Israel Palestine Conflict: Explained (3) Camp David accords, PLO, First Intifada, Hamas, Oslo accord, Second Intifada
Many attempts have been made to find a solution to the Israeli Palestine conflict. The goal of the 1978 Camp David accord was to broker a peace treaty between Israel and Jordan and decide on the final status of West Bank and Gaza strip.
The 1978 Camp David accords comprise two separate agreements.
- A framework for peace in the Middle east &
- A framework for the conclusion of a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.
The first agreement which dealt with Palestinian territories was written without the involvement of Palestinians. Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was not recognized by Israel and hence not a participant in the negotiations.
The second agreement led to the signing of 1979 Israel Egypt peace treaty. The treaty was signed by significant American nudging and funding. The treaty returned Sinai Peninsula to Egypt in return of mutual recognition and peace. It was also agreed that Sinai Peninsula would be demilitarized by Egypt. It was opposed by extremist elements in both Israel and Egypt. The treaty is blamed partially for the assassination of Egyptian president Anwar Sadat.
In 1987, Palestinian uprising against Israel occupation was witnessed. Around the same time Hamas, a violent extremist group was founded in 1987 with the goal to destroy Israel and return Palestinian’s to their land. The protest, boycott and violence came to be known as First Intifada (Arabic word for uprising). Israel responded with severe oppression.
Israel and Palestinian Liberation Organization entered into secret talks and signed the Oslo accords. This was meant to be the first big step towards peace in the region. The accords proposed to recognize West Bank and Gaza strip as Palestine.
Oslo accord finalized the establishment of Palestinian Authority to self-govern regions in West Bank and Gaza strip. It also recognized Palestinian authority as a partner on future peace negotiations. It was also decided that further talks should be held to decide on the permanent status of Israeli border, Israeli settlements, Jerusalem, Palestinian autonomy and Palestrina’s right to return. The failure of second Camp David summit led to the outbreak of Second Intifada.
The Second Intifada was more violent and led to more skepticism that if peace was ever possible. Israel’s attitude too changed from trying to find a solution to managing the conflict. Israel has built numerous walls and increased check points. There have been no concert negotiations and peace attempts since them.
Golan Heights was annexed by Israel in 1981. West bank is administered by Palestinian Authority and Palestine is yet to be recognized in United Nations as a country. Mean time, Israel has been expanding settlements in west bank in defiance of international norms and UNSC resolutions. Religions and political causes along with subsidized cheap housing have favored settlers. The settlers are followed by soldiers for protection. The final resolution has become particularly difficult because of the settlements.
In 2005, Israel unilaterally pulled out troops and settlers from Gaza strip. In 2006, Hamas won the election and after a brief civil war with Palestinian Authority split Gaza strip from West Bank. Israel placed a crippling blockade and strict border control on the region.
Hamas is said to have been responsible for numerous suicide bombings and rocket attacks. It has been termed as a terrorist organization by some. Israel has installed advanced Iron Dome anti-missile system.
In 2017, Hamas revised its political charter to a more reconciliatory stance. In the revised charter Hamas has shown a willingness to accept the 1967 border.