GAZA-JERICHO AGREEMENT
ANNEX I
Protocol Concerning Withdrawal of Israeli Military Forces and Security
Arrangements
Article I
Arrangements for Withdrawal of Israeli Military Forces
1. Subject to the provisions of this Annex, withdrawal of Israeli
military forces from the Gaza Strip and from the Jericho Area shall
begin on the date of the signing of this Agreement and shall be
completed within three weeks (21 days) from that date.
2. a. The Joint Security Coordination and Cooperation Committee set up
under Article II hereunder shall develop a plan to ensure full
coordination between the Israeli military forces and the
Palestinian Police during the withdrawal phases and the entry and
deployment of the Palestinian Police.
b. This coordination will be implemented through the District
Coordination Offices set up under Article II hereunder, that
shall start functioning on the date of the signing of this
Agreement.
c. The plan will include arrangements for the entry of the
Palestinian Police, the introduction of police arms, ammunition
and equipment and related matters, as well as arrangements
intended to facilitate a smooth transfer of responsibility,
including the transfer of civil authority, so that no vacuum in
authority exists.
Article II
Coordination and Cooperation In Security Matters
1. Joint Security Coordination and Cooperation Committee
a. A joint Security Coordination and Cooperation Committee for
Mutual Security Purposes (hereinafter "the JSC") is hereby
established.
b. The JSC shall:
1. recommend security policy guidelines for the approval of the
Joint Israeli-Palestinian Liaison Committee and implement
such approved guidelines;
2. deal with security issues raised by either side;
3. provide the proper channel for exchanging information
between the two sides, needed to solve security problems;
and
4. provide directives for the District Coordination Offices.
c. The JSC shall comprise between five and seven members from each
side. Decisions of the JSC will be reached by agreement between
the two sides.
d. The JSC shall determine its rules of procedure. Meetings of the
JSC shall be held every two weeks. In the event that either side
requests a special meeting, it shall be convened within
forty-eight (48) hours.
e. Unless otherwise agreed by the two sides, JSC meetings will be
hosted by each of the sides alternately.
2. District Coordination Offices
a. Three (3) District Coordination Offices are hereby established,
one each for the districts of Gaza, Khan Yunis and Jericho
(hereinafter "the DCOs").
b. The DCOs shall:
1. monitor and manage the matters requiring coordination as
determined by the JSC, according to the policy and
guidelines established by the JSC;
2. monitor and manage all matters of a joint nature within the
specific district of each DCO, including the coordination of
activities by one side which may affect the other side;
3. review, investigate and report to the JSC on the overall
situation within the DCO's respective district, with special
regard to specific events, incidents and activities
occurring in the district;
4. direct the Joint Patrols and Joint Mobile Units as defined
in this Article, operating within the DCO's respective
district; and
5. direct the Liaison Bureau established under Article X below,
operating at passages and crossing points as detailed in
Article VII and X below, in conjunction with the Joint Civil
Affairs Coordination and Cooperation Committee set up under
Annex II to the Agreement (hereinafter the "CAC").
c. Each DCO will be continuously staffed by a team of up to six
officers from each side, comprising one commander and five duty
officers.
d. The DCOs will be operated jointly by both sides, 24 hours a day.
At least one duty officer from each side will be present during
each eight-hour shift, as well as the necessary number of
assistants.
e. With a view to preventing friction and to enabling the two sides
to deal with possible incidents, both sides shall ensure that the
relevant DCO shall immediately be notified of any of the
following events:
1. routine, scheduled or irregular activity or deployment by
the Israeli military forces or the Palestinian Police that
directly affect the other side. This includes activity or
deployment in the proximity of Settlements or Palestinian
villages, as the case may be;
2. events that pose a threat to public order;
3. activities which disturb the regular flow of traffic on the
main roads, including roadblocks and road works;
4. incidents involving both Israelis and Palestinians, such as
road accidents, rescue of casualties or persons in mortal
danger, engagement steps or any incident in which a weapon
is used;
5. a terrorist action of any kind and from any source;
6. infiltrations across the lines of the Gaza Strip and the
Jericho Area; and
7. all cases in which Israelis are hospitalized in the Gaza
Strip or the Jericho Area or in which Palestinians of the
Gaza Strip or the Jericho Area are hospitalized in Israel.
f. Each DCO shall notify the relevant Israeli and Palestinian
headquarters, as well as the Joint Patrols and Joint Mobile Units
operating in the relevant district, of the occurrence of any of
the events listed in subparagraph e. above.
g. The JSC may modify the content of the list of events outlined in
subparagraph e. above.
h. Any event involving injury to Israelis, at any location within
the Gaza Strip or the Jericho Area, shall be immediately reported
to Israel through the relevant DCO. Israel may employ any means
necessary for the evacuation and treatment of such injured
persons, and will coordinate such activity through the relevant
DCO.
i. The DCOs shall be equipped with the necessary means of
communication to enable direct and immediate contact both with
the Joint Patrols and the Joint Mobile Units, as well as with the
respective district headquarters.
3. Joint Patrols
a. The mission of the Joint Patrols is to ensure free, unimpeded and
secure movement along the roads and in the areas described in
Articles IV and V of this Annex.
b. Unless the JSC decides otherwise, the Joint Patrols shall each be
composed of two 4-wheel drive vehicles, one Palestinian and one
Israeli. The vehicles shall be marked so as to be easily
distinguishable from all other vehicles in the area. There will
be four persons in each vehicle: an officer, a signal operator, a
driver and a guard.
c. The Joint Patrols will patrol 24 hours a day, in vehicles and on
foot, along their routes of activity and on the adjacent sides of
the roads upon which the security of traffic along these roads is
dependent, or as directed by the DCO.
d. In roads under Israeli security responsibility, the Israeli
vehicle will be the leading vehicle. In roads under Palestinian
security responsibility, the Palestinian vehicle will be the
leading vehicle. The Joint Patrol will be under the direction of
the relevant DCO.
e. The Joint Patrols shall monitor continuously movement within
their area of operation with a view to preventing incidents that
may threaten or endanger persons using the roads. They shall
report any such incident or threat thereof to the relevant DCO,
and to the Israeli and Palestinian district headquarters.
f. On reaching the scene of an incident, the Joint Patrol will
provide as much assistance as possible. Where the incident is
dealt with by the authorities functioning in the area, the Joint
Patrol shall verify that the appropriate measures have been taken
and report to the relevant DCO accordingly.
g. Immediately upon becoming aware of the occurrence of one of the
events listed in subparagraph 2.e above, the Joint Patrols shall
report the event to the relevant DCO, as well as to the
respective headquarters of the two sides.
