Force Survey is India’s most important official source for regular employment and unemployment data. It provides quarterly urban estimates and annual rural-urban estimates through indicators like LFPR, WPR and unemployment rate. Its importance lies not only in measuring joblessness, but also in understanding the structure and quality of India’s labour market.
Female Labour Force Participation Rate
Female Labour Force Participation Rate measures the share of women who are either working or actively seeking/available for work. It includes: It does not include women who are outside the labour force, such as those only engaged in unpaid domestic work, full-time education, elderly care, childcare, or those not seeking work. Formula Female LFPR = Female labour force / Total female population × 100 Usually, it is measured for women aged 15 years and above. Current Status in India India’s female LFPR has improved in recent years, but it remains low compared to many major economies. According to the PLFS Annual Report 2025, female LFPR in usual status for persons aged 15 years and above stood at 40.0% in 2025, while male LFPR was 79.1%. Rural female LFPR was higher at 45.9%, showing that women’s participation is much stronger in rural areas than in urban areas. Monthly PLFS data shows some fluctuation. In March 2026, female LFPR was 34.4% under the current weekly status approach, with rural female LFPR at 38.9% and urban female LFPR at 25.2%. The difference between these figures is because PLFS uses different measurement methods such as usual status and current weekly status. Usual Status vs Current Weekly Status Usual Status captures a person’s usual activity over a longer reference period. It often gives a higher labour force estimate because it includes principal and subsidiary work. Current Weekly Status captures whether a person worked or was available for work during the last seven days. It is more short-term and can show seasonal fluctuations. This is why female LFPR can appear different across annual and monthly PLFS releases. Why Female LFPR Matters Female LFPR is important because women’s economic participation directly affects: A low female LFPR means a large share of the working-age female population is outside paid or recognised economic activity. Reasons for Low Female LFPR in India Several factors keep women out of the labour force. Important reasons include: Many women are working, but their work is not always counted properly because it is unpaid, informal or household-based. Rural-Urban Difference Female LFPR is generally higher in rural India than urban India. This is because rural women are more likely to be involved in agriculture, livestock, self-employment, family labour and MGNREGA-type work. Urban female LFPR remains lower because many women face barriers such as safety concerns, lack of flexible jobs, childcare burden, commuting issues and social restrictions. Quality of Employment Concern A rise in female LFPR is positive, but the quality of employment matters. A major concern is that much of the recent rise has come from self-employment and unpaid family work, especially in rural areas. Reuters reported that experts see India’s recent female participation gains as partly driven by low-quality or poorly paid self-employment rather than strong formal job creation. So, the question is not only whether women are entering the labour force, but whether they are getting secure, paid and productive work. Government Measures Important measures supporting female labour participation include: However, policy still needs stronger focus on care infrastructure, safe mobility and formal job creation for women. Challenges The major challenges are: Conclusion Female LFPR measures women’s participation in paid or recognised economic activity. India’s female LFPR has improved, with the annual PLFS showing 40.0% in 2025 for women aged 15 and above. But the deeper challenge is the quality of work, especially because many women remain concentrated in informal, unpaid or low-income self-employment. For India, raising female LFPR is not only a gender issue. It is central to growth, poverty reduction, social justice and realising the demographic dividend.
CRISPR-Cas9
CRISPR was originally discovered as a natural defence mechanism in bacteria. Bacteria use CRISPR to remember viruses and protect themselves from future viral attacks. Scientists later adapted this system as a tool for editing genes in plants, animals and humans. How It Works CRISPR-Cas9 has two main parts: After the DNA is cut, the cell repairs it. During repair, scientists can either disrupt a harmful gene or introduce a desired genetic change. Importance CRISPR-Cas9 is important because it is: It has transformed genetic research because scientists can now study and modify genes with much greater ease. Applications CRISPR-Cas9 is used in several areas. In medicine, it is being studied for genetic diseases, cancer research, blood disorders and inherited conditions. In agriculture, it can help develop crops that are drought-resistant, disease-resistant or nutritionally improved. In biotechnology, it is used to study gene function and create disease models. In public health research, it may help in developing diagnostics and understanding pathogens. Ethical Concerns CRISPR-Cas9 raises major ethical questions. Concerns include: The biggest debate is around germline editing, where changes can be passed to future generations. Limitations CRISPR is powerful but not perfect. Its limitations include: CRISPR gained global attention after Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna received the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing CRISPR-Cas9 as a gene-editing tool. The technology is now central to modern biotechnology, precision medicine and genetic research. Conclusion CRISPR-Cas9 is one of the most important breakthroughs in modern biology. It allows precise editing of DNA and has major potential in medicine, agriculture and biotechnology. However, because it can alter life at the genetic level, its use requires strong regulation, ethical safeguards and careful scientific monitoring.
