Palestinian Authority:
The Palestine Papers

Palestinian Authority: Table of Contents | History & Overview | Yasser Arafat

In January 2011, Al-Jazeera released a trove of confidential documents related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including thousands of pages of diplomatic correspondence, minutes from private meetings, transcripts of high level exchanges and strategy papers dated from 1999 to 2010. The authenticity of the documents was confirmed by the Guardian and sources within the Israeli government. All documents are in PDF.

Documents from 2010

  • January 15, 2010 - Meeting Minutes: Saeb Erekat and David Hale
    • Summary: Minutes of meeting between David Hale (DH) and Saeb Erekat (SE), dated January 15, 2010, where they primarily discuss issues related to Jerusalem, 1967 borders and settlement tenders.  The pair also discuss viewpoints of other Arab nations

Documents from 2009

Documents from 2008

Documents from 2007

Documents from 2006

Documents from 2005

  • January 3, 2005 - Ariel Sharon's Position on Palestinian Elections
    • Summary: Document that outlines the Ariel Sharon's and the official Israeli position on the upcoming 2005 Palestinian elections.
  • January 13, 2005 - Ariel Sharon's Letter to Shimon Peres
    • Summary: In this letter, Ariel Sharon outlines Shimon Peres's role as the new Vice Premier.
  • January 31, 2005 - Outcomes of London Donor Conference
    • Summary: This is a summary of the issues discussed during the London Conference about acheiving Palestinian statehood. It provides an outline of the meeting topics, including security, the realization of a two-state solution, Palestinian elections, constitutional and economic reform, judicial reform, and administrative reform.
  • February 3, 2005 - Meeting Minutes: Saeb Erekat and Dov Weisglass
    • Summary: These are minutes from a preparatory meeting 4 days before Sharm el-Sheikh Summit of 2005. Both sides negotiate several topics, including prisoner release, removal of checkpoints, and Israeli withdrawal from 5 Palestinian cities.
  • February 6, 2005 - NSU Email Re: Saeb Erekat-Dov Weisglass Meeting Follow-Up
    • Summary: Email from Hazzan to NSU staff regarding follow-up items from the Erekat-Weisglass meeting on February 3, 2005.  The email identifies issues where Palestinians need clarification from the Israelis - on detailed confidence building measures and the fate of deportees (other than Nativity Church deportees).  The email also identifies three major controversies and lists related action items.
  • February 8, 2005 - Draft Conclusions from London Donor Conference
    • Summary: This is a summary of the discussions held during the London Meeting in February 2005. The major theme was institutional renewal in areas such as elections, the judiciary, economic governance, constitution, civil society. Also noted in this document was a push for a clear commitment from international community to support the PA's program.
  • February 11, 2005 - Israeli Presentation on Gaza Disengagement
    • Summary: This is a powerpoint presentation regarding the disengagement plan given during an Israeli-Palestinian Ministerial meeting. It deals with the logistical aspects of movement and access, economic development, and transfer of Israeli assets.
  • February 13, 2005 - Meeting Minutes: Israeli-Palestinian Redeployment Committee
    • Summary: These are the minutes from a meeting discussing the transfer of Jericho's security responsibility to the Palestinian Authority, training PA forces, as well as the removal of all checkpoints in the area.
  • February 14, 2005 - Meeting Minutes: Saeb Erekat and Dov Weisglass
    • Summary: These are minutes from a preparatory meeting days before Sharm el-Sheikh Summit of 2005. It also includes a proposed draft written by the Israelis for 'Israeli-Palestinian understanding', which lists Israel's topics for negotiation.
  • February 20, 2005 - Meeting Minutes: Israel and Palestine on Handover of Tulkarem
    • Summary: Email from Dajani to NSU staff briefing the team on meetings with both Palestinian and Israeli military/security officials regarding possible handover of Tulkarem.  The Israelis are willing to handover Tulkarem with several caveats, including rights of passage and "hot pursuit" rights; the Palestinians admit that their security forces are not entirely ready for such responsibility.  Dajani also offers his assessment handover plan failures as well as harmful Israeli negotiation tactics.
  • February 27, 2005 - Palestinian Guidelines for Israeli Withdrawal
    • Summary: This document presents Palestinian positions on the Israeli evacuation and withdrawal, followed by the procedural guidelines that Palestinian believe should govern the coordination process with Israel. It also offers a Palestinian agenda for coordination with a proposed structure of Palestinian-Israeli committees.
  • February 28, 2005 - Protocol Security Transfer - Jericho
    • Summary: This is a list of agreed upon responsibilities in the transfer of security in Jericho from the Government of Israel to the Palestinian Authority, represented by Colonel Motti Almoz and General Ahmed Eid.
  • March 21, 2005 - Israeli Protocol Transfer - Tulkarem