4. Joint Mobile Units
a. The mission of the Joint Mobile Units is to provide rapid
response in the event of incidents and emergency situations, in
order to ensure free, unimpeded and secure movement at the
junctions where they are located, as well as along their
designated routes of activity.
b. The composition of the Joint Mobile Units shall be similar to
that of the Joint Patrols.
c. The duties of the Joint Mobile Units are:
1. to monitor movement along designated roads from stationary
locations on agreed junctions, from where they may patrol at
random on agreed roads as directed by the relevant DCO, in
which case their duties shall be the same as those of Joint
Patrols; and
2. in the event of an incident involving both Israelis and
Palestinians, to reach the site of the incident in order to
provide assistance and to investigate.
5. Review of Security Arrangements
The JSC shall meet six months after the signing of this Agreement, and
at six-month intervals thereafter, to review the security arrangements
and to recommend changes. Amendments will be adopted by mutual
agreement based, among other factors, on the regular reports and
recommendations received from the DCOs.
Article III
The Palestinian Directorate of Police Force
1. General
The Palestinian Directorate of Police Force (hereinafter "the
Palestinian Police") shall function in accordance with the following
principles:
a. It will be responsible for public order and internal security
within the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority in
accordance with Article V of the Agreement.
b. Movement of Palestinian policemen between the Gaza Strip and the
Jericho Area will be conducted in accordance with Article IX of
this Annex.
2. Duties and Functions
a. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, in the areas under
Palestinian jurisdiction the duties of the Palestinian Police
shall be as follows:
1. performing normal police functions, including maintaining
internal security and public order;
2. protecting the public and its property and acting to provide
a feeling of security and safety;
3. adopting all measures necessary for preventing crime in
accordance with the law; and
4. protecting public installations and places of special
importance.
3. Structure and Composition
a. The Palestinian Police shall consist of one integral unit under
the control of the Palestinian Authority. It shall be composed of
four branches:
1. Civil Police (Al Shurta);
2. Public Security;
3. Intelligence; and
4. Emergency Services and Rescue (Al Difa'a Al Madani).
In each district, all members of the four Police branches shall
be subordinate to one central command.
b. The Palestinian Police will establish a Palestinian Coastal
Police unit (hereinafter the "Palestinian Coastal Police") in
accordance with Article XI of this Annex.
c. The Palestinian Police will be comprised of up to 9,000 policemen
in all its branches.
4. Recruitment
a. The Palestinian Police shall consist of policemen recruited
locally, and from abroad (from among individuals holding
Jordanian passports or Palestinian documents issued by Egypt).
The number of Palestinian recruits from abroad shall not exceed
7,000, of whom 1,000 will arrive three months after the signing
of the Agreement.
b. Palestinians recruited from abroad should be trained as
policemen. The employment of policemen who have been convicted of
serious crimes or have been found to be actively involved in
terrorist activities subsequent to their employment will be
immediately terminated. The list of Palestinians recruited,
whether locally or from abroad, shall be agreed on by both sides.
c. Palestinian policemen coming from abroad may be accompanied by
spouse and children.
5. Arms, Ammunition and Equipment
a. Uniformed policemen, as well as other policemen on duty who hold
special accreditation, may carry arms.
b. The Palestinian Police will possess the following arms and
equipment:
1. 7,000 light personal weapons.
2. Up to 120 machine guns of 0.3" or 0.5" caliber.
3. Up to 45 wheeled armored vehicles of a type to be agreed on
between the two sides, and of which 22 will be deployed in
protecting Palestinian Authority installations. The use of
wheeled armored vehicles in the Security Perimeter, on the
Lateral Roads and on their adjacent sides, or in the
vicinity of the Settlements shall be approved through the
relevant DCO. Movement of such vehicles along the central
North-South road (Road No. 4) in the Gaza Strip may take
place only after providing notification to the relevant DCO.
4. Communication systems, subject to Article II of Annex II of
this Agreement.
5. Distinctive uniforms, identification badges and vehicle
markings.
c. Relevant police equipment and infrastructure funded from the
budget of the Civil Administration shall be transferred to the
Palestinian Police.
6. Introduction of Arms and Equipment and Foreign Assistance
a. All foreign contributions and other forms of assistance to the
Palestinian Police must comply with the provisions of this
Agreement.
b. The introduction into the Gaza Strip or the Jericho Area of arms,
ammunition or equipment for the Palestinian Police, from all
sources, shall be coordinated through the JSC.
7. Deployment
The Palestinian Police shall be initially deployed in the Gaza Strip
and the Jericho Area as shown on attached maps Nos. 4 and 5. Any
changes to this deployment will be agreed on in the JSC.
Article IV
Security Arrangements in the Gaza Strip
1. The Delimiting Line
For the purpose of the present Agreement only, and without prejudice
to the final status, the line delimiting the northern and eastern edge
of the Gaza Strip follows the fence on the ground, as delineated on
attached map No. 1 by an unbroken green line (hereinafter "the
Delimiting Line") and shall have no other effect.
2. Security Perimeter
a. There will be a security perimeter along the Delimiting Line
inside the Gaza Strip as delineated on attached map No. 1 by a
broken green line (hereinafter "the Security Perimeter").
b. In accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, the
Palestinian Police will be responsible for security in the
Security Perimeter.
c. The Palestinian Police will enforce special security measures
aimed at preventing infiltrations across the Delimiting Line or
the introduction into the Security Perimeter of any arms,
ammunition or related equipment, except for the arms, ammunition
or equipment of the Palestinian Police, authorized through the
relevant DCO.
d. Activities of the Palestinian Police inside the Security
Perimeter will be coordinated through the relevant DCO. Security
activities in Israel in the vicinity of the Delimiting Line that
directly affect the other side will be coordinated with the
Palestinian Police through the relevant DCO.
3. The Israeli Settlements
a. In accordance with the Declaration of Principles, during the
interim period, the Gush Katif and Erez settlement areas, as well
as the other settlements in the Gaza Strip, as delineated on
attached map No. 1 by a blue line, will be under Israeli
authority.
b. Palestinians will be free to move along the coast road and along
the road from the Netzarim Junction to the seashore.
