Israel Hands Over Control of Jericho to the Palestinian Authority

On March 16, 2005, a significant event in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process occurred when Israel officially handed over control of the city of Jericho to the Palestinian Authority (PA). This transfer was part of a broader effort to revive peace negotiations and improve relations between the two parties.

Context and Background

• Oslo Accords: The handover was rooted in the Oslo Accords, a series of agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in the 1990s. These accords aimed to establish a framework for the future relations between the two entities and included provisions for the gradual transfer of control over certain territories to the Palestinian Authority.

• Intifada and Stalled Peace Process: The peace process had been largely stalled due to the outbreak of the Second Intifada in 2000, a period of intensified Israeli-Palestinian violence. By 2005, efforts were being made to restart negotiations and reduce tensions.

• Sharm el-Sheikh Summit: In February 2005, a summit was held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas agreed to a ceasefire and discussed steps to resume peace talks.

The Handover of Jericho

• Significance: Jericho was the first city to be handed over as part of a renewed commitment to the peace process. The transfer was seen as a confidence-building measure aimed at fostering trust between the two sides.

• Details of the Transfer: The handover involved the withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the city and the transfer of security responsibilities to Palestinian security forces. This move was intended to empower the Palestinian Authority and demonstrate progress in the peace process.

Aftermath and Consequences

• Impact on Peace Process: The handover of Jericho was followed by the transfer of other West Bank cities, including Tulkarm, as part of the agreement. These actions were intended to pave the way for further negotiations on more contentious issues, such as borders, refugees, and the status of Jerusalem.

• Challenges: Despite the positive step, the peace process continued to face significant challenges, including ongoing violence, political disagreements, and mutual distrust. The broader goal of achieving a lasting peace agreement remained elusive.

• Legacy: The 2005 handover of Jericho is remembered as a moment of cautious optimism in the long and complex history of Israeli-Palestinian relations. It highlighted the potential for cooperation and the difficulties inherent in the peace process.

In summary, the transfer of Jericho to the Palestinian Authority on March 16, 2005, was a key event in the ongoing efforts to achieve peace between Israelis and Palestinians. While it represented a step forward, the path to a comprehensive peace agreement remained fraught with challenges.