Bethlehem
A town in the West Bank that is ruled by Palestinians. It is the location of many holy sites, including the birthplace of Jesus. It has recently been the scene of fighting.
Gaza Strip
Israel has occupied the Gaza Strip since an Arab-Israeli war in 1967. Both Palestinians and Israelis claim that the land is rightfully theirs. A possible compromise would return the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian.
Israel (IS-rai-ul)
Modern Israel was born just 52 years ago, but the land has roots in biblical times when Jewish kings ruled the area. In 70 A.D. Roman conquerors forced the Jews to flee and renamed the area Palestine. Over the centuries, it was ruled by many different powers.
Jerusalem
Israel's capital. Palestinians also claim it as their capital. Jews, Muslims, and Christians consider Jerusalem a holy city. Sacred sites of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity overlap here, one on top of another. Jerusalem has immense religious and historical importance, and remains the sticking point in Arab-Israeli negotiations.
Middle East
An area that is not a country or a continent. Instead, it is an unofficial geographic region that is made up of some southwest Asian and northeast African countries. Countries included in the area are Israel, Egypt, and Jordan. The Middle East is the birthplace of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Palestine
This is the ancient name for an area in the Middle East that now includes Israel. The Romans conquered the land and named it Palestine. Many different peoples ruled the land. Palestinian leader Yassir Arafat has been fighting to form an Arab state of Palestine since 1969.
Ramallah
A town in the West Bank. The main headquarters for the Palestine Liberation Organization is located there.
West Bank
Israel has occupied the West Bank since an Arab-Israeli war in 1967. Palestinian leader Yassir Arafat wants to rule the West Bank. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak wants Israel to remain in control of most of it. A possible compromise would be to return some of the West Bank to the Palestine Authority.
