Exquisite: the Old City walls from Jaffa Gate, showing the Citadel and David’s Tower (left) and the Church of the Dormition with its bell tower, which stand outside the Zion Gate. Photo: Stuart Littlewood
At the centre of this religious and territorial conflict stands Jerusalem, an exquisite city of great antiquity.It has survived two dozen wars and is the focal point for the two peoples – Palestinians and Israelis – and the three religions, Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Its many holy places are a magnet to the faithful of all denominations, which is why Jerusalem was declared an international city by the UN. But countless Christian and Muslim Palestinians – even those living just outside – have been unable to visit their Holy City for many years.