    • Summary: This is a letter from Senior Israeli Commander, Tamir Hayman, explaining the protocol in the handover of the Tulkarem area to Palestinian security control.
  • March 22, 2005 - Concern on Security Protocol Transfer at Tulkarem
    • Summary: This is a document which outlines the points which were raised in the meeting with the Israelis regarding the transfer of security responsibility in the Tulkarem area.
  • April 5, 2005 - Meeting Summaries: Mohammad Dahlan in Washington, D.C.
    • Summary: This document summarizes a series of meetings held in Washington, DC during the week of April 5th, 2005, during Minister Mohammad Dahlan's visit to the United States. Notes on each of the meetings with various think tanks and US officials are included in this paper.
  • April 17, 2005 - Meeting Minutes: Gaza Disengagement
    • Summary: This is a summary of meetings on Gaza development that took place during the week of April 17th, 2005. The agenda included several meetings that discussed issues such as infrastructure, access, and withdrawal in Gaza and economic development. Several of the meetings were workshops or briefings to third parties (ie. Americans, European Union) involved in the process.
  • April 21, 2005 - Meeting Minutes: Saeb Erekat and Dov Weisglass
    • Summary: Minutes of meeting between Dov Weisglass and Saeb Erekat. The pair along with other reps discuss security forces and Abbas' strategy. They argue over Palestinian effectiveness, Israeli interference, Hamas' gaining strength and moving forward based on previous security frameworks.
  • April 23, 2005 - Meeting Summary: Movement & Passages - Karni, Erez, Rafah
    • Summary: Summary of a meeting between Israeli and Palestinian Authorities on improving crossing points' security, equipment, logistics and other protocols.
  • May 1, 2005 - U.S. Lobbyist Report: Palestinian Strategies Post-Abbas' Visit to Washington
    • Summary: A memorandum from Bannerman to the PLO that outlines strategies for the Palestinians to capitalize on the goodwill generated by Mahmoud Abbas' recent visit to Washington, D.C.  The memo focuses on concrete steps the PLO can take to engage the Bush Administration, put Israel on the defensive, and gather international support in their favor.  Such measures include establishing a Palestinian referendum on peace; transferring sovereignty over the West Bank from Jordan to Palestine; and taking concrete steps to dismantle terrorism.  The memo does stress the importance of getting commitment from the Bush administration to force a full settlement freeze. 
  • May 2, 2005 - British Security Plan: Military Project Synopsis on Palestinian Security
    • Summary: This is a report from the UK's Military Liaison Office (Jerusalem) summarizing British projects to bolster the Palestinian security forces. The majority of the projects concern are logistics and infrastructure, e.g. air conditioning, vehicles, office space, furniture, and other essentials.  They also outline specific amounts funded for Palestinian intelligence forces, including General Intelligence (GI) and Preventative Security Services (PSS)
  • May 3, 2005 - Israeli Presentation on Economic and Civilian Disengagement
    • Summary: Powerpoint presentation to James Wolfensohn on co-operation with PA Ministers Cabinet and international donor community during and after Gaza disengagement. This document provides discussion points on improving border crossings, trade relations, facilitating economic development, and short term projects (training of health care personnel, development of electricity distribution).
  • May 8, 2005 - Meeting Minutes: Negotiation on Prisoners Release
    • Summary: In these minutes, the Israelis said that there would be no prisoner release until the Palestinian Authority halts the armed operations against Israel, in particular, the Kassam rocket firing on Israeli settlements. Their release would be considered if the calm was restored. The government of Israel is willing to waive the 5th condition for prisoners release- prisoners would be released only after serving 2/3 of their sentence. This would enable the release of prisoners which were sentenced to long sentences and are due to be released only after a long time – up to 2013, on the condition that the calm is restored. The Israeli Minister of Justice will review the procedure for renewing the administrative detention. Also mentioned was that the Minister of Justice and the Palestinian Minister of Prisoners Affairs will coordinate a joint visit to verify the detention and visit conditions in the Israeli prisons.
  • May 18, 2005 - Clearance Process For Imports to Palestinian Territories
    • Summary: This is a USSC drafted summary of the procedures to ensure the successful import of commodities (humanitarian aid) to the West Bank and Gaza.
  • May 19, 2005 - Meeting Minutes: Dov Weisglass and Saeb Erekat
    • Summary: The minutes of a meeting between Saeb Erekat and Dov Weisglass in Tel Aviv on May 19, 2005. The main issue they discussed was Israeli security.
  • June 1, 2005 - Meeting Minutes: Dov Weisglass and Saeb Erekat
