Israel P.L.O. Peace Treaty Essay - 3260 Words

Israel P.L.O. Peace Treaty The Middle East has always been known as the Holy Land, the land of the Bible. For centuries, prophets have walked there, nations have collided and conquerors have come and gone. While Jews claim a three thousand-year-old attachment to this ancient land, Arabs also stake their devotion. In 1993, these two peoples, involved in a tragic conflict that has lasted more than half a century, saw the possibility of a new beginning. It was called the Oslo Accord, and it transformed the political realities of the Middle East (Peres, p.2) However, there have been many turbulent events that have followed the signing of the Accord, events that have undermined the agreement and are threatening to drive Israelis and Arabs†¦show more content†¦(Finkelstein, p. 14-15) In June 1992, the Labour government was elected in Israel on a platform of peace and change. At its head was Yitzhak Rabin, former military chief of staff. His move from the battlefield to the negotiation table was a historical moment in the life of Israel. Madrid had failed because Israeli and United States delegates refused to deal with the PLO. But Rabin and foreign minister Peres, unlike their predecessors, were willing to pursue new avenues for peace. The way was now paved for one of the most intriguing diplomatic accords of recent years, the Oslo Agreement. It was now clear that direct dialogue was needed between the PLO and Israel. (Peres, p. 12) Secret talks were arranged between the two sides in Norway starting in January 1993. However, one key matter held up the talks, that being the Israeli ban on contact with the PLO. When the Israeli Knesset repealed this, the way to Oslo was open. Talks took place between January and May of 1993. As talks continued, complications arose, notably Israel’s insistence that it retain control of West Bank security. However, as trust grew, both sides compromised as they moved towards reconciliation and mutual recognition. After eight months of negotiations, an agreement of principles was signed secretly in Oslo. The declaration of principles bound Israel and the Palestinians to a five-year interim agreement. Power over Gaza and Jericho would be transferred to the Palestinians, economic programsShow MoreRelatedThe Arab- Israeli Conflict Essay1516 Words   |  7 Pagesbetween the beliefs and attitudes of the Jews/Israelis and the Arabs/ Palestinians towards the land now called Israel with the Gaza Strip and the West Bank? The Arab- Israeli conflict is one of the most interesting conflicts that have strained relations between the Muslims and the Jews which involves a small but significant piece of land known as Palestine (Israel today). This conflict is not rooted in modern times though, as this section of my coursework will explain. Read MoreA Brief Story of Yitzhak Rabin3806 Words   |  16 Pagescelebrate the joyfully weekend. But for the peace-loving people, particularly for the peace-loving people in Israel and Arab, it was actually a black weekend. It was precisely that evening, one of the creators of Palestinian-Israeli peace, who was known as peaceful warrior, Yitzhak Rabin, Premier of Israeli, was murdered by an assassin. The world had shocked, his imposing and heartrending life, became the focal point of the people immediately. All the peace-lovers were sorrowful for his death. TheyRead MoreA Brief Story of Yitzhak Rabin3799 Words   |  16 Pagescelebrate the joyfully weekend. But for the peace-loving people, particularly for the peace-loving people in Israel and Arab, it was actually a black weekend. It was precisely that evening, one of the creators of Palestinian-Israeli peace, who was known as peaceful warrior, Yitzhak Rabin, Premier of Israeli, was murdered by an assassin. The world had shocked , his imposing and heartrending life, became the focal point of the people immediately. All the peace-lovers were sorrowful for his death. They