السلطة الوطنية الفلسطينية As-Sulta Al-Wataniyya Al-Filastīniyya Palestinian National Authority
Flag Coat of arms
Anthem: Biladi
Capital		al-Quds (Jerusalem)
Largest city		Gaza City
Official languages		Arabic
Government		Republic
-	President	Mahmoud Abbas
-	Prime Minister	Salam Fayad
Establishment
-	Established	1994
Population
-	2008 estimate	4. The Coat of Arms of the Palestinian National Authority is the Coat of arms used by the Palestinian National Authority. A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history traditions and struggles of its people recognized either by a nation's East Jerusalem refers to the part of Jerusalem captured by Jordan in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, and subsequently by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War. The Palestinian territories in this context are defined to include West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza strip. Gaza (غزة, עַזָּה ʕazzā is the largest city in the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian territories. An official language is a Language that is given a special legal status in a particular Country, State, or other territory Arabic (ar الْعَرَبيّة (informally ar عَرَبيْ) in terms of the number of speakers is the largest living member of the Semitic language For the government of parliamentary systems see Executive (government. A republic is a State or Country that is not led by a hereditary Monarch, but in which the people (or at least a part of its people have impact on its The President of the Palestinian National Authority ( رئيس السلطة الوطنية الفلسطينية) is the highest-ranking political position (equivalent to Mahmoud Abbas (محمود عباس (born March 26, 1935) also known by the kunya Abu Mazen (ابو مازن was elected President The Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority is the Head of government of the Palestinian government Dr Salam Fayyad (سلام فياض b 1952 is a Palestinian politician who on June 15, 2007, was appointed the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Year 1994 ( MCMXCIV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar) In Biology a population is the collection of inter-breeding organisms of a particular Species; in Sociology 017. 000 (128th)
GDP (PPP)		2005 estimate
-	Total	$5. List of countries by population in 2005|List of countries by population in 1907This is a list of countries ordered according to Population. The purchasing power parity ( PPP) theory uses the long-term equilibrium Exchange rate of two currencies to equalize their Purchasing power. 550 billion (-)
-	Per capita	West Bank $1,500[1] (-)
HDI (2007)		▼ 0. There are three lists of Countries of the world sorted by their Gross domestic product (GDP (the value of all final goods and services produced within a nation Per capita is a Latin phrase meaning for each head with Per meaning 'through' or 'by' The West Bank (الضفة الغربية, הגדה המערבית Hagadah Hamaaravit) also referred to in Israel as " Judea and Samaria This article includes three lists of Countries of the world sorted by their Gross domestic product (GDP at Purchasing power parity (PPP Per capita The Human Development Index ( HDI) is an index combining normalized measures of Life expectancy, Literacy, Educational attainment, and GDP 731 (medium) (106th)
Currency		Israeli new sheqel Jordanian dinara (JOD, ILS)
Time zone		(UTC+2)
-	Summer (DST)	(UTC+3)
Internet TLD		.ps
Calling code		+970b
a West Bank only. This is a list of countries by Human Development Index as included in the United Nations Development Program 's Human Development Report 2007 A currency is a unit of exchange, facilitating the transfer of Goods and/or services It is one form of Money, where money is The Israeli New Sheqel ( ( sign: ₪; code: ILS) (also spelled unofficially shekel; pl The dinar ( ISO 4217 code JOD; unofficially known as JD) is the currency of Jordan. ISO 4217 is the International standard describing three-letter codes (also known as the currency code) to define the names of currencies established Daylight saving time ( DST A country This is a list of country calling codes defined by ITU-T recommendation E The West Bank (الضفة الغربية, הגדה המערבית Hagadah Hamaaravit) also referred to in Israel as " Judea and Samaria b Not officially assigned.