    • Summary: Minutes of meeting among Weisglass, Erekat, Tourgeman and Hazzan in Tel Aviv where the parties discussed the recent moves by Erekat to block execution of prisoners, upcoming elections, Gaza Disengagement, home demolitions.
  • June 14, 2005 - Meeting Minutes: Israeli-Palestinian Security Meeting - Tel Aviv Conference
    • Summary: These are minutes from a June 14th, 2005 meeting in Tel Aviv about security coordination between Israeli and Palestinian forces. Arabic version available.
  • June 15, 2005 - Meeting Minutes: Dov Weisglass and Saeb Erekat
    • Summary: The parties discuss several issues prior to the summit, including work on joint documents, Gaza airport, Rafah, cease fire, access/movement and home demolition. Erekat entertains the idea of PA being paid for home demolitions and subsequent removal. Weisglass reiterates the need for PA to stop Qassam rockets as they destroy Israeli support for disengagement.
  • June 22, 2005 - Meeting Minutes: Mahmoud Abbas and Ariel Sharon Summit Meeting
    • Summary: Minutes from a two-hour meeting at Sharon's residence in Jerusalem, after which each side held a separate press conference. They discussed minimal progress on coordinating the Gaza withdrawal, and the Israeli government made several small promises regarding crossing points and the release of prisoners. The PA called it a "frustrating" meeting.
  • July 1, 2005 - Meeting Summary: Shaul Mofaz and Nasr Yousef
    • Summary: An English translation of a mid-2005 meeting between Israeli general Shaul Mofaz and Palestinian interior minister Nasr Yousef, in which they discuss security cooperation, notably the Israeli request that the PA assassinate Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades figure Hassan al-Madhoun.
  • July 5, 2005 - Meeting Minutes: Security Coordination
    • Summary: This is a summary of a security coordination meeting that took place among Israeli and Palestinian commanders before the Gaza disengagement. In this document, the Palestinians present their plan for maintaining security and order to help Israeli withdrawal in a successful manner.
  • July 25, 2005 - World Bank Report: The Gaza Settlement Houses
    • Summary: This note summarizes the status of the existing Gaza settlement houses and examines issues related to the removal of hazardous materials, partial demolition, reuse of the material for future building and road construction, and the disposal of unusable rubble.
  • October 1, 2005 - Meeting Summary: Shaul Mofaz and Nasr Yousef
    • Summary: An English translation of a 2005 meeting between Israeli general Shaul Mofaz and Palestinian interior minister Nasr Yousef, in which they discuss security cooperation, notably the Israeli request that the PA assassinate Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades figure Hassan al-Madhoun.
  • October 9, 2005 - Meeting Minutes: Customs Arrangements at Rafah
    • Summary: Minutes of meeting in Jerusalem on October 9, 2005. The Israeli, Palestinian and international delegates discuss customs arrangements, mechanisms and concerns regarding the opening of the Rafah crossing.
  • October 10, 2005 - Meeting Summary: Trilateral Meeting on Rafah Crossing
    • Summary: A trilateral meeting was held on 10 October 2005 in Jerusalem for three hours headed by James Wolfensohn. Various points discussed; some were agreed upon by all parties, including the need to have a study done on the requirements for operating the crossing (equipment), and accordingly set a date for operating the crossing, the necessity to have security coordination to prevent terrorists from using the crossing, and have a third party supervise the performance of the Palestinian Authority at the crossing. Israelis disagreed on the third party role in Kerem Shalom for assistance and monitoring, and exiting goods from Rafah crossing without giving logical reasons.
  • October 14, 2005 - Meeting Minutes: Saeb Erekat and Shimon Peres
    • Summary: Minutes of meeting among Peres, Erekat and PA/GoI delegations on border crossings, Rafah and elections. After PA pointed out deterioration of functioning of the crossing points, GoI promised to resolve their issues soon.
  • October 31, 2005 - Agreement between Israel Tax Authority & Palestinian Custom and Excise Directorate - Rafah Crossing
    • Summary: This is an agreement between the Israeli Tax Authority and the Customs and Excise Directorate of the Palestinian Authority on the operation of the Rafah crossing point.
  • November 20, 2005 - Letter from Wolfensohn to Sharon and Abbas Re: AMA
    • Summary: This is a letter from the US Special Envoy for Disengagement thanking President Abbas and PM Sharon in finalizing the Agreement on Access and Movement.
  • November 24, 2005 - U.S. Security Draft: Protocol on Security at Rafah Border
    • Summary: This agreement lays out the protocol of security implementation procedures at the Rafah Border Crossing, in accordance with international standards, and Palestinian law.
  • November 24, 2005 - UNTSO - Protocol on Security Implementation Procedures
    • Summary: Proposal by UNTSO entitled "Protocol on Security Implementation Procedures," dated November 24, 2005. The document lays out the guidelines and responsibilities for each party ta Rafah Crossing. Includes appendix on operation of cameras.

