New Delhi, India

In 1993, under the sun-drenched skies of the White House, the world watched in awe as Yasser Arafat (former president of Palestine) and Yitzhak Rabin (former prime minister of Israel), two stalwarts from opposing sides, clasped hands in a moment that would become etched in history. The Oslo Accords were signed, offering a glimmer of hope in the seemingly intractable Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Thirty years later, the echoes of that symphony of peace, filled with the harmonious chords of diplomacy and the discordant notes of unresolved issues, continue to reverberate.

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Dr Michael Milstein, the head of the Palestinian Studies Forum at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies, speaking on the significance of the Oslo Accords states: "The Oslo Accords were the most crucial junction in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It was the first time the leaders recognized each other and agreed to establish a Palestinian entity between the river and the sea. You can embrace or critique the Oslo Accords, but they have solidified into an unchangeable fact."

A glimpse into the past

The Oslo Accords were a result of secret negotiations in Oslo, Norway, and signalled a ray of hope in a region marred by violence. The groundbreaking agreement delineated a framework for Palestinian self-governance in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, envisioning an ultimate comprehensive peace settlement. Dr Milstein states that the Accords "signaled a ray of hope" and laid the foundation for Palestinian self-determination. While hailed as a breakthrough, they were not without their detractors.

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The legacy of hope and frustration

While the Oslo Accords offered a glimmer of hope, they also sowed the seeds of frustration. Many consider them a failed peace deal due to the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine. Disputes over land, security, and the status of Jerusalem persisted. The assassination of Prime Minister Rabin in 1995 added another layer of complexity to the peace process.

Current relevance amidst tensions

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Today, the Israel-Palestine conflict remains as volatile as ever. The Oslo Accords' promise of a two-state solution seems more elusive than ever. The Gaza Strip continues to be a flashpoint, and issues like refugees and the status of Jerusalem remain unresolved. Against this backdrop, the Oslo Accords serve as a cautionary tale about the challenges of achieving lasting peace. 

Dr Milstein concurs, highlighting that "the basic vision of 1993 cannot be implemented today," leaving both sides in an "unconventional and perplexing situation". 

Moreover, since the signing of the Oslo Accords, Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have continued to expand. At the close of 1993, roughly 116,300 Israeli settlers resided in these territories, as per Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics. Although Israel withdrew its settlements from Gaza in 2005, the population of Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has swelled from 520,000 to over 700,000 according to the UNHRC.

The role of the United States

The United States played a crucial role in brokering the Oslo Accords, and its involvement remains significant. Over the years, the US policy has evolved but the country continues to advocate for a negotiated settlement and supports a two-state solution. Washington's diplomatic influence remains instrumental in facilitating dialogue between the two parties.

Global implications

The significance of the Oslo Accords transcends the borders of Israel and Palestine; they bear global ramifications. These agreements showcased the potential of diplomacy in resolving longstanding conflicts, offering a blueprint for peace negotiations worldwide. Nevertheless, their limitations and the enduring conflict in the region underscore the intricate nature of attaining a just and enduring peace.

"In 1993, all superpowers, particularly the US, played a pivotal role in promoting and supporting the Oslo Accords. Today, international involvement, including the Arab world during the Arab Spring, is significantly diminished, including economic support. The entire conflict now hinges more on the two principal parties involved," added Dr Milstein. 

In conclusion, the Oslo Accords, despite the obstacles and intricacies they encompass, stand as a momentous chapter in the relentless pursuit of peace in the Middle East. As we commemorate three decades since that historic handshake, it is imperative to recognise the enduring relevance of seeking a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, an issue that reverberates not only across the region but also throughout the global order. The journey is arduous, but the pursuit of peace remains an unshakable commitment.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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