4. The Yellow Areas
a. In the areas delineated by a broken red line and shaded in yellow
on attached map No. 1 (hereinafter "the Yellow Areas"), and
without derogating from Palestinian authority, responsibility
will be shared as follows: The Israeli authorities will have the
overriding responsibility and powers for security, and the
Palestinian Authority will have the responsibility and powers for
civil affairs, subject to this Agreement. In addition, with
regard to the Yellow Areas, cooperation and coordination in
security matters, including joint patrols, as agreed, will be
implemented.
b. Entry of Palestinian policemen into the Yellow Areas and their
activity therein may take place as agreed upon through the
relevant DCO.
5. The Mawasi Area
a. Two joint patrols will operate in the Mawasi area, the
fishermen's wharves of Rafah and Khan Yunis, and along the coast
road led by the Israeli vehicle.
b. Access of Palestinians to the Mawasi Area, as delineated on
attached map No. 1, will be by the following roads:
1. Rafah - Tel Sultan - Mawasi;
2. Khan Yunis - El Bahr Village; and
3. Deir El Ballah - along the beach to the Mawasi.
c. The Mawasi Beach
1. Notwithstanding Israeli authority over the Gush Katif
settlement area, the Palestinian Authority may operate
sections of the Mawasi beach extending to the east up to the
coast road, totalling, together with the Rafah and Khan
Yunis wharves, five (5) kilometers.
2. Upon the completion of the withdrawal of Israeli military
forces from the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area, Israel will
notify the Palestinian Authority of the locations of these
sections.
3. These sections may be used for the following purposes:
a. sport and recreation, including boat hire facilities;
b. operating food establishments;
c. enlarging the wharves; and
d. expanding the facilities for fishermen, such as
offices, wharehouses and cold storage facilities.
4. In these sections, the Palestinian Authority, in exercising
its civil authority, will be able to grant licenses for
businesses, collect fees and taxes, set and enforce public
health standards and develop and manage the tourist sector.
5. In each of the fishermen's wharves, the Palestinian
Authority may have an office building which shall be
protected.
6. There will be not be any construction by Israelis of new
sites along the beach.
7. During a period of three months from the signing of this
Agreement, Israel may consider, in light of the security
situation, the use by the Palestinian Authority of
additional beach sections.
6. The Egyptian Border
The Military Installation Area along the Egyptian border in the Gaza
Strip, as delineated on attached map No. 1 by a blue line and shaded
in pink, will be under Israeli authority.
The village of Dahaniya will remain part of the Military Installation
Area pending a declaration of a general amnesty for the residents of
the village, and provision having been made for their protection. Upon
realization of the above amnesty and protection, the village of
Dahaniya will become part of the Yellow Area.
7. Lateral Roads to the Settlements
a. Without derogating from Palestinian authority and in accordance
with the Declaration of Principles:
1. On the three lateral roads connecting the Israeli
settlements in the Gaza Strip to Israel, namely: the
Kissufim-Gush Katif road; the Sufa-Gush Katif road; and the
Karni-Netzarim road, as delineated by a light blue line on
attached map no. 1, including the adjacent sides upon which
the security of traffic along these roads is dependent
(hereinafter "the Lateral Roads"), the Israeli authorities
will have all necessary responsibilities and powers in order
to conduct independent security activity, including Israeli
patrols.
2. Joint Israeli-Palestinian patrols will operate along the
Lateral Roads. Such joint patrols will be led by the Israeli
vehicle.
3. Where the Israeli authorities carry out engagement steps,
they will do so with a view to transferring, at the earliest
opportunity, the continued handling of the incidents falling
within Palestinian responsibility, to the Palestinian
Police.
4. Overpasses will be constructed on intersections between the
Lateral Roads and the central North-South road (Road No. 4).
5. These arrangements will be reviewed by the JSC one year
after the date of the signing of this Agreement.
b. Where the Lateral Roads overlap the Security Perimeter the two
sides, in the exercise of their respective powers and
responsibilities, will fully coordinate their activity in order
to prevent friction.
8. The Central North-South Road (Road No. 4) A joint patrol led by the
Palestinian vehicle will be operated along the central North-South
road (Road No. 4) in the Gaza Strip between Kfar Darom and Wadi Gaza.
9. Joint Mobile Units
a. Joint Mobile Units will be located at the following junctions:
1. the Nissanit junction;
2. the Netzarim junction:
3. the Deir el-Ballah junction; and
4. the Sufa-Morag junction.
b. At the Netzarim junction, the Israeli side of this Joint Mobile
Unit will check Israeli vehicles, which will then be able to
continue their journey without interference. This Joint Mobile
Unit will also operate as a Joint Patrol between the Netzarim
Junction and Wadi Gaza under the direction of the relevant DCO.
10. Coordination and Cooperation in the Gaza Strip Two DCOs will function
in the Gaza Strip as follows:
a. A DCO for the Gaza district, located at the Erez crossing point
with subordinate Joint Liaison Bureaus at the Erez and Nahal Oz
crossing points.
b. A DCO for the Khan Yunis district, located at the Nuriya Camp
with subordinate Joint Liaison Bureaus at the Sufa crossing point
and at the Rafah terminal.
Article V
Security Arrangements in the Jericho Area
1. Clarifications Concerning the Jericho Area With regard to the
definition of the Jericho Area, as delineated on attached map No. 2,
it is hereby clarified that Route No. 90 crossing Auja from South to
North and the East-West road connecting Route No. 90 with Yitav, and
their adjacent sides, shall remain under Israeli authority. For the
purpose of this Article, the width of each such road and its adjacent
sides, as shown on attached map No. 2, shall extend at least 12 meters
on each side measured from its center.
2. A Joint patrol led by the Palestinian vehicle shall operate along the
main North-South road crossing Jericho (Route No. 90).
3. Joint Mobile Units
a. A Joint Mobile Unit shall be located at the Auja junction being
the intersection of Route No. 90 and the road to Yitav. This unit
shall be led by the Israeli vehicle, and may be directed by the
DCO to deal with certain incidents occurring on the road between
Auja and Jericho in which Palestinians are involved.
b. A Joint Mobile Unit shall be located at the Nahal Elisha junction
on the road from Jericho to the Mousa Allami project.