Avalanches
Meaning An avalanche is a rapid downslope movement of snow, ice, rock or debris under the force of gravity. It occurs mainly in snow-covered mountainous regions when the accumulated snowpack becomes unstable. Causes Avalanches are triggered by both natural and human factors: Types Loose snow avalanche: Begins from a point and spreads as it moves downward. Slab avalanche: A compact layer of snow breaks away as a block. It is the most dangerous type. Wet snow avalanche: Occurs when melting or rainfall makes snow heavy and unstable. Rock-ice avalanche: Involves snow, ice, rocks and debris, often linked with glaciers or unstable slopes. Avalanche-Prone Areas in India Avalanches mainly occur in the Himalayan region, especially in: High-risk zones include Siachen, Drass, Kargil, Gulmarg, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur and Chamoli. Impacts Avalanches can cause: Climate Change Link Climate change is altering snowfall patterns and increasing temperature variability in mountain regions. This can weaken snow stability, increase wet snow avalanches and make avalanche timing more unpredictable. Mitigation Avalanche risk can be reduced through: Conclusion Avalanches are major mountain hazards caused by unstable snow and slope conditions. In India, they are especially significant in the Himalayas, where they affect local communities, tourism, roads and defence infrastructure. Effective mitigation requires scientific monitoring, land-use planning and rapid disaster response.
Alaknanda Basin
The Alaknanda basin refers to the drainage area of the Alaknanda River and its tributaries in the central Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The Alaknanda is one of the two main headstreams of the Ganga River, the other being the Bhagirathi. The two rivers meet at Devprayag, after which the river is officially known as the Ganga. Location The Alaknanda basin lies mainly in Uttarakhand, especially in the Garhwal Himalayas. It covers parts of: The basin is mountainous, fragile and highly sensitive to climate, rainfall, landslides and human activity. Source of Alaknanda The Alaknanda River originates near the Satopanth Glacier and Bhagirath Kharak Glacier in the high Himalayas, close to Badrinath. From there, it flows through important Himalayan towns and pilgrimage centres before meeting the Bhagirathi at Devprayag. Major Tributaries The Alaknanda receives several important tributaries. Major tributaries include: These tributaries join the Alaknanda at different confluences, many of which are religiously important. Panch Prayag The Alaknanda basin is famous for the Panch Prayag, the five sacred river confluences of Uttarakhand. They are: These confluences are important from both geographical and religious perspectives. Physical Features The Alaknanda basin has steep slopes, narrow valleys, deep gorges and young Himalayan rocks. Its main features include: Because the Himalayas are geologically young and unstable, the basin is naturally prone to landslides, erosion and flash floods. Religious Importance The basin has major religious significance. Important pilgrimage sites include: The region forms an important part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. Economic Importance The Alaknanda basin supports local livelihoods through: Pilgrimage and tourism are especially important for local employment, but they also increase pressure on roads, slopes, waste management and river systems. Hydropower Importance The Alaknanda and its tributaries have major hydropower potential because of steep gradients and fast river flow. Several hydropower projects have been planned or developed in the basin. However, hydropower development is debated because dams, tunnels, blasting and road construction can increase ecological stress in a fragile Himalayan region. Conclusion The Alaknanda basin is one of the most important Himalayan river basins because it forms a major headstream of the Ganga. It has high geographical, religious, ecological and economic importance. At the same time, it is extremely fragile due to young Himalayan geology, steep slopes, climate change, hydropower pressure, road construction and unplanned tourism. The basin needs careful development based on slope stability, river ecology, disaster risk assessment and sustainable pilgrimage management.
