Jerusalem:Peace Between Approaches: Functionalism and dismantling of Settler Colonialism
Date
2025-01
Authors
Board of Al-Maqdisiyah
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Al-Quds University
Abstract
Peace in Palestine cannot be achieved without resolving the issue of Jerusalem through the recognition of national rights. Equally, peace for the three Abrahamic faiths and their global followers remains elusive without this resolution. Throughout history, Jerusalem has stood as the key to both war and peace. Yet in modern times, true peace has been absent due to the Zionist occupation and the exclusive claim that the city belongs solely to Jews, marginalizing others.
Against this backdrop, we explore the path to securing peace in Jerusalem, and by extension, Palestine and the wider world. We critically examine the prevailing approach on the ground—a functional civil solution offered as an alternative to political and national rights in the city. This approach suggests that “Israeli peace” can be achieved by granting superficial civil rights, while sidestepping deeper issues.
In contrast, we consider the reality of settler colonialism in Palestine, including Jerusalem, which underscores that lasting peace is impossible without dismantling the occupation. We then analyze the outcome of the conflict between these two opposing viewpoints.
We contend that the functionalist approach cannot deliver peace to Jerusalem or Palestine. It fails to address the core issue: the colonial settlement and the Zionist claim, backed by Israel, that the city’s rights belong exclusively to Jews. This framework inherently excludes the Palestinians—Muslims and Christians alike—from their rightful claims to the city.