4. Coordination and Cooperation in the Jericho Area A DCO located at the
Vered Yericho crossing point will function in the Jericho Area and
will maintain a subordinate Joint Liaison Bureau in the Allenby
Terminal.
5. a. Pending the entry into force of the interim agreement, the holy
site of Nebi Mousa will be under the auspices of the Palestinian
Authority, for religious purposes.
b. During religious events that take place three times a year and
other special occasions that will be coordinated with the Israeli
authorities, Palestinians will have the right to religious
pilgrimage to the al-Maghtas under the Palestinian flag.
c. Palestinian private projects, as well as joint ventures in
accordance with the Declaration of Principles, will be located as
agreed on the shore of the Dead Sea.
d. Safe passage will be provided from the Jericho Area to Nebi
Mousa, al-Maghtas and the projects and ventures as agreed in
subparagraph c. above on the shore of the Dead Sea for the
aforementioned purposes.
6. Within three months of the signing of this Agreement, Israel may
consider, in light of the security situation, the possibility of
widening of the Jericho Area.
Article VI
Security Arrangements Concerning Planning, Building and Zoning
1. Notwithstanding the provisions relating to planning, building and
zoning set out elsewhere in this Agreement, the provisions of this
Article shall apply with respect to the areas specified below.
2. These arrangements will be reviewed within a period of six months from
the signing of this Agreement and, thereafter, every six months, with
a view to modifying them, with due consideration to Palestinian plans
for establishing economic projects, and to the security concerns of
both sides.
3. The limitations set out below on the construction of buildings and
installations in specific areas shall not require the demolition or
removal of existing buildings or installations.
4. The existing buildings, installations and natural and artificial
culture in the Gaza Strip within a distance of 100 meters from the
Delimiting Line shall remain as they are at present.
5. Within the next 500 meters of the Security Perimeter, and within the
Yellow Areas, buildings or installations may be constructed, provided
that:
a. one building or installation may be constructed on each plot, the
size of which shall not be less than 25 dunams; and
b. such building or installation shall not exceed two floors, of a
size not exceeding 180 sq. meters per floor.
The Palestinian Authority shall maintain the predominantly
agricultural character of the remaining areas of the Security
Perimeter.
6. Buildings or installations shall not be constructed on either side of
the Lateral Roads up to a distance of 75 meters from the center of
these Roads.
7. In the Jericho Area, no bridges or other structures will be built
above Route No. 90 which may prevent the movement on this road of
vehicles with a height of up to 5.25 meters.
8. For the purpose of enforcing this Article, the United States will
provide both sides with satellite photographs of the Gaza Strip
depicting the buildings, installations and natural and artificial
culture existing at the time of the signing of this Agreement.
Article VII
The Crossing Points
1. General
a. Israel declares that work to relocate the Erez, Nahal Oz and Sufa
crossing points currently within the Gaza Strip, to a location
within Israel adjacent to the Delimiting Line, is underway.
Israel will attempt to complete this work not later than 12
months from the date of the signing of this Agreement with regard
to the Erez crossing point, and not later than 8 months from the
date of the signing of this Agreement with regard to the Nahal Oz
and Sufa crossing points. Pending the completion of this work,
Israel shall retain control over these crossing points and
operate them in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
b. Israelis entering the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area shall carry
Israeli documentation (if they are above the age of 16) and, if
driving a vehicle, a driving license and vehicle registration
documentation recognized in Israel. Tourists to Israel entering
the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area shall carry their passports
and other relevant documentation.
c. Entry of residents of the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area to
Israel shall be subject to Israeli laws and procedures regulating
entry into Israel, and such residents shall be required to carry
the identity card as agreed upon in this Agreement, as well as
documentation specified by Israel and notified through the CAC to
the Palestinian Authority.
d. The provisions of this Agreement shall neither prejudice the use
of safe passage nor Israel's right, for security and safety
considerations, to close the crossing points to Israel and to
prohibit or limit the entry into Israel of residents and of
vehicles from the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area.
2. Passage between the Gaza Strip and Israel
a. Passage between the Gaza Strip and Israel will be via one or more
of the following crossing points:
1. the Erez crossing point;
2. the Nahal Oz crossing point; and
3. the Sufa crossing point.
b. The Palestinian Authority may set up a checkpoint, within the
Gaza Strip, on the road leading to the Erez crossing point and on
the road leading to the Nahal Oz crossing point, at locations to
be coordinated between the two sides, for the purpose of
inspection and identification of passengers and vehicles.
Israelis and tourists to Israel passing through these checkpoints
may be only required to identify themselves by presenting Israeli
documentation or a passport, as set out in subparagraph 1.b.
above. The above requirements shall not apply to uniformed
members of the Israeli military forces.
c. The Palestinian Authority may set up a checkpoint, within the
Gaza Strip, on the road leading to the Sufa crossing point, at a
location acceptable to both sides, for the purpose of inspection
and identification of Palestinian passengers and vehicles.
Israeli vehicles may bypass this checkpoint unimpeded.
d. Passage of Israelis, and tourists to Israel, between the Gaza
Strip and Israel may, in addition, be via the following crossing
points:
1. the Karni crossing point;
2. the Kisufim crossing point;
3. the Kerem Shalom crossing point; and
4. the Elei Sinai crossing point.
e. Israelis, and tourists to Israel, who have passed through any of
the above crossing points into the Gaza Strip shall not be
required to undergo any inspection, identification or other
requirement in addition to the stated provisions for entry into
the Gaza Strip outlined in this Article.
Tourists to the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area from countries
having diplomatic relations with Israel, who have passed through
an international crossing, will not be required to pass any
additional entry control before entry to Israel.
f. Arrangements for the movement of goods between the Gaza Strip and
Israel through the crossing points are set out in Annex IV.
g. A Palestinian liaison officer will be present at each of the
crossing points on the Lateral Roads.
3. Passage to and from the Jericho Area
a. Passage between the Jericho Area and the rest of the West Bank
shall be governed by the same rules regulating the movement of
persons and vehicles within the West Bank, and shall not need to
be effected through designated crossing points.
b. Passage between the Jericho Area and Israel via the West Bank
shall be governed by the currently applicable rules regulating
the movement of persons and vehicles between the West Bank and
Israel.
Article VIII
Rules of Conduct in Security Matters
1. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the security and public
order personnel of both sides shall exercise their powers and
responsibilities pursuant to this Agreement with due regard to
internationally-accepted norms of human rights and the rule of law and
shall be guided by the need to protect the public, respect human
dignity and avoid harassment.
