Oslo Accords

After nine months of secret contacts mediated by Norwegian diplomats, the PLO and Israel sign a Declaration of Principles on the White House lawn stipulating Israel’s return of civilian and political authority over the Gaza Strip and a portion of the Jericho area to the Palestinians. Israel’s intention is to empower Palestinians with areas of self- governance. Many Palestinian leaders are dismayed that Arafat did not insist on or receive Palestinian self-determination or a promise of an independent Palestinian state. Of all Arab states, Syria is the most dismayed about Arafat’s separate agreement with Israel. (source)