 

Documents from 2004

  • February 28, 2004 - Withdrawal Plan from the West Bank and Gaza Strip and Resumption of PA Control
    • Summary: Draft of Withdrawal plan by NSU entitled "Withdrawal Plan from the West Bank and Gaza Strip and Resumption of Palestinian Authority Control," dated February 28, 2004. The detailed plan sets forth the PA draft of the plan, including weekly expectations of GOI withdrawal and PA redeployment, as well as cessations, cooperation and re-establishment of pre-Sept 28, 2000 positions and procedures.
  • February 29, 2004 - NSU Memo to Erekat Re: Gaza Withdrawal Plan
    • Summary: Memorandum from NSU to Saeb Erekat regarding "Gaza Withdrawal Plan," dated February 29, 2004. The memo describes the risks and opportunities derived from the Israeli withdrawal plan. The memo places its emphasis on the importance of the freezing of Israeli settlements and cessation of hostilities. The memo also describes PA concessions on the building of the Wall - here, the PA insists the construction within the West Bank must be stopped and its course changed to the Green Line.
  • April 6, 2004 - US Lobbyist Memo: Implications of Sharon's Disengagement Initiative
    • Summary: Memorandum from Bannerman & Associates, Inc., a lobbyist firm in Washington, D.C., to various members of Palestinian team including Yasser Arafat, Mahmoud Abbas, Ahmed Qureia and Saeb Erakat, regarding "Implications of Sharon's Disengagement Initiative," dated April 6, 2004. The memo delivers stark warnings and insight around Sharon's disengagement initiative. The memo is notable for its view that Sharon's plan will drastically slow down the Roadmap, effectively block discussions on withdrawing from the West Bank, further bolster US support for Israel and, overall, will have disastrous implications for PA positions.
  • April 14, 2004 - President George W. Bush's Letter to Ariel Sharon
    • Summary: Letter from President George W. Bush to Ariel Sharon dated April 14, 2004, in which President Bush acknowledges receipt of Sharon's disengagment plan and pledges support to Israel through the peace process; in defending its borders from threats; support for a two-state solution; support for borders as established by UNSC 242 and 338; and his hopes in implementing the roadmap.
  • April 14, 2004 - Ariel Sharon's Letter to President George W. Bush
    • Summary: Letter from Ariel Sharon to President George W. Bush dated April 14, 2004. The letter essentially sets out Sharon's Disengagement Plan, to exist independently from the road map. He reiterates Israel's committment to protecting itself from terror threats; complains about the lack of PA action or leadership to cooperate with; Israel's plan to continue building the wall; and their goals for the Disengagement plan.
  • April 15, 2004 - Letter from Qurei to Kofi Annan Re: Bush-Sharon Press Conference
    • Summary: Letter from PM Ahmed Qurei to UNSG Kofi Annan dated April 15, 2004. The draft letter discusses Bush/Sharon's press conference and voices strong opposition to their statements on Israel's disengagement plan. They indicate the US/Israel plans run contrary to all that has been assured thus far and will further damage the ability of PA to retain control and effectively establish an independent state; most damaging is Israel's insistence on control of land, sea and air space around Gaza. The letter also details key PA issues that Israel has not addressed, refuses to entertain and effectively dismissed with their new plan. The letter calls on support from the Quartet and international leaders to force the US and Israel to negotiate a solution that will work for all parties involved.
  • April 15, 2004 - Ariel Sharon's Israeli Disengagement Plan
    • Summary: Israel's Disengagement Plan dated April 15, 2004 (attachment to Sharon's letter to President Bush). The document outlines the Israeli objectives and plans for withdrawal in Gaza and Northern Samaria. The plan indicates military withdrawal (presence of forces) from target areas but will maintain control over borders, air and sea spaces. Israel will also maintain all current supply and economic agreements with PA.
  • April 15, 2004 - Letter from Qurei to President Bush Re: Reaction to Bush-Sharon Press Conference
    • Summary: Letter from PM Ahmad Queri to President George W. Bush dated April 15, 2004. The draft letter discusses Bush/Sharon's press conference and voices strong opposition to their statements on Israel's disengagement plan. They indicate the US/Israel plans run contrary to all that has been assured thus far and will further damage the ability of PA to retain control and effectively establish an independent state; most damaging is Israel's insistence on control of land, sea and air space around Gaza. The letter also details key PA issues that Israel has not addressed, refuses to entertain and effectively dismissed with their new plan. The letter reiterates that the fundamental issue is not terrorism, but illegal occupation, and urges the US to help find solutions to end the illegal occupation and restore peace.
  • April 15, 2004 - Letter from Qurei to PM Tony Blair Re: Bush-Sharon Press Conference
    • Summary: Letter from PM Ahmad Qurei'a to PM Tony Blair dated April 15, 2004. The draft letter discusses Bush/Sharon's press conference and voices strong opposition to their statements on Israel's disengagement plan. They indicate the US/Israel plans run contrary to all that has been agreed thus far and will further damage the ability of PA to retain control and effectively negotiate desired solutions in the process. The letter also details key PA issues that Israel has not addressed, refuses to entertain and effectively dismissed with their new plan; the letter calls on support from the Quarter and international leaders to force the US and Israel to negotiate a solution that will work for all parties involved.
  • April 17, 2004 - Letter from Saeb Erekat to Kofi Annan Re: Emergency Quartet Meeting
    • Summary: Letter from Saeb Erekat to Kofi Annan regarding the upcoming emergency Quartet meeting, dated April 17, 2004. The letter calls on support from the Quartet to reiterate and clarify their position in the process, and to force the US and Israel to negotiate a lasting solution that will work for all parties involved. The letter also details key PA issues that Israel has not addressed, refuses to entertain or effectively dismissed with their new plan. The PA is critically concerned with any process that will strip them of authority and sovereignty.
