6.4 The First Intifada and the Oslo Peace Process
4 min read•august 9, 2024
The First , a Palestinian uprising against Israeli , erupted in 1987. It marked a turning point in the Arab-Israeli conflict, shifting global perceptions and leading to diplomatic efforts for peace. The uprising's impact set the stage for negotiations.
The Oslo Peace Process, a series of agreements in the 1990s, aimed to resolve the conflict. It established Palestinian self-governance in parts of the West Bank and Gaza. Despite initial progress, the process faced challenges and ultimately failed to achieve a lasting peace agreement.
Palestinian Uprising
Origins and Key Players of the First Intifada
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- First Intifada erupted in December 1987 as a grassroots Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation
- Sparked by an Israeli military truck collision killing four Palestinians in Gaza
- Characterized by widespread civil disobedience, strikes, and protests
- Palestinians employed stone-throwing and tire burning as primary tactics
- Israel responded with force, leading to increased casualties and international attention
- emerged as the primary representative of Palestinian interests
- Founded in 1964 to liberate Palestine through armed struggle
- Led by from 1969 until his death in 2004
- Initially considered a terrorist organization by Israel and the United States
Impact and Consequences of the Uprising
- First Intifada lasted until 1993, resulting in over 1,000 Palestinian deaths and 100 Israeli deaths
- Brought international attention to the Palestinian cause and Israeli occupation
- Shifted global perception of the conflict, portraying Palestinians as victims rather than aggressors
- Led to increased diplomatic efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
- Yasser Arafat played a crucial role in mobilizing international support for Palestinian statehood
- Delivered speeches at the United Nations General Assembly
- Engaged in diplomatic negotiations with Israeli and international leaders
- Intifada paved the way for the Oslo Peace Process and subsequent negotiations
Oslo Peace Process
Key Agreements and Negotiations
- refers to a series of agreements between Israel and the PLO in the 1990s
- Secret negotiations in Oslo, Norway led to the initial breakthrough in 1993
- signed on September 13, 1993, in Washington D.C.
- Outlined a framework for Palestinian self-governance in parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip
- Established a five-year interim period for further negotiations on final status issues
- signed in May 1994
- Implemented the first stage of Palestinian self-rule in Gaza and Jericho
- Outlined Israeli military withdrawal and transfer of civil authority to Palestinians
- signed in September 1995
- Expanded Palestinian self-rule to other parts of the West Bank
- Divided the West Bank into Areas A, B, and C with varying levels of Palestinian and Israeli control
Implementation and Challenges
- Oslo Process faced numerous obstacles and setbacks
- Continued Israeli in the occupied territories
- Violent attacks by extremist groups on both sides (Hamas suicide bombings, Baruch Goldstein massacre)
- Assassination of Israeli Prime Minister in 1995 by a right-wing Israeli extremist
- Failure to reach a final agreement on key issues (Jerusalem, refugees, borders) by the end of the interim period
- Second Intifada erupted in 2000, further derailing the peace process
Proposed Solution
Palestinian Authority and Governance
- established in 1994 as a result of the Oslo Accords
- Responsible for civil administration and internal security in Areas A and B of the West Bank
- Initially led by Yasser Arafat as President, followed by Mahmoud Abbas
- PA faced challenges in establishing effective governance and combating corruption
- Limited authority and resources hindered the PA's ability to provide services and maintain security
- Internal divisions between Fatah and Hamas further complicated Palestinian governance
Two-State Solution and Its Challenges
- proposes the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel
- Widely supported by the international community as the preferred resolution to the conflict
- Key issues to be resolved include:
- Final borders and territorial swaps
- Status of Jerusalem (proposed as a shared capital)
- Palestinian refugees' right of return
- Israeli settlements in the West Bank
- Security arrangements
- Obstacles to implementing the two-state solution include:
- Continued Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank
- Palestinian political divisions (Fatah-Hamas split)
- Lack of trust between Israeli and Palestinian leadership
- Disagreements on the status of Jerusalem and refugee issues
- Alternative proposals (one-state solution, confederation) gained attention as two-state solution faced setbacks
Key Terms to Review (22)
1987 Intifada: The 1987 Intifada, also known as the First Intifada, was a grassroots Palestinian uprising that erupted against Israeli rule in the occupied territories, particularly in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. It marked a significant turning point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the desire for Palestinian self-determination and leading to increased international awareness of the situation. The Intifada's impact paved the way for subsequent peace negotiations, including the Oslo Peace Process.
