Palestine is the region between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan river in the Middle East that includes the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and parts of Israel. Although there is no officially defined capital for the State of Palestine, East Jerusalem is as close as it gets.

East Jerusalem is considered the occupied capital of Palestine, although this is not internationally recognized. The eastern sector of Jerusalem was conquered by Israel during the 1967 war and later annexed under a law passed by the Israeli Parliament. The annexation was never recognized by the international community, leading to East Jerusalem being seen as the de facto capital of Palestine.

East Jerusalem is the site of some of the holiest places for the three world monotheistic religions: Islam, Judaism and Christianity. It contains an important part of the Old City of Jerusalem that is home to the Al-Quds mosque, the Dome of the Rock, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and numerous historical sites.

As part of the ongoing peace negotiations between Palestinian and Israeli authorities, the status of East Jerusalem is likely to remain under dispute until a clear resolution is reached.

Until then, East Jerusalem is the closest thing to a capital for Palestine and its legal status is uncertain.