Oslo II Accord

The Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, known as Oslo II or Oslo 2, was an important step in trying to bring peace between Israel and Palestine. It was signed in Taba, Egypt on 28 September 1995. This agreement was part of a bigger plan called the Oslo Accords, which hoped to create a Palestinian government that could run itself in parts of the West Bank and Gaza.

Oslo II divided parts of the West Bank into three areas: Areas A, B, and C. The Palestinian Authority was allowed to have some control and make decisions in Areas A and B. This was meant to be a temporary setup while both sides talked about a final agreement. The talks were based on ideas from United Nations Security Council Resolutions, especially Resolutions 242 and 338.

This agreement was very important because it showed that both sides were willing to talk and try to find a way to live peacefully together. It helped set the stage for more discussions and negotiations in the future.

Historical context

The Oslo II Accord was signed in Taba, in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, by Israel and the PLO on 24 September 1995. Later, on 28 September 1995, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat signed it again in Washington, D.C., with US President Bill Clinton and representatives from Russia, Egypt, Jordan, Norway, and the European Union watching.

This agreement built on an earlier one called the Oslo I Accord, signed in 1993. The Oslo II Accord replaced three earlier smaller agreements and was meant to help start more talks for a full peace agreement, but those talks did not finish in time. Later plans, like the 2002 Road map for peace, moved away from the Oslo Accords.

Aim of the agreement

The goal of this agreement was to help both Israelis and Palestinians live together peacefully and with respect. It aimed to create a temporary government for the Palestinian people in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. This government would help Palestinians manage their own affairs during a five-year period. After this time, talks would start to find a lasting solution based on important United Nations decisions.

The Israeli government wanted this agreement to let Palestinians handle their own internal matters. It also hoped to reduce arguments between Israelis and Palestinians and start a new time of working together. The agreement was meant to protect Israel's safety and the security of its people in the West Bank.

Content of the agreement

The Interim Agreement, also known as Oslo II, was a detailed plan with over 300 pages. It included five main parts, called chapters, with 31 articles, seven annexes, and nine maps. The agreement started by recognizing earlier efforts to help peace, such as UN resolutions and conferences.

Chapter 1 talked about a Palestinian Council that would govern some areas. This Council would have 82 members chosen in elections and would handle many everyday matters.

Chapter 2 discussed how Israeli forces would move out in stages and set up areas with different levels of control between the West Bank and Gaza Strip. It also talked about security and the roles of police forces.

Chapter 3 covered legal issues, like how the Council and Israel would share powers and follow international human rights rules.

Chapter 4 focused on how Israel and the Council would work together, including economic relations and stopping crimes that affect both sides.

Chapter 5 included plans for safe travel between areas, and steps for implementing the agreement and future peace talks.