2. In the Yellow Areas and on the Lateral Roads and their adjacent sides,
vehicles bearing Israeli license plates shall not be stopped,
obstructed or delayed by the Palestinian Police, and no identification
shall be required.
3. On the central North-South road (Road No. 4) in the Gaza Strip between
the Netzarim Junction and Kfar Darom, and on the main North-South road
crossing the Jericho Area (Route No. 90), vehicles bearing Israeli
license plates may be stopped for identification by a Joint Patrol or
a Joint Mobile Unit. The Israeli side of such a patrol or unit may
carry out identity and vehicle documentation checks.
4. Without prejudice to the provisions of this Article regarding the
areas mentioned in paragraphs 2 and 3 above, the following rules of
conduct shall apply throughout the rest of the Gaza Strip and the
Jericho Area:
a. Vehicles bearing Israeli license plates may be stopped by the
Palestinian Police for the purpose of checking the driving
license, and passengers' identity documentation (if above the age
of sixteen).
b. Israelis shall under no circumstances be apprehended, arrested or
placed in custody or prison by Palestinian authorities.
However, where an Israeli is suspected of having committed of an
offense, he or she may be detained in place by the Palestinian
Police while ensuring his or her protection, in accordance with
the provisions of Annex III, until the arrival of a Joint Patrol
or Joint Mobile Unit, called immediately by the Palestinian
Police, or of other Israeli representatives dispatched by the
relevant DCO.
5. Pedestrians may be required to produce identity documentation (if
above the age of sixteen). Thereafter, they shall be treated in
accordance with the provisions of this Article.
6. Uniformed members of the Israeli military forces, as well as vehicles
of the Israeli military forces, shall not be stopped by the
Palestinian Police in any circumstances, and shall not be subject to
any identification requirements. Without derogating from the above, in
the event of suspicion regarding such a person or vehicle, the
Palestinian Police may notify the Israeli authorities through the
relevant DCO, in order to request appropriate assistance.
7. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article, persons who are
subject to identification pursuant to this Article and who claim to be
Israelis but cannot present appropriate identification documentation
may be detained in place by the Palestinian Police, in accordance with
the provisions of Annex III, until the arrival of a Joint Patrol or
Joint Mobile Unit, called by the Palestinian Police, or of other
Israeli representatives dispatched by the relevant DCO.
8. a. Each side shall enforce upon civilians subject to its authority a
prohibition on possession or carrying weapons without a license.
b. The Palestinian Authority may grant licenses to possess or carry
pistols for civilian use. The modalities for granting such
licenses, as well as categories of persons who may be granted
such licenses, will be agreed upon in the JSC.
9. Rules of Engagement
a. For the purpose of this Article, "engagement" shall mean an
immediate response to an act or an incident constituting a danger
to life or property that is aimed at preventing or terminating
such an act or incident, or at apprehending its perpetrators.
b. Within the territory under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian
Authority, in places where Israeli authorities exercise their
security functions in accordance with this Annex, and in their
immediate vicinities, the Israeli authorities may carry out
engagement steps in cases where an act or an incident requires
such action. In such cases, the Israeli authorities will take any
measures necessary to bring to an end such an act or incident
with a view to transferring, at the earliest opportunity, the
continued handling of the incident falling within the Palestinian
responsibility to the Palestinian Police.
The Palestinian Authority will immediately be notified, through
the relevant DCO, of such engagement steps.
c. Engagement with the use of firearms shall not be allowed, except
as a last resort after all attempts at controlling the act or the
incident such as warning the perpetrator or shooting in the air
have failed. Use of firearms should be aimed at deterring and not
at killing the perpetrator. The use of firearms shall cease once
the danger is past.
d. Any activity involving the use of firearms other than for
immediate operational purposes shall be subject to prior
notification to the relevant DCO.
10. If a person is injured or otherwise in need of assistance, such
assistance will be provided by the side that first reaches the site.
If such a person is under the authority of the other side, the
assisting side shall notify the relevant DCO and the appropriate
provisions of Article II of this Annex, as well as the provisions of
Annex II, Article II, regarding arrangements for treatment and
hospitalization, shall be applied.
Article IX
Arrangements for Safe Passage Between the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area
1. General
a. There shall be safe passage between the Gaza Strip and the
Jericho Area for residents of the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area
and visitors to these areas from abroad, as detailed in this
Article.
b. Israel will ensure safe passage during daylight hours (from
sunrise to sunset) for persons and transportation.
c. Safe passage will be effected via the following designated
crossing points:
1. the Erez crossing point; and
2. the Vered Yericho crossing point.
d. Israel will make safe passage available through one or more of
the routes delineated on attached map No. 3.
2. The usage of safe passage
a. As detailed below, persons using safe passage shall carry, in
addition to the personal and vehicle documentation, the following
documents:
1. a safe passage card; and
2. (for drivers only) a vehicle safe passage permit.
Arrangements for implementation of safe passage, as well as
modalities for the issuance by Israel of safe passage cards and
vehicle safe passage permits, shall be discussed and agreed in
the CAC.
b. Residents of the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area in possession of
a permit enabling them to enter Israel will be able to use this
permit as a safe passage card.
c. Safe passage cards and vehicle safe passage permits shall be
stamped by the Israeli authorities at the crossing point with the
time of departure from the crossing point and the estimated time
of arrival.
d. Residents of the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area who are denied
entry into Israel may be permitted by Israel to use safe passage
in accordance with special arrangements to be made in each
individual case through the JSC.
e. Special arrangements will apply with respect to passage of
Palestinian leaders, senior Palestinian Authority officials and
distinguished personalities. The CAC will define the scope and
nature of these special arrangements, in consultation with the
JSC.
f. The mode of passage of Palestinian policemen on duty, between the
Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area, will be coordinated through the
JSC.
g. Any additional matters relating to the usage of safe passage will
be coordinated through the JSC.
3. Passage and Mode of Transit
a. Persons and vehicles in transit under these arrangements shall
neither break their journey nor depart from the designated
routes, and shall complete the transit within the designated time
stamped on their safe passage cards and permits, unless a delay
is caused by a medical emergency or a technical breakdown.
b. Persons using safe passage shall be subject to the laws and
regulations applicable in Israel and in the West Bank
respectively.
c. Persons and vehicles using safe passage shall not carry
explosives, firearms or other weapons or ammunition, except for
special cases that will be agreed to in the JSC.