West Bank
Meaning The West Bank is a landlocked Palestinian territory located west of the Jordan River. It is called the West Bank because it lies on the western bank of the Jordan River. It is bordered by: Along with Gaza, the West Bank is one of the two main Palestinian territories. Historical Background After the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the West Bank came under Jordanian control. During the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel captured the West Bank from Jordan, along with East Jerusalem, Gaza, Sinai and Golan Heights. Since then, most of the international community has considered the West Bank as part of the occupied Palestinian territory. Israel disputes some aspects of this legal description and uses security, historical and political arguments for its presence, but UN bodies and most countries treat the area as occupied territory. Areas A, B and C After the Oslo Accords, the West Bank was divided into three administrative zones as a temporary arrangement. Area A is mainly under Palestinian Authority civil and security control. It includes major Palestinian cities such as Ramallah, Nablus, Bethlehem, Jenin and parts of Hebron. Area B is under Palestinian civil control but Israeli security control. Area C is under full Israeli civil and military control. It covers around 60% of the West Bank and includes most Israeli settlements, strategic roads, open land and many natural resources. The Oslo-era division continues even though it was originally meant to be temporary. Palestinian Authority The Palestinian Authority was created after the Oslo process to administer parts of the West Bank and Gaza. In practice, the Palestinian Authority mainly governs parts of the West Bank, especially Area A. However, its power is limited because Israel controls borders, movement, security in large areas, settlements, airspace and much of Area C. This limited authority is one reason why many Palestinians see the West Bank as politically fragmented. Israeli Settlements Israeli settlements are one of the biggest issues in the West Bank. Settlements are Israeli civilian communities built in occupied territory. Most of the international community considers these settlements illegal under international law. Israel disputes this and argues that the legal and historical status of the land is more complex. Settlements matter because they: In 2026, the UN Human Rights Office reported that Israeli settlement expansion and annexation measures had intensified in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, contributing to displacement and increased violence. Strategic Importance The West Bank is strategically important for both Israelis and Palestinians. For Palestinians, it is central to the idea of a future Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its hoped-for capital. For Israel, the West Bank is linked to security concerns because of its proximity to major Israeli cities and its elevated terrain. This creates a deep conflict between Palestinian claims of self-determination and Israeli security concerns. Conclusion The West Bank is a Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967 and divided administratively into Areas A, B and C after the Oslo Accords. It remains central to the Israel-Palestine conflict because of Israeli settlements, Palestinian statehood claims, movement restrictions, security concerns and the status of East Jerusalem. The core issue is whether the West Bank can become part of a viable Palestinian state, or whether continued settlement expansion and territorial fragmentation will make that possibility increasingly difficult.
Gaza
Meaning Gaza, or the Gaza Strip, is a narrow coastal territory on the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the two main Palestinian territories, the other being the West Bank. Gaza is bordered by: It is a very small but highly populated territory, with Gaza City as its main urban centre. Basic Geography Gaza is around 365 sq km in area and is one of the most densely populated places in the world. Its population is largely Palestinian, including many refugees and descendants of refugees from the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. Its small size, high population density and restricted movement make any conflict or blockade especially damaging for civilians. Historical Background After the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Gaza came under Egyptian control. In the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel captured Gaza from Egypt, along with the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Sinai Peninsula and Golan Heights. In 2005, Israel withdrew its settlements and permanent ground troops from Gaza. However, Israel retained control over Gaza’s airspace, maritime access and most land crossings. Egypt also controls the Rafah crossing. In 2007, Hamas took control of Gaza after conflict with Fatah. Since then, Gaza has been governed internally by Hamas, while the Palestinian Authority has remained stronger in the West Bank. Legal Status The legal status of Gaza is disputed. Israel argues that after its 2005 disengagement, Gaza is no longer occupied in the traditional sense. However, the United Nations, many international legal experts and human rights bodies continue to treat Gaza as part of the occupied Palestinian territory, mainly because Israel retains significant control over borders, airspace, sea access, movement of goods and people, and security conditions. The International Court of Justice in 2024 also noted that occupation does not require permanent physical military presence if a power continues to exercise key authority over the territory. Why Gaza is Important Gaza is important because it is central to the Israel-Palestine conflict. It represents issues such as: Any long-term peace arrangement between Israel and Palestine has to address Gaza’s governance, security, reconstruction and connection with the West Bank. Hamas and Governance Hamas has controlled Gaza since 2007. This created a political split between: This division has weakened Palestinian political unity and complicated peace negotiations. Israel, the United States and several other countries classify Hamas as a terrorist organisation, while Hamas presents itself as a resistance movement. This disagreement makes Gaza’s governance question highly sensitive. Blockade and Restrictions Since 2007, Gaza has faced a blockade and strict restrictions on movement of people and goods. These restrictions have affected: Israel argues that restrictions are necessary for security and to prevent