The Holy Land, as a geographic region, is currently under the sovereign control of multiple states and administrations. It is not held by a single entity, but rather encompasses territories governed by several modern-day nations and self-governing areas.
Understanding the Geographic Scope
Historically and geographically, the description "Holy Land" broadly includes modern-day Israel, the Palestinian territories, Lebanon, western Jordan, and south-western Syria. This means various political entities exercise control over different segments of this religiously significant area.
Current Control and Administration
The following entities currently govern portions of what is traditionally recognized as the Holy Land:
| Entity | Regions Under Control (within the Holy Land definition) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Israel | Most of modern-day Israel, East Jerusalem | Controls the majority of the territory historically associated with the Holy Land. This includes major religious sites for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and it maintains significant security and administrative control over parts of the West Bank. |
| Palestinian Authority | Portions of the West Bank | Exercises limited self-governance over various Palestinian population centers in the West Bank, designated as Areas A and B under the Oslo Accords. |
| Hamas | Gaza Strip | Governs the Gaza Strip, a densely populated coastal enclave that falls within the broader geographic definition. |
| Lebanon | All of its national territory | A sovereign state controlling its land, a portion of which, particularly its southern regions, falls within the broader definition of the Holy Land. |
| Jordan | Western Jordan | A sovereign state, controlling its western regions that are part of the Holy Land's geographical scope. Jordan also plays a significant role in the administration of Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem, particularly the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, through the Jerusalem Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Department. |
| Syria | South-western Syria | A sovereign state controlling its territory, including the south-western regions encompassed by the Holy Land description. This includes areas like the Golan Heights (partially occupied by Israel) and regions bordering Jordan and Lebanon. |
Complexities and Shared Significance
The division of the Holy Land among these various administrations reflects a complex history of political developments, conflicts, and international agreements. Despite the diverse political control, the region remains of immense religious importance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, with countless sacred sites spread across these territories. Many locations hold significance for multiple faiths, leading to intricate arrangements for access and management.
This diverse control ensures that the Holy Land is not "held" by a single power, but rather is a mosaic of sovereign states and self-governing territories, each with their own national interests and responsibilities towards their respective portions.