4. General Provisions Regarding the Routes
a. The above arrangements shall in no way affect the status of the
routes used for safe passage.
b. Routes used for safe passage shall be closed on Yom Kippur,
Israel's Memorial Day and Israel's Independence Day.
c. Without prejudice to the use of safe passage, Israel may, for
security or safety reasons, temporarily modify the arrangements
for safe passage. Notice of such temporary modification shall be
given to the Palestinian authority through the JSC. At least one
route of safe passage shall, however, remain open.
d. Israel shall notify the Palestinian Authority of incidents
involving persons using safe passage.
Article X
Passages
1. General
a. While Israel remains responsible during the interim period for
external security, including along the Egyptian border and the
Jordanian line, border crossing shall take place according to the
arrangements included in this Article. These arrangements aim at
creating a mechanism that facilitates the entry and exit of
people and goods, reflecting the new reality created by the
Declaration of Principles, while providing full security for both
sides.
b. The arrangements included in this Article shall apply to the
following border crossings:
1. the Allenby Bridge crossing; and
2. the Rafah crossing.
c. The same arrangements will be applied by the Parties, with the
necessary adjustments, to agreed seaports, airports or other
international crossings, such as the Abdullah and Damya bridges.
d. The two sides are determined to do their utmost to maintain the
dignity of persons passing through the border crossings. To this
end, the mechanism created will rely heavily on brief and modern
procedures.
e. In each border crossing there will be one terminal, consisting of
two wings. The first wing will serve Palestinian residents of the
Gaza Strip and West Bank and visitors to these areas (hereinafter
"the Palestinian Wing"). The second wing will serve Israelis and
others (hereinafter "the Israeli Wing"). There will be a closed
Israeli checking area and a closed Palestinian checking area, as
set out below.
f. Special arrangements will apply to VIPs crossing through the
Palestinian Wing. The liaison bureau to be established pursuant
to paragraph 5 below (hereinafter "the Liaison Bureau") will
define the scope and the nature of these special arrangements.
2. Control and Management of the Passages
a. For the purpose of this Article, "passage" is defined to mean the
area from the crossing barrier at the Egyptian border or the
Allenby Bridge, passing through and including the terminal and:
1. with regard to the Allenby Bridge crossing, from the
terminal up to the Jericho Area; and
2. with regard to the Rafah crossing, from the terminal up to
the outer limit of the Israel military location along the
Egyptian border.
b. 1. Israel will have the responsibility for security throughout
the passage, including for the terminal.
2. An Israeli director-general will have the responsibility for
the management and security of the terminal.
3. The director-general will have two deputies who will report
to him:
a. an Israeli deputy who will be the manager of the
Israeli Wing. Israel will have exclusive responsibility
for the management of the Israeli Wing; and
b. a Palestinian deputy, appointed by the Palestinian
Authority, who will be the manager of the Palestinian
Wing.
4. Each deputy will have an assistant for security and an
assistant for administration. The assignments of the
Palestinian deputies for security and administration will be
agreed upon by the two sides.
5. There will be maximum coordination between the two sides.
Both sides will maintain cooperation and coordination on
matters of mutual concern.
6. The director-general will continue to use Palestinian
contractors to provide bus services and other administrative
and logistical services.
7. Palestinian policemen present at the terminal will be armed
with handguns. Their deployment will be decided upon by the
two sides. Other Palestinian officials present at the
terminal will be unarmed.
8. The details of management and security and Liaison Bureau
issues will be dealt with by the two sides.
9. The two sides will work together in order to seek ways for
additional arrangements in the Rafah terminal.
10. Both sides will review these procedures in a year's time.
c. Except for the arrangements included in this Article, the current
procedures and arrangements applicable outside the terminal shall
continue to apply throughout the passage.
d. 1. Once incoming passengers have crossed the terminal, they
will proceed to the Jericho Area or the Gaza Strip, as
appropriate, without any interference from Israeli
authorities (safe passage).
2. Outgoing passengers may proceed to the terminal without any
interference from Israeli authorities after joint
verification that such passengers hold the necessary
documentation for exiting the area to Jordan or Egypt, as
set out in this Agreement.
3. Arrangements for Entry from Egypt and Jordan Through the Palestinian
Wing
a. At the entrance to the Palestinian Wing there will be a
Palestinian policeman and a raised Palestinian flag.
b. Before entering the Palestinian Wing, passengers will identify
their personal luggage and it will be placed on a conveyor belt.
Each side will be able to inspect such luggage inside its own
checking area, using its own personnel and, if necessary, may
open the luggage for inspection in the presence of the owner and
a Palestinian policeman.
c. Persons entering the Palestinian Wing will pass through a
magnetic gate. An Israeli policeman and a Palestinian policeman
will be posted on each side of this gate. In the event of
suspicion, each side will be entitled to require a physical
inspection to be conducted in inspection booths to be located
adjacent to the gate. Passengers will be inspected by a
Palestinian policeman in the presence of an Israeli policeman.
Accompanying personal belongings may also be inspected at this
point.
d. Having completed the above phase, persons entering the
Palestinian Wing will pass through one of three lanes for the
purpose of identification and document control, as follows:
1. The first lane will be used by Palestinian residents of the
Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area. These passengers will pass
via a Palestinian counter, where their documents and
identity will be checked. Their documents will be checked by
an Israeli officer who will also check their identity
indirectly in an invisible manner.
2. The second lane will serve other Palestinian residents of
the West Bank. These passengers will first pass via a
Palestinian counter, where their documents and identity will
be checked. Then they will continue via an Israeli counter,
where their documents and identity will be checked. The two
counters will be separated by tinted glass and a revolving
door.
3. The third lane will serve visitors to the Gaza Strip and
West Bank. An identical procedure as in paragraph 3.d(2)
above will apply to such visitors, except that they will
first pass via the Israeli counter, and then continue via
the Palestinian counter.
e. In the event of suspicion regarding a passenger in any of the
three lanes described in subparagraph d. above, each side may
question such passenger in its closed checking area. Suspicion
justifying questioning in the closed checking area may be one of
the following:
1. the passenger was involved, directly or indirectly, in
criminal or planned criminal activity, in terrorist or
planned terrorist activity and is not a beneficiary of the
amnesty provisions of this Agreement.