weapons smuggling. Palestinians and humanitarian groups argue that the blockade has created long-term civilian suffering and economic collapse. Gaza War and Humanitarian Crisis The latest major war began after the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, in which Israeli civilians and soldiers were killed and hostages were taken. Israel then launched a major military campaign in Gaza. The war caused massive destruction of housing, hospitals, schools, water networks, sanitation systems and basic infrastructure. As of April 2026, humanitarian agencies continue to report severe conditions in Gaza. OCHA reported ongoing severe medical needs, including at least 560 severe limb reconstruction cases identified in Gaza in 2026. Recent UN humanitarian reporting also said two UNICEF contractors were killed while delivering drinking water in northern Gaza, leading to suspension of operations at a key filling point. Water and Health Crisis Gaza’s water crisis is one of the most serious humanitarian concerns. War damage, fuel shortages, restrictions on spare parts and destruction of infrastructure have badly affected water and sanitation systems. Reports in April 2026 noted that many families were surviving on far below the UN-recommended minimum water requirement, while overcrowding and poor sanitation increased the risk of disease. This has created conditions for: Food Insecurity Food insecurity has also become a major issue. A 2026 global food-crisis report noted that famine was declared in Gaza in 2025 and that Gaza remained among the areas facing catastrophic hunger conditions. Food insecurity in Gaza is linked to conflict, displacement, blockade, destruction of markets, loss of livelihoods and disruption of humanitarian aid. Displacement Large parts of Gaza’s population have been displaced during the war. Displacement has created overcrowding in shelters, camps and temporary settlements. Major problems include: Because Gaza is geographically small, civilians often have limited safe places to move. Reconstruction Challenge Reconstruction of Gaza will be extremely difficult. Key challenges include: Reconstruction is not only an engineering issue. It is also a political and security question. Strategic Importance Gaza has strategic importance because it lies on the Mediterranean coast and borders both Israel and Egypt. It is also linked to wider Middle East politics involving: Events in Gaza often influence regional stability, global diplomacy and public opinion across the Arab and Muslim world. Main Challenges Gaza faces multiple overlapping challenges: Conclusion Gaza is one of the most sensitive territories in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Its importance comes from its geography, population density, refugee history, Hamas governance, Israeli security concerns and severe humanitarian crisis. Any durable solution will require more than a ceasefire. It will need civilian protection, humanitarian access, reconstruction, credible governance, security guarantees and a political framework connecting Gaza with the wider Palestinian question.
Golan Heights
The Golan Heights is a hilly plateau in the south-west of Syria, near Israel, Lebanon and Jordan. It is one of the most strategically sensitive territories in the Middle East because it gives military advantage, controls important water resources, and lies close to key conflict zones. The Golan Heights overlooks: Its elevated position gives it major strategic value. Whoever controls the Golan can monitor and influence surrounding lowland areas. Historical Background Before 1967, the Golan Heights was part of Syria. During the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel captured most of the Golan Heights from Syria. After the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, a ceasefire arrangement was created between Israel and Syria, and a UN-monitored buffer zone was established. In 1981, Israel passed the Golan Heights Law, applying Israeli law, jurisdiction and administration to the territory. This was effectively annexation, though Israel generally frames the Golan as essential for its security. International Legal Status Most of the international community considers the Golan Heights to be Israeli-occupied Syrian territory. The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 497 in 1981, declaring Israel’s decision to impose its laws and administration on the occupied Syrian Golan “null and void and without international legal effect.” Britannica also notes that Israel captured the area from Syria in 1967, annexed it in 1981, and that the annexation is not internationally recognised except by the United States, which recognised Israeli sovereignty over the area in 2019. Strategic Importance The Golan Heights is important mainly because of geography and security. Its importance includes: For Israel, the Golan is seen as a protective strategic shield. For Syria, it remains occupied national territory. UN Buffer Zone After the 1973 war, the 1974 Disengagement Agreement created a separation zone between Israeli and Syrian forces. The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, or UNDOF, was deployed to monitor the ceasefire and supervise the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces. Security Council Report notes that UNDOF’s mandate is to maintain the ceasefire and supervise the areas of separation and limitation. Water Importance The Golan Heights is also important because of water. It lies near the headwaters and catchment areas linked to the Jordan River system and the Sea of Galilee. This makes it important for water security, agriculture and settlement patterns. In a water-stressed region like the Middle East, control over such areas has strategic value beyond military considerations. Settlements Israel has established settlements in the Golan Heights. These settlements are controversial because the territory is considered occupied under international law by most countries and UN bodies. Settlement activity strengthens Israel’s control over the area and makes future territorial negotiations more difficult. Conclusion The Golan Heights is a strategically located plateau captured by Israel from Syria in 1967 and annexed by Israel in 1981. Israel sees it as vital for national security, while Syria and most of the international community consider it occupied Syrian territory. Its importance comes from its height, military value, water resources and role in the Israel-Syria conflict. The issue remains unresolved because it involves both hard security concerns and core principles of international law.