  • April 19, 2004 - NSU Internal Briefing - Assessment of Sharon's Gaza Withdrawal Plan
    • Summary: Internal briefing by NSU entitled "Assessment of Sharon's Gaza Withdrawal Plan," dated April 19, 2004. The briefing details PA concerns to both the overall plan and specific language clauses, along with each's implications and related PA priorities. A common theme is the plan's intention to strip the PA of any enforceable authority and sovereignty, both short- and long-term.
  • May 29, 2004 - Internal Email Re: Sharon's Disengagement Plan (Full Text)
    • Summary: Email from Shaddad Attili to NSU staff regarding "Sharon's Disengagement Plan: Full Text," dated May 29, 2004. The email contains the full text of Sharon's disengagement plan with no further commentary.
  • May 31, 2004 - NSU Negotiation Brief - Territorial Links
    • Summary: NSU Negotiation Brief entitled "Land Corridor Between West Bank and Gaza - Concerns and Recommendations," dated May 31, 2004. The brief explains prohibitive cost/maintenance/security concerns over an elevated highway and strongly advcoates that Israel not be credited 3% for permitting construction of corridor. The brief also strongly recommends that PA demand a land corridor with exclusive jurisdiction and no elevation.
  • June 15, 2004 - Working File - Decidable Issues for Borders - Territorial Link between West Bank and Gaza Strip
    • Summary: Working file of memorandum entitled "Decidable Issues for Borders: Territorial Link between West Bank and Gaza Strip," dated June 15, 2004 (handwritten date). The memo includes team member updates, questions and comments - collaborative efforts - in refining the PA position on security, logistical, economic and political/sovereignty issues regarding the territorial link.
  • June 27, 2004 - Meeting Summaries: Erekat with U.S., Egypt and Shimon Peres
    • Summary: Email from Leila Hilal to NSU staff regarding "Meeting today with Dr. Saeb," dated June 27, 2004, that summarizes several recent meetings regarding NSU initiatives. The email includes briefs on: Suleiman and Egypt's involvement; US Meetings (Erekat with Powell where Erekat emphasized elections, freeing Arafat and Egypt's positive role in the withdrawal); Erekat's meeting with Shimon Peres (where Peres details his conversations with Sharon); Erekat's meeting with William Burns (Burns explains US priorities in security); and NSU Gaza presentation to Burns and future trips to the US.
  • August 26, 2004 - Israeli Withdrawal - Unilateral Disengagement to Trilateral Engagement
    • Summary: Document of unspecified origin entitled "Unilateral Disengagement to Trilateral Engagement; Paper 3: Preparing for Israeli withdrawal from Philadelphi, Gaza Airport and Gaza Seaport," dated August 26, 2004. The paper outlines a detailed trilateral engagement plan to allay Sharon's security concerns and in turn encourage full withdrawal of the IDF forces from the three areas of concern. The paper details issues and actionable objectives for the following: threats; security needs in Egypt, Palestinian, border crossings, airport and seaport; Egypt's role; MFO's role; Palestinian role; the international and Quartet role; and proposed timetable.
  • September 1, 2004 - NSU Email Re: Ad Hoc & Task List on AHLC Meeting and ICJ Decision
    • Summary: Internal NSU email from Nisreen Ahmad to LPU, Andrew Kuhn, Myles Bush and Maen Areikat regarding "Ad hoc & task lists," dated September 1, 2004. The email creates a task list, charging various members of the NSU and outside contacts, around two major items: preparing a plan on how the disengagement can fit into the Roadmap in order to engage diplomatic community; and action on enforcement of te ICJ decision. The email also includes various comments from Saeb Erekat including comments on Peres comments re: Sharon, Israeli retractions on security issues discussed with UK and prisoner issues.
  • September 29, 2004 - NSU Memo Re: Disengagement Plan Part of the Roadmap
    • Summary: Memorandum from NSU to Erekat that discusses the important of tying the disengagement process to the Road Map, and using the Quartet as a driving force.  The memo proposes a detailed plan for the disengagement along with implications for each action.
  • October 4, 2004 - Working Paper 2: Disengagement and the Road Map
    • Summary: A paper that covers issues and objectives addressed by Israeli, Palestinian, Egyptian and International experts in areas including: Economy and Development, Security, Labour, Agriculture, Tourism etc.
  • November 30, 2004 - Talking Points on Detainees and Palestinian Prisoners
    • Summary: This documents describes the status of 870 administrative detainees in IDF detention centers. It also describes the status of the 379 child prisoners detained by Israel and points out policies used by the IDF to justify detaining Palestinians that Israel itself opposed before 1948.
  • November 30, 2004 - P-I Economic and Civilian Coordination Framework
    • Summary: This is a proposed framework for coordinating all economic and civilian matters relating to the implementation of the disengagement plan.
  • November 30, 2004 - Israeli Gaza Withdrawal Plan: Risks and Opportunities
    • Summary: This document analyzes Israel's plan of unilateral withdrawal from Gaza and presents the opportunities, risks, and conditions for success. This document also includes the advantages and disadvantages of PA engagement. The advantages include strengthening the PA’s domestic authority, reactivating US political engagement, avoiding the characterization that there is no partner on the Palestinian side, and reviving the roadmap. Disadvantages include giving a domestic cover to Prime Minister Sharon, and risking Palestinian opposition on the grounds that this legitimizes Sharon’s unilateral disengagement policies.
  • December 22, 2004 - Meeting Minutes: Election Coordination Meeting
    • Summary: This is a brief summary of a meeting between Israeli and PA authorities related to preparations for Palestinian Presidential Elections on January 9, 2005.

