Today in 2005, Israeli troops officially handed over control of Jericho to Palestinian security forces, marking a significant development in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This article is part of our series, “What Happened Today?” at The Chenab Times.
Amid indications of a potential informal truce taking effect, Israeli forces lowered their flag in the West Bank town of Jericho, and roadblocks were dismantled as part of the handover process. This transfer was a crucial component of a ceasefire agreement brokered by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas the previous month. However, the initial implementation of the agreement faced delays following a deadly suicide bombing in Tel Aviv on February 25th of that year, claiming the lives of five Israelis.
The handover unfolded against a backdrop of tension, with reports emerging of extremist Jewish plans to assert control over a disputed holy site in Jerusalem’s Old City. These plans aimed to disrupt Israel’s planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank later that year. Despite these challenges, Israeli and Palestinian security commanders convened in Jericho to coordinate the transfer, though deliberations over the ceremonial aspects of the handover caused initial chaos.
Ultimately, the Palestinians insisted on a formal signing ceremony, leading to a brief delay as Israeli officials sought legal counsel. Eventually, both parties reconvened to sign the agreement at a liaison office on the town’s outskirts. As part of the arrangement, Israeli troops removed certain roadblocks, while others remained in place temporarily to assess the Palestinian security forces’ effectiveness.
Jericho’s handover marked the first of five West Bank towns slated for return to Palestinian control, aiming to curb the violence that had plagued the region since 2000. Israel’s extensive use of barriers across the West Bank aimed to prevent attacks on Israeli targets, yet violence persisted, claiming hundreds of Israeli lives in the preceding years.
Despite the cautious optimism surrounding the Jericho handover, Palestinian sentiments remained guarded yet hopeful. Residents saw the move as a small step towards stability and confidence-building measures. Jericho, known for its agricultural and tourism industries, stood relatively apart from the conflict, with Israeli troops rarely entering the region in pursuit of militants.
In conjunction with the handover, Israel eased restrictions at the main roadblock leading to Jericho’s southern entrance, facilitating smoother traffic flow and potentially boosting the local economy. However, violence continued elsewhere in the region, as evidenced by clashes between Israeli police and masked Jewish settlers in Hebron, resulting in injuries and property damage.
The transfer of Jericho to Palestinian control represented a significant milestone in the quest for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, albeit amidst ongoing challenges and tensions in the region.
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