East Jerusalem
East Jerusalem refers to the eastern part of Jerusalem that was captured by Israel from Jordan during the 1967 Six-Day War. It includes the Old City of Jerusalem, which contains some of the holiest sites of Judaism, Islam and Christianity. East Jerusalem is one of the most disputed areas in the Israel-Palestine conflict because both Israelis and Palestinians attach deep historical, religious and political importance to it. Historical Background After the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Jerusalem was divided. West Jerusalem came under Israeli control, while East Jerusalem, including the Old City, came under Jordanian control. In the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel captured East Jerusalem along with the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula and Golan Heights. After this, Israel expanded Jerusalem’s municipal boundaries and applied Israeli law and administration to East Jerusalem. Britannica notes that Israel occupied the Jordanian sector in 1967, expanded city boundaries, and later reaffirmed Jerusalem as its capital through a 1980 law. Present Status Israel considers the whole of Jerusalem, including East Jerusalem, as its capital. However, Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. Most of the international community does not recognise Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem and treats it as part of the occupied Palestinian territory. The International Court of Justice’s 2024 advisory opinion summary noted that Israeli domestic law has been applied in East Jerusalem since 1967 and that Israel treats East Jerusalem as its own territory. Why East Jerusalem is Important East Jerusalem is important because it combines religion, territory, identity and sovereignty. It includes: Because of these sites, any change in East Jerusalem often creates strong political and religious reactions across the Middle East. Legal Dispute The legal dispute is mainly about whether Israel’s control over East Jerusalem is valid under international law. Israel argues that Jerusalem is its unified capital. Palestinians and most international bodies argue that East Jerusalem is occupied territory and that its final status should be decided through negotiations. The United Nations has repeatedly referred to the occupied Palestinian territory as including East Jerusalem. The UN Human Rights Council continues to use the phrase “Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem” in its mandate and reporting. Settlements Israeli settlements in and around East Jerusalem are one of the biggest points of dispute. Settlements are controversial because they change facts on the ground and make a future Palestinian capital in East Jerusalem more difficult. UN bodies and most countries consider Israeli settlements in occupied territory illegal under international law. In 2025, the UN human rights office said a major Israeli settlement plan between the West Bank and East Jerusalem would violate international law and could undermine the possibility of a Palestinian state. Palestinian Concerns Palestinians in East Jerusalem face several issues. These include: These issues make East Jerusalem not only a diplomatic dispute, but also a daily governance and human rights issue. Strategic Importance East Jerusalem is central to the two-state solution. For Palestinians, a viable Palestinian state is difficult to imagine without East Jerusalem as its capital. For Israel, control over united Jerusalem is seen as a matter of national and religious identity. This is why East Jerusalem remains one of the most difficult final-status issues in peace negotiations, along with borders, refugees, settlements and security. Conclusion East Jerusalem is one of the most contested territories in the world. It is important because it contains sacred religious sites, Palestinian neighbourhoods, Israeli settlements and the symbolic capital claims of both sides. The core dispute is simple but deeply difficult: Israel claims a unified Jerusalem as its capital, while Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. Any lasting peace settlement will have to address East Jerusalem’s political, legal, religious and humanitarian dimensions.
