Wither the Peace Process?

UN Resolution 242 (November 2, 1967)

The Security Council, Expressing its continuing concern with the grave situation in the Middle East,

Emphasizing the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war and the need to work for a just and lasting peace in which every State in the area can live in security,

1. Affirms that the establishment of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East should include the application of both the following principles:

(i) Withdrawal of Israel armed forces from territories occupied in the recent conflict;

(ii) Termination of all claims or states of belligerency and respect for and acknowledgment of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of every State in the area and their right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force;

2. Affirms further the necessity of achieving a just settlement of the refugee problem;

UN Resolution 3236 (November 2, 1974)

The General Assembly 1. Reaffirms the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people in Palestine, including:

(a) The right to self-determination without external interference;

(b) The right to national independence and sovereignty;

2. Reaffirms also the inalienable right of the Palestinians to return to their homes and property from which they have been displaced and uprooted, and calls for their return;

3. Emphasizes that full respect for and the realization of these inalienable rights of the Palestinian people are indispensable for the solution of the question of Palestine;

4. Recognizes that the Palestinian people is a principal party in the establishment of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East;

5. Further recognizes the right of the Palestinian people to regain its rights by all means in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations; 

12th Summit of Arab League (September 9, 1982)

The Arab League [including the PLO] adopts the following principles: Israeli withdrawal from all Arab territories occupied in 1967 including Arab Al Quds.

Dismantling of Israeli settlements on Arab territories after 1967.

Reaffirmation of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the exercise of its imprescriptible and inalienable national rights under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the indemnification of all those who do not desire to return.

Placing the West Bank and Gaza Strip under the control of the UN for a transitory period not exceeding 6 months.

Establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Al Quds as its capital.

First Intifada (1987-90)

Madrid Conference (1991)

Israeli Delegation at MadridBenyamin Netanyahu / Yitzak Shamir

Palestinian Delegation at MadridHanan Ashrawi / Haider Abdel Shafi

Madrid Conference (1991)

AimTo establish a framework for implementation of UN

Resolution 242 ** end to Israeli Occupation of West Bank / Gaza* settlement of the Palestinian Refugee Problem* Peace within secure and recognized borders* negotiations for a framework to end the conflict

MeansBi-lateral talks between the parties

Oslo Agreement (1993)Declaration of Principles

• Withdrawal from Occupied Territories (OT)

• Palestinian Self Government in OT

• Interim Palestinian Self Government / PA

• Permanent Status Negotiations

Oslo Permanent Status Negotiations

• Palestinian Refugees [UN Resolution 194 / 242]• Jerusalem• Israeli Settlements• Borders of Israel / Palestinian State

Reaction in Israel

Knesset Vote:61 Votes in Favor50 Votes Opposed / 9 Abstentions

Rabin Assassinated (1995)

Palestinian Reaction to Oslo

In Favor: PLO / Fatah Opposed: Hamas, Islamic Jihad

ISRAELI SETTLEMENT POPULATION(Oslo Years)

1991 1993 1995 1998 2000-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

WB 90,300 111,600 133,200 163,300 192,776 EJ 137,300 152,800 157,300 165,967 172,250 GZA 3,800 4,800 5,300 6,100 6,678

Total 232,400 268,200 295,800 335,367 371,704

% change 1991/2000 = + 62.5%

http://www.fmep.org/settlement_info/settlement-info-and-tables/stats-data/comprehensive-settlement-population-1972-2006

GreaterJerusalem

Settlement of Greater Jerusalem(Gilo / Beit Jala)

Divided Nation Israel in 1996

Barak in 2000

Camp David (July, 2000)

Taba Talks (2001)

• “The sides declare that they have never been closer to reaching an agreement and it is thus our shared belief that the remaining gaps could be bridged with the resumption of negotiations following the Israeli election.”

Roadmap to Peace