The Palestinian National Authority (PNA or PA; Arabic: السلطة الوطنية الفلسطينية‎ As-Sulta Al-Wataniyya Al-Filastīniyya) is the administrative organization, established to govern parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Arabic (ar الْعَرَبيّة (informally ar عَرَبيْ) in terms of the number of speakers is the largest living member of the Semitic language For the government of parliamentary systems see Executive (government. The West Bank (الضفة الغربية, הגדה המערבית Hagadah Hamaaravit) also referred to in Israel as " Judea and Samaria The Gaza Strip (قطاع غزة, רצועת עזה Retzu'at 'Azza) is a coastal strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt on the south-west

Basis

The Palestinian National Authority was formed in 1994, pursuant to the Oslo Accords between the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) and the government of Israel, as a 5-year interim body during which final status negotiations between the two parties were to take place. Year 1994 ( MCMXCIV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar) Israeli-Palestinian conflict The Oslo Accords, officially called the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements or Declaration of Principles The Palestine Liberation Organization ( PLO) (منظمة التحرير الفلسطينية or Munazzamat al-Tahrir al-Filastiniyyah) is a political and paramilitary For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics. A provisional government is an emergency or interim government set up when a political void has been created by the collapse of a previous administration or regime According to the Accords, the Palestinian Authority was designated to have control over both security-related and civilian issues in Palestinian urban areas (referred to as "Area A"), and only civilian control over Palestinian rural areas ("Area B"). The remainder of the territories, including Israeli settlements, the Jordan Valley region, and bypass roads between Palestinian communities, were to remain under exclusive Israeli control ("Area C"). Palestinian people or Palestinians ( الشعب الفلسطيني, ash-sha`b al-filasTīni; الفلسطينيون, al-filasTīnīyyūn East Jerusalem was excluded from the Accords. East Jerusalem refers to the part of Jerusalem captured by Jordan in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, and subsequently by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War.

Overview

The Palestinian Authority is a subsidiary agency of the Palestine Liberation Organization. The Palestine Liberation Organization ( PLO) (منظمة التحرير الفلسطينية or Munazzamat al-Tahrir al-Filastiniyyah) is a political and paramilitary Also, it is the Palestinian Liberation Organization, not the Palestinian National Authority, which enjoys international recognition as the organization representing the Palestinian people. The Palestine Liberation Organization ( PLO) (منظمة التحرير الفلسطينية or Munazzamat al-Tahrir al-Filastiniyyah) is a political and paramilitary Diplomatic recognition in international law is a unilateral political act with domestic and international legal consequences whereby a state acknowledges an act The Palestinian diaspora, living outside the West Bank and Gaza, which constitutes the majority of the Palestinian people, do not vote in elections for Palestinian National Authority offices. Palestinian people or Palestinians ( الشعب الفلسطيني, ash-sha`b al-filasTīni; الفلسطينيون, al-filasTīnīyyūn The West Bank (الضفة الغربية, הגדה המערבית Hagadah Hamaaravit) also referred to in Israel as " Judea and Samaria Gaza (غزة, עַזָּה ʕazzā is the largest city in the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian territories. An election is a Decision-making process by which a population chooses an individual to hold formal office Under the name "Palestine", Palestinian Liberation Organisation has an observer status in the United Nations (UN) since 1974. The United Nations ( UN) is an International organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in International law, International security After the 1988 Palestinian Declaration of Independence, the PLO's representation at the United Nations was renamed Palestine. The Palestinian Declaration of Independence was an attempt to create a "Palestinian state" (see Proposals for a Palestinian state for other attempts The United Nations ( UN) is an International organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in International law, International security It is the PLO, not the PNA, which has participated in General Assembly debates, without voting, since 1998, and which was in 1994 recognized by Israel as the representative of the Palestinian people following the signing of the Oslo Accords. Israeli-Palestinian conflict The Oslo Accords, officially called the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements or Declaration of Principles