Documents from 2003

  • January 1, 2003 - UK Security Plan: British MI6 Palestinian Security Plan with Annex
    • Summary: A British MI6 plan for Palestinian security, in which the British government discusses training officers and restoring cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian agencies, as well as other initiatives focused on withdrawal of IDF troops and building Palestinian capability. It includes the following language about dealing with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ): "2. Degrading the capabilities of the rejectionists - Hamas, PIJ and the Al-Aqsa Brigades - through the disruption of their leaderships' communications and command and control capabilities; the detention of key middle-ranking officers; and the confiscation of their arsenals and financial resources held within the Occupied Territories, US and - informally - UK monitors would report both to Israel and to the Quartet. We could also explore the temporary internment of leading Hamas and PIJ figures, making sure they are well treated, with EU funding."
  • March 31, 2003 - Wexner Analysis - Israel Communication Manual - 2003
    • Summary: Communication manual developed by the Luntz Research Companies & The Israel Project that stresses particular themes and phrases, both positive and negative, for Israeli officials to use/avoid when speaking on the peace process. The manual lists directives for Israeli officials to use in communications, including: continually referring to the defeat of Saddam Hussein when communicating to the American people; emphasizing the plights of parents and children; "swallowing a bitter pill of humility" to appear concerned for the Palestinian people; championing democracy; and refraining from attacks on Mahmoud Abbas in the short-term. The manual is designed to help Israeli officials appear more sympathetic to the peace process and less vulnerable to attacks by primarily the American Left.
  • July 17, 2003 - Palestinian Security Apparatus Progress Report
    • Summary: Progress report regarding the performance of Palestinian security mechanisms in halting attacks, written by PA Ministry of Interior (MOI) for U.S. Security Monitors in July 2003. The first portion of the report highlights administrative and related acheivements of the MOI, including establishing academies and training institutes for police/security/other civil personnel as well as laws to facilitate progress. The majority of the report however describes security acheivements of the PA. These include redeployments to troubled areas as well as arrests, interrogations and actions taken against (including shootings at) Palestinians both directly involved and suspected of involvement in anti-Israeli attacks/threats. The report also includes various examples of direct cooperation with the IDF, including the arrest and transfer of Palestinians to the IDF, and missions undertaken by PA forces under direct supervision of the CIA. The report shows strong cooperation from the Palestinians in working with American and Israeli forces. The report also includes a chart of Israeli violations in the Gaza strip, showing 50+ violations in a period of 17 days.
  • October 17, 2003 - Letter from Wolf to Erekat Re: Israeli Military Action in Gaza and October Gaza Bombing
    • Summary: Letter from John S. Wolf to Saeb Erekat dated October 17, 2003. The letter acknowledges that Wolf has read Erekat's letter regarding Israeli military action in Gaza and emphasizes that the US has been clear privately and publicly that Israel should close consider consequences of its actions. The letter then stresses the setback the October Gaza bombing could cause ("a Palestinian state will not be established") and reiterates President Bush's insistence that the PA must crackdown on the responsible parties.
  • November 30, 2003 - Israeli Security Council Feasibility Study on Gaza Settlement Relocation
    • Summary: Feasibility study by Israeli National Security Council entitled "Feasibility Study: Relocating settlements from Gaza Strip area," undated. The study evaluates possibilities of relocating settlements, industrial zones, agricultural zones, building new settlements, government policies and other proposals from a variety of economic and statistical angles.
  • November 30, 2003 - Tel Asur Israeli Early Warning Station - Effects and Impacts
    • Summary: Report by NAD-NSU, entitled "Effects and Impacts of Israeli Early Warning Station at Tel Asur," dated December 2003. The report discusses the effects - environmental, socio-economic and other - that the Israeli warning station would have on the natural growth of Palestinian villages, security concerns and economic concerns.

