Israeli-Palestinian Accord

Israeli-Palestinian Accord Agreement that aimed to end hostilities between Palestinians and Israelis, especially in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Secret talks began in the mid-1980s. On September 13, 1993, a ‘Declaration of Principles’ was signed by Yitzhak Rabin and Yasir Arafat. The PLO recognized Israel's right to exist and renounced terrorism. In return, Israel recognized the PLO as the representative of the Palestinians and agreed to a staged withdrawal of troops from parts of the occupied territories. On May 18, 1994, the Israeli army completed its redeployment in the Gaza Strip and withdrew from Jericho. The Palestinian National Authority (headed by Arafat) assumed limited autonomy. In September 1995, Rabin agreed to withdraw Israeli troops from six more towns and 85% of Hebron. In October 1995, Israel released 1100 Palestinian prisoners. The assassination of Rabin and election of Binyamin Netanyahu slowed the process, and Jewish settlement on the West Bank accelerated. In 1997, despite the withdrawal of most Israeli troops from Hebron and attempts by the US government to encourage dialogue, Israel's determination to build more Jewish settlements in e Jerusalem stalled the process. The Wye Accord (1998) appeared to break the deadlock, but met opposition within Israel. See also Intifada

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