The Golan Heights: A Contested Territory
A Rocky Plateau at the Heart of Conflict
Definition
The Golan Heights (Arabic: مرتفعات الجولان Murtafaʻātu l-Jawlān; Hebrew: רמת הגולן Ramat HaGolan) is a rocky plateau located at the southern end of the Anti-Lebanon Mountains, straddling the borders of Syria and Israel.
History
The Golan Heights was part of extreme southwestern Syria until the Six-Day War in 1967, when it was captured by Israel. Since then, it has remained under Israeli occupation, despite international condemnation and calls for its return to Syria.
Geography
The Golan Heights overlooks the upper Jordan River valley on the west and is characterized by its rugged terrain, with steep slopes and a series of extinct volcanic peaks. The plateau has a strategic location, providing a commanding view of the region below.
Settlements
Israel has established numerous settlements in the Golan Heights, with a population of over 50,000. These settlements are considered illegal under international law, which prohibits the transfer of civilian populations into occupied territories.
争议
The Golan Heights remains a major source of tension between Syria and Israel. Syria demands its return as part of a comprehensive peace settlement, while Israel insists on retaining it for security reasons.
Conclusion
The Golan Heights is a contested territory that has been at the heart of conflict for decades. Its strategic location and complex history make it a flashpoint for tensions between Syria and Israel, and a potential obstacle to achieving peace in the region.
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