Documents from 2002

Documents from 2001

  • January 25, 2001 - Meeting Minutes: Taba Summit - Security - Dahlan and Herzog
    • Summary: Minutes of meeting with Dahlan, Herzog and others in Taba; the discussions focuses on Israeli right to deploy forces in Jordan Valley, and political implications of doing so.
  • January 26, 2001 - Meeting Minutes: Taba Summit - Security - Dahlan and Yanai
    • Summary: The parties discuss a non-militarized state; Yanai submits a list of weapons the Israelis do not want Palestinians to have.
  • April 18, 2001 - Jordanian Non-Paper on Peace Process Re-launch
    • Summary: Non-paper describing Jordan and Egypt's proposal to re-launch peace process and end crisis; 4-step process is advocated.
  • April 20, 2001 - Egyptian Non-paper on Peace Process Re-Launch
    • Summary: In this paper, Jordan and Egypt incorporate the understanding reached at the Sharm El Sheikh Summit that convened on Oct 16-17, 2000 to suggest specific steps (outlined in the document) to acheive peace between Israel and the Palestinians. And to guarantee the adherence of both parties to the implementation of the proposals, sponsors of the Peace Process, the European Union, Egypr, Jordan, and the Secretary General of the United Nations will monitor this program.
  • May 15, 2001 - Meeting Minutes - Handwritten Notes Regarding Abed Aloon on Prisoners
    • Summary: Notes on meeting with Aloon regarding prisoners. The notes identify status on several prisoners, including Abu Hanudeh, Ghaneimet, Hinani, Al Wardeh. The discussion also focuses on the role of the CIA (necessary role) and Israeli-CIA cooperation over PA prisoners.
  • June 11, 2001 - George Tenet's Palestinian-Israeli Security Implementation Work Plan
    • Summary: Work plan by George Tenet detailing Palestinian-Israeli security implementation, proposed June 11, 2001. The work plan calls for both sides to immediately re-establish security cooperation and the situation on the ground as existed prior to September 28, 2000. The work plan called upon the security organizations of GOI and PA to initiate the following:
      • 1. The GOI and PA will immediately reume security cooperation; includes provision for weekly meetings among US, PA and GOI senior officials as well as removing barriers to effective cooperation, including erection of walls between P-I sides.
      • 2. Both sides will take immediates measures to enforce strict adherence to the cease-fire and to stabilize the security environment - includes provisions for: Israel to release Palestinians with no association to terrorist activities; PA to prevent any Palestinians from threatening/attacking Israeli targets; and Israel to recognize PA's sovereignty in as regards security activities in PA territories.
      • 3. Palestinian and Israeli security officials will use the security committee to share terrorist threat information; calls for cooperation in apprehending those who threaten the peace process.
      • 4. The PA and GOI will move aggressively to prevent individuals and groups from using areas under their respective control to carry out acts of violence; includes provisions for establishing Joint Standard Operating Procedures, identification of flash points, curtailing of illegal weapons and call for IDF to adopt additional non-lethal measures in dealing with Palestinians civilians.
      • 5. The GOI and PA will create an agreed-upon schedule to implement the redeployment of IDF forces to pre-09/28/2000 positions within one week of resumption of security cooperation; demonstrable on-the-ground redeployment will be initiated within the first 48 hrs of this one-week period.
      • 6. A specific timeline will be developed for lifting of internal closures as well as for the reopening of internal roads, the Allenby Bridge, Gaza Airport, Port of Gaza and border crossings within one week of resumption of security cooperation; demonstrable on-the-ground lifting of the closures will be initiated within the first 48 hrs of this one-week period.
  • June 13, 2001 - PA: Israeli Violations of Tenet Cease-fire Plan
    • Summary: Report on "comprehensive and detailed...Israeli violations of the Tenet cease-fire plans since June 14, 2001." Includes numerous details on daily violations from June 13 - June 26.
  • July 6, 2001 - NSU Memo Re: Israeli Non-Compliance with Ceasefire
    • Summary: NSU memo to Colonel Abu Osama that primarily discusses Israel's non-compliance with the Ceasefire Agreement.
  • August 18, 2001 - Strategic Level Third Party Intervention For a Permanent Status Agreement
    • Summary: This document discusses the concept for an International Monitoring and Implementation Mission (IMIM). It discusses the need to have pervasive deployment throughout the West Bank and Gaza, and confront an intensely precarious social environment by making a difference in the daily lives of the local population. The IMIM is meant to translate a permanent status agreement into a new reality on the ground.
  • August 19, 2001 - PA Questions on US Proposed Monitoring Mechanism
    • Summary: This document provides a list of questions and concerns posed by the Palestinian Authority after hearing the US proposal on implementing a monitoring mission.  The concerns focus primarily on American unilateral engagement and Israeli tactics.

