In 1993, the Oslo Accords were established to bring peace between Israel and Palestine, two nations that had been in conflict for a long time. The accords outlined steps for both countries to cease hostilities and mutually recognize each other’s right to exist. On May 18, 1994, Israel began its official withdrawal from Jericho and the Gaza Strip, transferring control of these areas to the Palestinian Authority.
Israel and Palestine have conflicted for decades over issues related to land control, security, and borders. In 1993, the Oslo Accords were introduced as a five-year plan designed to ease tensions in the Middle East. These accords established the Palestinian Authority to govern the Palestinian people, recognized Israel’s right to exist peacefully, and called for both sides to renounce terrorism. The accords served as a transitional agreement, hoping to achieve lasting peace between the two nations by the end of the five-year period. Signed in Washington, D.C., the agreement included mutual recognition of both Palestine and Israel as independent nations and establishing the Palestinian Authority. The Palestinian Authority was responsible for maintaining education, healthcare, and the economy in the areas under its control, while Israel continued to oversee security matters.
The events of May 1994 played a crucial role in upholding the Oslo Accords. A key aspect of the Oslo Accords was Israel’s commitment to withdraw its forces from the Gaza Strip and Jericho, transferring authority over these areas to the Palestinian Authority. This agreement was referred to as the Gaza-Jericho Agreement or the Cairo Agreement. Israeli troops completed the withdrawal on May 18, 1994.
Although many aspects of the Oslo Accords were implemented, the agreements ultimately failed, and a permanent peace agreement between Israel and Palestine was never achieved. Israel continued to maintain control over territories that were supposed to be withdrawn, which became a significant point of contention between the two nations. Violence and conflict between them continue to this day.