Gaza-Jericho Agreement

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Gaza-Jericho Agreement was signed on May 4, 1994, and was part of the broader Oslo Peace Process aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
2. Under this agreement, Palestinians were granted limited autonomy in the Gaza Strip and Jericho, allowing them to establish a Palestinian Authority for governance.
3. Israel retained control over security matters and continued to regulate borders, which created tensions regarding sovereignty and control.
4. The agreement also included provisions for economic cooperation between Israel and the newly formed Palestinian Authority, aiming to improve conditions for Palestinians.
5. The success of this agreement was dependent on subsequent negotiations, but it faced challenges due to ongoing violence and disagreements over key issues like borders and refugees.

Review Questions

• What were the primary objectives of the Gaza-Jericho Agreement, and how did it impact Palestinian governance?
  • The primary objectives of the Gaza-Jericho Agreement were to establish limited self-governance for Palestinians in Gaza and Jericho while recognizing the PLO as their legitimate representative. This agreement allowed for the formation of a Palestinian Authority, which was responsible for local governance and administration. However, despite these advancements, Israel retained significant control over security matters, which complicated full sovereignty for Palestinians and led to ongoing tensions.
• Analyze how the Gaza-Jericho Agreement fits into the broader context of the Oslo Peace Process and its implications for future negotiations.
  • The Gaza-Jericho Agreement was a crucial step within the broader Oslo Peace Process as it represented the first formal recognition by Israel of Palestinian self-rule. It laid the groundwork for future negotiations by establishing a framework for cooperation between both parties. However, its implications were mixed; while it signaled progress toward peace, the limitations on Palestinian autonomy and continued violence highlighted deep-rooted issues that would challenge subsequent agreements.
• Evaluate the impact of ongoing tensions following the Gaza-Jericho Agreement on the prospects for lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
  • The ongoing tensions following the Gaza-Jericho Agreement significantly hindered prospects for lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Despite initial optimism surrounding the agreement, unresolved issues such as security arrangements, borders, and refugee rights remained contentious. The persistence of violence and distrust led to further instability, undermining confidence in negotiations and complicating efforts toward achieving a comprehensive peace settlement that would address both parties' needs and aspirations.

Related terms

Oslo Accords: A series of agreements between Israel and the PLO that aimed to achieve a peace treaty based on United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, ultimately leading to a two-state solution.

Intifada: A Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation that began in 1987, which played a crucial role in raising international awareness about the Palestinian cause and led to the initiation of peace talks.

PLO: The Palestine Liberation Organization is an umbrella organization representing various Palestinian groups and has been central to Palestinian national aspirations, particularly in negotiating with Israel.