Documents from 2000

  • May 21, 2000 - Framework Agreement on Permanent Status: Pre-Camp David Draft
    • Summary: Non-paper draft of Framework Agreement on Permanent Status (FAPS) dated May 1, 2000; the draft includes both comments and proposed amendments to the FAPS by Palestinian and Israeli parties to negotiations.
  • June 13, 2000 - Israeli List of Independent Issues
    • Summary: This document is a list of independent issues that run parallel to the core permanent status issues, presented by the Israeli delegation and Ambassador Oded Eran.  The Israelis advocated starting these negotations with technical teams as soon as possible and that movement on these issues would not compromise the core permanent status issues' negotiations.
  • June 16, 2000 - Palestinian List of Independent Issues
    • Summary: This document is a list of Palestinian independent issues that run parallel to the core permanent status issues.
  • July 1, 2000 - 2000-07 Shlomo Yanai Security Presentation
    • Summary: A presentation by Shlomo Yanai, a former general in the Israeli army. He discusses how a future Palestinian state needs to have limited weapons in order to protect Israel's "narrow waist."
  • July 16, 2000 - Meeting Minutes: Camp David Technical Committee on Labor
    • Summary: Minutes of two meetings of technical committees on Labor, pre-Camp David (July 16-17). The parties discuss issues regarding labor agreement drafts; labor quantitative limitations; customs; effective free trade agreements; and preferential access for labor. 
  • July 16, 2000 - Meeting Minutes: Camp David Technical Committee - Economic Working Group
    • Summary: Minutes of tri-lateral meeting of the Economic Working Group.  The parties stressed the importance of establishing an effective economic border and institutions, regulations and policies that would subsequently arise. They also discuss free trade in relation to security needs; Palestinians feel the Israelis are using security to hamper potential trade and related benefits.
  • July 17, 2000 - Meeting Minutes: Camp David Technical Committee - Economic Working Group
    • Summary: Minutes of trilateral meeting of Economic Working Group, dated July 17, 2000.  The parties debate the requirements and parameters of an initial free trade agreement.  The Palestinians complain that Israel has still not yet even granted the rights Palestine is owed from the Paris Protocol.
  • July 20, 2000 - Camp David: Israeli Presentation on Security
    • Summary: Dahlan's notes regarding the Israeli presentation on security at Camp David. The Israelis effectively propose, and demand, military authority from the Dead Sea to the Jordan border.  Israel would also maintain rights to pursuit; sole authority over West Bank airspace; monitor border crossings; and maintain warning stations and military camps within Palestinian territory.
  • August 15, 2000 - Meeting Minutes: Camp David Technical Committee - Economic Working Group
    • Summary: Minutes of Economic Working Group meeting where the parties talked about current and future taxes (and related policies) and effective economic borders. Palestinians are seeking changes that don't change existing trade regime during the transitional period.
  • August 21, 2000 - Meeting Minutes: Camp David Technical Committee - Economic Working Group
    • Summary: Minutes of Economic Working Group meeting, where the parties review a new draft on labor laws. One issue raised is inability of Palestinians to partake in National Insurance Plan, even though deductions are made from their pay. Also, PLO tried to address a security issue - Palestinian workers in Israel should be immune to stops at border. Ben-Bassat argues that the Israeli security needs to address this issue, and cannot be discussed at this meeting.
  • August 22, 2000 - Meeting Minutes: Camp David Technical Committee - Economic Working Group
    • Summary: Minutes of Economic Working Group meeting where parties discuss the characteristics of the Free Trade Area (FTA). The issues that were drafted in the agreement include a definition of the FTA, trade policy, effective economic borders, elimination of duties, rules of origin, prohibition of non-tariff barriers, non-discrimination, customs procedures, standardization, intellectual property rights, liberalization of trade in services, competition, institutional coorperation. Security issues discussed in last meeting were not addressed here, and still require attention.
  • August 28, 2000 - Meeting Minutes: Camp David Technical Committee - Economic Working Group
    • Summary: "Agreed" minutes of Economic Working Group meeting where talking points were outlined from the discussion held during the meeting. This is a follow up meeting from an issue regarding creating effective economic borders. A distinction between economic and security borders was raised. The parties agreed that an effective economic border is needed for the FTA to work. Israel says it will take 2 years to create both an effective economic and security border, while the PLO says it should take less than 2 years.
  • September 17, 2000 - Meeting Minutes: Permanent Status Negotiating Session - Saeb Erekat and Gilad Sher
    • Summary: This meeting primarily discussed principles the Israelis suggested be incorporated into a new article on security. Issues included the demilitarization of the Palestinian state; definition of an emergency situation in which Israel may deploy on Palestinian land; international guarantees to Palestinian security; and the Jordan Valley. Discussion is to continue the next day.
  • September 18, 2000 - Meeting Minutes: Permanent Status Negotiating Session - Saeb Erekat and Gilad Sher
    • Summary: Follow up meeting from 09/17/2000. This discussion counters Israel's suggestions in a new article proposing emergency redeployment if Israel should see " an imminent threat of an external attack by military forces". The Palestinian side ultimately rejected the concept of emergency redeployment areas; wanted the replacement of all Israeli forces in Palestine with international forces over a specified time; insisted that a time limit be placed on Israeli early warning stations; and insisted that Palestine control its own airspace.
  • September 20, 2000 - NSU Memo Re: Comparative Analysis on Palestinian and Israeli Position on Security
    • Summary: This is a mememorandum from the NSU to Mohammad Dahlan. It outlines the positions each party has taken regarding security at both Camp David and King David Hotel (Jerusalem). Points of agreement between the two parties include: disarmament of civilians, prohibition of presence of hostile foreign forces on Palestinian soil, prohibition of Palestinian entry into hostile military or security allliances, prohibition of importation/manufacture of Palestinian arms other than those specified in agreement, existance of early warning stations, transitional arrangements during withdrawal period, involvement of international forces, monitoring and verification, joint security cooperation, and combating terrorism. Points of disagreement include: Palestinian armed forces, early warning stations (number of stations and zoning around the stations), emergency deployment in Jordan Valley, transitional arrangements, airspace, electromagnectic spectrum, security at Palestine's borders with Jordan and Egypt.
  • September 28, 2000 - Schedule for Withdrawal of Israeli Forces
    • Summary: A proposed agreement (Annex One to an unspecified document) for the withdrawal of Israeli forces "to positions held before 28 September 2000." The withdrawal would be conducted in four separate stages over a course of two weeks.
  • November 1, 2000 - Terms of Reference - International Presence in Security
    • Summary: Document entitled "Terms of Reference: Employing an International or Third Party Presence To Address Security Dimensions of the Palestine-Israel Permanent Status Agreement," that frames issues and questions in preparation for determining final terms of reference on security issues.
  • Nobember 11, 2000 - Political-Military Planning for a Permanent Status Agreement
    • Summary: This is a comparative study of permanent status agreements in other conflicts (Yugoslavia, for example), with a list of medium- and long-term challenges that would crop up during a permanent status agreement in Israel and Palestine.
  • November 30, 2000 - Meeting Minutes: U.S., Israel and Palestine Generals
    • Summary: The parties discuss, in detail, implementation of the ceasefire in light of the Mitchell Report and point out violations by Israeli and Palestinian sides (i.e. killings, violence, and related).
  • November 30, 2000 - Meeting Minutes: Yaser Abed Rabbo and Yossi Beilin
    • Summary: Minutes of meeting where the parties discussed biased media coverage; the Egyptian-Jordanian Initiative; Arafat's standing as a partner; and peace politics in Israel.
  • November 30, 2000 - PA Proposal for Implementation of the Tenet Workplan
    • Summary: Palestinian proposal for Tenet Workplan implementation; the proposal outlines detailed phases and steps, including immediate steps by phase for both mutual and exclusively Palestinian/Israeli responsibilities.
  • December 23, 2000 - Meeting Minutes: Saeb Erekat and President Clinton
    • Summary: These are the minutes from a meeting on 12/23/2000 where President Clinton tries to revive the peace process one last time and presents the the Palestinians and Israelis with his parameters for a final status agreement.

Documents from 1999

Sources: Al Jazeera

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