The Oslo Agreement of 1993 was a momentous event in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It was a series of agreements signed between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) that established a framework for future negotiations and a process for ending the conflict. One of the key provisions of the Oslo Agreement was the status of Jerusalem, which remains a hotly contested issue to this day.
Jerusalem, a city holy to Jews, Christians, and Muslims, has been a major point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for decades. After Israel`s victory in the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel annexed East Jerusalem, which had previously been part of Jordan. Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
Under the Oslo Agreement, Jerusalem was to be addressed in the final status negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. The agreement did not determine the final status of Jerusalem, but it did provide for a temporary solution, known as the “interim agreement.” Under this interim agreement, Israel retained control over the entire city of Jerusalem, but the Palestinians were granted limited self-rule in certain areas.
The Oslo Agreement also called for negotiations on the issue of a shared sovereignty over Jerusalem, with both Israel and the Palestinians having their own capitals in the city. However, these negotiations never took place, as talks between Israel and the Palestinians broke down in 2000.
Today, the status of Jerusalem remains a highly divisive issue. In December 2017, the United States recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a move that was widely condemned by the international community. The recognition of Jerusalem as Israel`s capital has complicated efforts to reach a more comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.
Despite the challenges, many still hope that a solution to the issue of Jerusalem can be found. The Oslo Agreement remains a landmark achievement in Israeli-Palestinian relations and a reminder of what can be accomplished through dialogue and negotiation. As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, it is crucial that all parties remain committed to a peaceful resolution of the conflict and a shared future for all those who call the region home.