2. the passenger conceals arms, explosives or related
equipment;
3. the passenger holds forged or non-valid documentation or the
details included in the documentation are inconsistent with
those included in the population registry (in case of a
resident) or in the data base (in case of a visitor), except
that questions relating to such inconsistency will initially
be raised at the counter and the passenger will be
questioned in the closed checking area only if the suspicion
has not been removed; or
4. the passenger acts in an obviously suspicious behavior
during the passage via the terminal.
If, at the conclusion of this questioning, the suspicion has not
been removed, such passenger may be apprehended, after the other
side has been notified. In case of a Palestinian suspect being
apprehended by the Israeli side, a Palestinian policeman will be
asked to meet with the suspect. Following notification to the
Liaison Bureau, any further treatment of the apprehended person
will be in accordance with Annex III.
f. In the Palestinian Wing, each side will have the authority to
deny the entry of persons who are not residents of the Gaza Strip
and West Bank.
For the purpose of this Agreement, "residents of the Gaza Strip
and West Bank" means persons who, on the date of entry into force
of this Agreement, are registered as residents of these areas in
the population registry maintained by the military government of
the Gaza Strip and West Bank, as well as persons who have
subsequently obtained permanent residency in these areas with the
approval of Israel, as set out in this Agreement.
g. Following the above procedure, the passengers will collect their
luggage and proceed to the customs area as described in Annex IV.
h. The Palestinian side will provide passengers whose entry is
approved with an entry permit stamped by the Palestinian side and
attached to their documents.
At the conclusion of the direct and indirect checking of the
documents and identity of passengers passing via the first lane
and stamping their entry permits, the Palestinian officer will
provide the passenger with a white card issued by the Israeli
officer. A Palestinian official posted at the exit of the
Palestinian Wing will verify that the passenger holds such a
white card and will collect the cards with indirect and invisible
Israeli checking.
For passengers going through the second and third lanes, the
Israeli officer will provide the passengers with a blue card,
after checking their documents and identity, and verifying their
entry permits. An Israeli and a Palestinian official posted at
the exit of the Palestinian Wing will verify and collect the
cards. White and blue cards collected will be checked by Israeli
and Palestinian officials.
In cases where either side denies the entry of a non-resident
passenger, that passenger will be escorted out of the terminal
and sent back to Jordan or Egypt, as appropriate, after notifying
the other side.
4. Arrangements for Exit to Egypt and Jordan Through The Palestinian Wing
Passengers exiting to Egypt or Jordan through the Palestinian Wing
will enter the terminal without their luggage. Thereafter, the same
procedures described in paragraph 3 above will apply to them, except
that the order of passing via the Israeli and Palestinian counters
will be reversed.
5. Liaison Bureau
a. There will be a liaison bureau at each crossing point in order to
deal with matters arising regarding passengers passing through
the Palestinian Wing, issues requiring coordination, and
differences regarding the implementation of these arrangements.
Without derogating from Israel's responsibility for security, the
bureau will also deal with incidents.
b. This bureau will be comprised of an equal number of
representatives from each side and will be located at a specified
location inside each terminal.
c. This bureau will be subordinate to the relevant subcommittee of
the CAC.
6. Miscellaneous
a. Special arrangements will be agreed upon by the two sides
regarding the passage of goods, buses, trucks and privately-owned
vehicles. Pending this agreement, the current arrangements will
continue to apply.
b. Israel will attempt to complete the structural alterations on the
Rafah and Allenby Bridge terminals not later than the date of the
completion of the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza
Strip and the Jericho Area. If these structural alterations are
not completed by that time, the arrangements described in this
Article shall apply, except for those arrangements that cannot be
implemented without the structural alterations.
c. In order to cross through the crossing points into and out of the
Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area, residents of these areas will
use documents as detailed in Annex II. Pending the entry into
force of the Interim Agreement, other West Bank residents will
continue to use the existing documents issued by the military
government and its Civil Administration.
Article XI
Security Along the Coastline and in the Sea of Gaza
1. Maritime Activity Zones
a. Extent of Maritime Activity Zones
The sea off the coast of the Gaza Strip will be divided into
three Maritime Activity Zones, K, L, and M as shown on map No. 6
attached to this Agreement, and as detailed below:
1. Zones K and M
a. Zone K extends to 20 nautical miles in the sea from the
coast in the northern part of the sea of Gaza and 1.5
nautical miles wide southwards.
b. Zone M extends to 20 nautical miles in the sea from the
coast, and one (1) nautical mile wide from the Egyptian
waters.
c. Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, Zones K
and M will be closed areas, in which navigation will be
restricted to activity of the Israel Navy.
2. Zone L
a. Zone L bounded to the south by Zone M and to the north
by Zone K extends 20 nautical miles into the sea from
the coast.
b. Zone L will be open for fishing, recreation and
economic activities, in accordance with the following
provisions:
i. Fishing boats will not exit Zone L into the open
sea and may have engines of up to a limit of 25 HP
for outboard motors and up to a maximum speed of
15 knots for inboard motors. The boats will
neither carry weapons nor ammunition nor will they
fish with the use of explosives.
ii. Recreational boats will be permitted to sail up to
a distance of 3 nautical miles from the coast
unless, in special cases, otherwise agreed within
the Maritime Coordination and Cooperation Center
as referred to in paragraph 3 below. Recreational
boats may have engines up to a limit of 10
horsepower. Marine motor bikes and water jets will
neither be introduced into Zone L nor be operated
therein.
iii. Foreign vessels entering Zone L will not approach
closer than 12 nautical miles from the coast
except as regards activities covered in paragraph
4 below.
b. General Rules of the Maritime Activity Zones
1. The aforementioned fishing boats and recreational boats and
their skippers sailing in Zone L shall carry licenses issued
by the Palestinian Authority, the format and standards of
which will be coordinated through the JSC.
2. The boats shall have identification markings determined by
the Palestinian Authority. The Israeli authorities will be
notified through the JSC of these identification markings.
3. Residents of Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip fishing
in Zone L will carry Israeli licenses and vessel permits.
4. As part of Israel's responsibilities for safety and security
within the three Maritime Activity Zones, Israel Navy
vessels may sail throughout these zones, as necessary and
without limitations, and may take any measures necessary
against vessels suspected of being used for terrorist
activities or for smuggling arms, ammunition, drugs, goods,
or for any other illegal activity. The Palestinian Police
will be notified of such actions, and the ensuing procedures
will be coordinated through the Maritime Coordination and
Cooperation Center.