Declaration of Principles: The Declaration of Principles refers to a framework agreement reached during the Oslo Peace Process in the early 1990s, aimed at establishing a basis for peace and coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. This declaration outlined key issues such as self-governance, the recognition of mutual rights, and the intention to negotiate a final status agreement, paving the way for future discussions about territory and governance.
Gaza-Jericho Agreement: The Gaza-Jericho Agreement, signed in 1994, was a significant accord between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) that established limited self-governance for Palestinians in parts of the Gaza Strip and Jericho. This agreement marked the first time Israel recognized the PLO as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, setting the stage for further negotiations in the Oslo Peace Process and aiming to foster a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Increased tensions: Increased tensions refer to the growing hostilities, conflicts, and discord between groups or nations that can arise from a variety of political, social, or economic factors. This concept is particularly relevant when examining events in the context of the First Intifada and the Oslo Peace Process, where longstanding grievances and the struggle for rights and recognition fueled escalated conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians, impacting efforts toward peace and coexistence.
International mediators: International mediators are neutral third parties, often countries or organizations, that facilitate dialogue and negotiations between conflicting parties to resolve disputes peacefully. They play a crucial role in the peace process by providing structure to discussions, suggesting compromises, and helping build trust among the involved parties. Their involvement can significantly influence the outcomes of negotiations, particularly in protracted conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian situation during the First Intifada and the subsequent Oslo Peace Process.
Intifada: Intifada refers to a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation, characterized by widespread protests, civil disobedience, and violence. The term literally means 'shaking off' in Arabic and is significant for encapsulating the struggle of the Palestinian people in their pursuit of self-determination and statehood. The First Intifada, which lasted from 1987 to 1993, marked a pivotal moment in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and was closely tied to the subsequent Oslo Peace Process aimed at resolving the long-standing disputes over land and governance.
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF): The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) is the military organization responsible for the defense of the State of Israel, established in 1948 following the country's founding. The IDF consists of ground forces, air forces, and naval units, and it plays a crucial role in Israel's security policies and military strategy, especially during periods of conflict such as the First Intifada and the Oslo Peace Process.
Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement (Oslo II): The Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement, also known as Oslo II, was a pivotal 1995 agreement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) aimed at laying the groundwork for Palestinian self-governance in parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This agreement built upon the earlier Oslo I accords and was meant to expand Palestinian autonomy, address security arrangements, and facilitate the gradual transfer of authority to a Palestinian governing body, reflecting the ongoing peace process initiated during the First Intifada.
National Identity: National identity refers to the sense of belonging and attachment individuals feel towards their nation, shaped by shared culture, history, language, and values. This concept became increasingly significant in the context of political movements and conflicts in the Middle East, particularly during periods like the First Intifada and the Oslo Peace Process, as people sought to define their identity against colonial and occupying powers.
Occupation: Occupation refers to the control and administration of a territory by a foreign power, often resulting in significant impacts on the lives of the local population. In the context of the First Intifada and the Oslo Peace Process, occupation specifically pertains to Israel's military presence and governance over Palestinian territories following the 1967 Six-Day War. This situation created deep-rooted tensions and conflicts, influencing both resistance movements and diplomatic efforts toward peace.
Oslo Accords: The Oslo Accords are a series of agreements reached in the 1990s between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), aimed at achieving a peace process and resolving the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These agreements marked a significant shift towards negotiations, moving away from decades of violence and leading to mutual recognition between both parties, which included the establishment of the Palestinian Authority and the promise of further negotiations on key issues such as borders and refugees.
Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO): The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is a political and paramilitary organization founded in 1964 to represent the Palestinian people and their national aspirations. It emerged as a response to the growing need for a unified Palestinian identity and leadership in the struggle against Israeli occupation. The PLO has played a critical role in advocating for Palestinian rights and seeking recognition of statehood, particularly during the First Intifada and the subsequent Oslo Peace Process.
Palestinian Authority (PA): The Palestinian Authority (PA) is an interim self-government body established to govern parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip following the Oslo Accords in the 1990s. The PA was created to facilitate Palestinian governance and provide a framework for the eventual establishment of an independent Palestinian state, directly connecting it to the events of the First Intifada and the Oslo Peace Process.
Political Dialogue: Political dialogue refers to the process of discussion and negotiation between different political entities to address issues, conflicts, or policies. This process is essential for building consensus, understanding differing perspectives, and fostering peace and cooperation among stakeholders. In the context of the First Intifada and the Oslo Peace Process, political dialogue became a crucial tool for Israelis and Palestinians to address long-standing grievances and work toward a peaceful resolution to their conflict.
Resistance: Resistance refers to the efforts and actions taken by individuals or groups to oppose, confront, or challenge an authority or occupying power. In the context of the First Intifada and the Oslo Peace Process, resistance manifested as both organized and spontaneous movements aimed at confronting Israeli military presence and asserting Palestinian national identity and rights. The term is crucial in understanding the dynamics of conflict and negotiation during this tumultuous period.
Self-determination: Self-determination is the principle that a group of people has the right to determine their own political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development. This idea emerged prominently in the context of colonialism and nationalism, as various groups sought autonomy and independence from external rule. The concept became crucial during significant movements in the Middle East, leading to various struggles for statehood and national identity.
Settlement Expansion: Settlement expansion refers to the increase in the number and size of communities or settlements, often associated with the growth of population and territorial claims. In the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it specifically pertains to the establishment and growth of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories following the 1967 Six-Day War. This expansion has significant implications for demographics, land control, and ongoing tensions in the region.
Stone-throwing youth: Stone-throwing youth refers to the young Palestinian individuals, often teenagers, who participated in the protests and confrontations during the First Intifada against Israeli military occupation from 1987 to 1993. This term symbolizes the defiance of these youths, who used stones as a primary means of protest, highlighting their marginalized position and the struggle for Palestinian rights amid rising tensions in the region.
Two-state solution: The two-state solution is a proposed framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by establishing two separate states: one for the Jewish people of Israel and another for the Palestinian people. This approach aims to address the aspirations of both groups for self-determination, peace, and security, while acknowledging their historical grievances and the complexities surrounding territorial claims.
UN Resolutions: UN Resolutions are formal decisions or declarations made by the United Nations, often addressing issues of international concern and conflict. They serve as a mechanism for the UN to express the collective will of its member states and can include directives, recommendations, or measures intended to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations. In the context of the First Intifada and the Oslo Peace Process, these resolutions have played a crucial role in shaping international responses and facilitating negotiations between conflicting parties.
Yasser Arafat: Yasser Arafat was a prominent Palestinian political leader and a key figure in the struggle for Palestinian self-determination. He served as the chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and became a symbol of the Palestinian nationalist movement. Arafat played a pivotal role during the First Intifada and was instrumental in the Oslo Peace Process, which sought to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while also addressing the challenges posed by ongoing refugee crises and population displacements in the region.
Yitzhak Rabin: Yitzhak Rabin was an Israeli politician and general who served as Prime Minister of Israel twice, with his most notable term being during the Oslo Peace Process in the 1990s. He played a crucial role in negotiating peace between Israel and the Palestinians, particularly during the First Intifada, where he initially advocated for a hardline military response but later shifted towards dialogue and diplomacy, culminating in the historic signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993.