Meaning: The quote in question, attributed to Silvan Shalom, a prominent Israeli politician, references a statement made by King Hussein of Jordan in 1988 regarding territories that were at the center of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is important to delve into the historical and geopolitical context surrounding the territories in question, as well as the legal implications of King Hussein's statement.

During the 20th century, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict emerged as one of the most enduring and complex disputes in the Middle East. At the heart of this conflict are the territories of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, which have been the subject of intense contention and competing claims by Israelis and Palestinians. These territories were captured by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967, leading to a protracted struggle over their sovereignty and control.

King Hussein of Jordan's statement in 1988 holds particular significance in this context. By declaring that there was no longer any connection to these territories and expressing a desire to split from them, King Hussein signaled a shift in Jordan's position regarding its historical claims to the West Bank. This statement came at a critical juncture in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as it raised questions about the status and ownership of the territories under international law.

The assertion that, according to international law, the territories do not belong to anyone is a provocative and contentious claim. International law, particularly as it pertains to territorial sovereignty and occupation, is a complex and multifaceted field. The legal status of the territories in question has been the subject of numerous international resolutions, agreements, and legal opinions, making it a highly contested and debated issue.

From a legal standpoint, the principle of territorial sovereignty is a fundamental tenet of international law. Sovereignty refers to the exclusive authority of a state over its territorial boundaries, including the right to govern and control the land, resources, and population within those boundaries. In the case of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, both Israel and the Palestinian Authority lay claim to the territories, each asserting its own legal and historical justifications for sovereignty.

The question of the legal status of the territories also intersects with the principles of occupation and self-determination. Under international law, the prolonged occupation of territory acquired through military force is subject to specific legal obligations and prohibitions, including the prohibition against acquiring territory by force. This principle has been enshrined in numerous international agreements and resolutions, including United Nations Security Council Resolution 242, which calls for the "withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied in the recent conflict."

Moreover, the right to self-determination is a foundational principle of international law, affirming the rights of peoples to determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development. This principle has been invoked in support of the Palestinian claim to statehood and sovereignty over the occupied territories, emphasizing the aspirations of the Palestinian people for independence and self-governance.

In light of these legal principles and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the assertion that the territories do not belong to anyone according to international law must be understood within the broader legal and historical context. While the statement by King Hussein of Jordan in 1988 reflects a significant development in the regional dynamics of the conflict, it does not provide a definitive resolution to the legal complexities and competing claims surrounding the territories.

In conclusion, the quote attributed to Silvan Shalom referencing King Hussein's statement in 1988 encapsulates the intricate and multifaceted nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the legal complexities surrounding the territories at its core. Understanding the historical, geopolitical, and legal dimensions of this quote is essential for comprehending the enduring challenges and debates inherent in the quest for a peaceful and just resolution to the conflict.