2. The Palestinian Coastal Police
a. The Palestinian Coastal Police may function in Zone L, up to a
distance of 6 nautical miles from the coast. In special cases, it
may also exercise control over Palestinian fishing boats fishing
in Zone L in an additional area of 6 nautical miles, up to the
limit of 12 nautical miles from the coastline, after clearance
and coordination through the Maritime Coordination and
Cooperation Center.
b. The Palestinian Coastal Police shall have up to 8 boats with a
displacement of up to 30 tons. They will sail at a speed of up to
20 knots.
c. The boats shall carry weapons of up to a 7.62 mm caliber.
d. Boats of the Palestinian Coastal Police may fly a Palestinian
flag, have police identification markings and shall operate
identification lights.
e. The Parties shall cooperate on all sea matters, including mutual
help at sea, and pollution and environmental issues.
f. The boats of the Palestinian Coastal Police will initially use
the Gaza Wharf.
g. Boats belonging to Israelis are solely subject to the control,
authority and jurisdiction of Israel and the Israel Navy.
3. Maritime Coordination and Cooperation Center
a. A Maritime Coordination and Cooperation Center (hereinafter "the
MC") shall function as part of the JSC, to coordinate civil
maritime activities and coastal police affairs off the coast of
the Gaza Strip.
b. The MC shall function within the relevant DCO, and will determine
its own rules of procedure.
c. The MC shall function 24 hours a day.
d. The MC shall be staffed by members of the Israel Navy and the
Palestinian Coastal Police, each providing a liaison officer and
an assistant liaison officer.
e. A direct radio telephone link (hot line) shall be set up between
the Israel Navy vessels and the Palestinian Coastal Police
vessels.
f. The role of the MC is to coordinate:
1. assistance between the Coastal Police and the Israel Navy as
may be necessary to deal with incidents arising at sea;
2. Coastal Police training involving the use of firearms;
3. joint activities between the Coastal Police and the Israel
Navy when pre-planning is operationally necessary;
4. radio contact between Coastal Police and Israel Navy vessels
in the event that "hot line" communication between vessels
of the two sides was not established;
6. search and rescue operations; and
7. maritime activities related to an agreed port, when
established in the Gaza Strip.
4. Gaza Strip Port
a. Plans for the establishment of a port in the Gaza Strip in
accordance with the Declaration of Principles, its location, and
related matters of mutual interest and concern, as well as
licenses for vessels and crews sailing on international voyages
will be discussed and agreed upon between Israel and the
Palestinian Authority taking into consideration the provisions of
Article X of this Agreement. To this end a special committee will
be established by the two sides.
b. The Gaza Sea Port Authority referred to in the Declaration of
Principles, shall act on behalf of the Palestinian Authority in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
c. Pending construction of a port, arrangements for entry and exit
of vessels, passengers and goods by sea, as well as licenses for
vessels and crews sailing on international voyages in transit to
the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area, shall be through Israeli
ports in acordance with the relevant rules and regulations
applicable in Israel and in accordance with the provisions of
Annex IV.
Article XII
Security of the Airspace
1. Operation of aircraft for the use of the Palestinian Authority in the
Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area shall be initially as follows:
a. Two (2) transport helicopters for VIP transportation within and
between the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area.
b. Four (4) up to twenty persons capacity fixed-wing transport
aircraft, for transporting persons between the Gaza Strip and the
Jericho Area.
2. Changes in the number, type and capacity of aircraft may be discussed
and agreed upon in a Joint Aviation Subcommittee (hereinafter "the
JAC") to be established within the JSC.
3. The Palestinian Authority may immediately establish and operate in the
Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area provisional airstrips for the
helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft referred to in subparagraphs 1.a
and 1.b above, in accordance with arrangements and modalities to be
discussed and agreed upon in the JAC.
All aviation activity or usage of the airspace by any aerial vehicle
in the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area shall require prior approval of
Israel. It shall be subject to Israeli air traffic control including,
inter alia, monitoring and regulation of air routes as well as
relevant regulations and requirements to be implemented in accordance
with the Israel Aeronautical Information Publication, the relevant
parts of which will be issued after consultation with the Palestinian
Authority.
Aircraft taking off from, and landing in the Gaza Strip and the
Jericho Area shall be registered and licensed in Israel or in other
states members of ICAO. Air crews of such aircraft shall be licensed
in Israel or in such other states, provided that such licenses have
been approved and recommended by the Palestinian Authority and
validated by Israel.
4. Aircraft referred to in this Article shall not carry firearms,
ammunition, explosives or weapons systems, unless otherwise approved
by both sides. Special arrangements for armed guards escorting
high-ranking officials, will be agreed upon in the JAC.
5. The location of navigational aids and other aviation equipment will be
approved by Israel through the JAC.
6. a. The Palestinian Authority shall ensure that only the aviation
activity in accordance with this Agreement will take place in the
Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area.
b. Further powers and responsibilities may be transferred to the
Palestinian Authority through the JAC.
c. The Palestinian Authority may establish a Palestinian Civil
Aviation Department to act on its behalf in accordance with the
provisions of this Article and of this Agreement.
7. a. Aviation activity by Israel will continue to be operated above
the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area, with the same limitations
applicable in Israel regarding civil and military flights over
densely-populated areas.
b. Israel will notify the Palestinian Authority of emergency rescue
operations, searches and investigations of aerial accidents
carried out in the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area. Searches and
investigations of civilian aircraft accidents will be conducted
by Israel with the participation of the Palestinian Authority.
8. Commercial, domestic and international air services to, from and
between the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area may be operated by
Palestinian, Israeli or foreign operators approved by both sides,
certified and licensed in Israel or in ICAO member states maintaining
bilateral aviation relations with Israel. Arrangements for such air
services, beginning with a service between Gaza and Cairo using two
(2) fixed-wing aircraft with capacity up to fifty passengers each, as
well as arrangements regarding the establishment and operation of
airports and air terminals in the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area,
will be discussed and agreed upon by the two sides in the JAC.
Any such international commercial air services will be carried out in
accordance with Israel's bilateral aviation agreements. The
implementation phase will be discussed and agreed upon in the JAC.