The PNA previously received considerable financial assistance from the European Union and the United States (approximately USD $1,000,000,000 combined in 2005), but both suspended all direct aid on April 7, 2006 (as threatened in January 2006 and following Canada's March 29, 2006 decision to cut all aid) as a result of the Hamas victory in parliamentary elections. The European Union ( EU) is a political and economic union of twenty-seven member states, located primarily in The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Events 529 - First draft of Corpus Juris Civilis (a fundamental work in Jurisprudence) is issued by Eastern Roman Emperor Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1461 - Wars of the Roses: Battle of Towton - Edward of York defeats Queen Margaret to become King Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Ḥamas (ar حركة حماس acronym ar حركة المقاومة ^[2][3]

The Gaza International Airport was built by the PNA in the city of Rafah, but operated for only a brief period before being razed by Israel following the outbreak of Al-Aqsa Intifada in 2000. Yasser Arafat International Airport (مطار ياسر عرفات الدولي transliterated: Matar Yasir 'Arafat ad-Dowaly, formerly Gaza International Airport Rafah (رفح is a Palestinian town in the Gaza Strip, on the Egyptian border and a nearby town on the Egyptian side of the border on the Sinai A sea port was also being constructed in Gaza but was never completed (see below). ||-||-|-||-||-||-||-||-||-|} A port is a facility for receiving Ships and transferring cargo

The PA maintains an official uniformed armed service which various sources estimate to include anywhere from 40,000 to 80,000 recruits^[4] employing some armored cars, and a limited number carry automatic weapons. For the military meaning see Armed forces. For the Soviet sports society see Armed Forces (sports society Armed Forces ^[5] Officially termed a "police force", it violates the Oslo Accords which limit the force to 30,000 recruits. Israeli-Palestinian conflict The Oslo Accords, officially called the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements or Declaration of Principles

Many Palestinians are dependent on access to the Israeli job market. During the 1990s, Israel began to replace Palestinians with foreign workers. The process was found to be economical and also addressed security concerns. This hurt the Palestinian economy, in particular in the Gaza strip, where 45. 7% of the population is under the poverty line according to the CIA World Factbook, but it also affected the West Bank. The World Factbook ( ISSN; also known as the CIA World Factbook) is an annual publication of the Central Intelligence Agency of the

Map of territories composing the Palestinian territories

Officials

Past Prime Ministers:

• Mahmoud Abbas: March 19, 2003 - October 7, 2003
• Ahmad Qurei: October 7, 2003 - December 15, 2005
• Nabil Shaath: December 15, 2005 - December 24, 2005
• Ahmad Qurei: December 24, 2005 - February 19, 2006
• Ismail Haniya: February 19, 2006 - June 14, 2007

Past Presidents:

• Yasser Arafat: July 5, 1994 - November 11, 2004
• Rauhi Fattouh (acting): November 11, 2004 - January 15, 2005

Past Foreign Ministers

• Nabil Shaath: April 3, 2003-
• Mahmoud al-Zahar: March 20, 2006 - June 14, 2007

Past Interior Ministers

• Hakam Balawi: November 2003 - February 2005
• Nasser Yousef: February 2005 - March 2006
• Said Seyam: March 2006 - March 2007
• Talab al-Qawasmi: March 2007 - June 2007

History

For the history of the territories currently controlled by the PNA prior to its establishment, see History of Palestine and History of the Palestinian territories. Name There are differences of opinion as to what the Palestinian territories should be called The President of the Palestinian National Authority ( رئيس السلطة الوطنية الفلسطينية) is the highest-ranking political position (equivalent to Mahmoud Abbas (محمود عباس (born March 26, 1935) also known by the kunya Abu Mazen (ابو مازن was elected President Fatah (فتح literally opening, is a reverse Acronym from the Arabic name Harakat al-Tahrir al-Watani al-Filastini (حركة التحرير Events 588 BC - Nebuchadrezzar II of Babylon lays siege to Jerusalem under Zedekiah 's reign Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority is the Head of government of the Palestinian government Dr Salam Fayyad (سلام فياض b 1952 is a Palestinian politician who on June 15, 2007, was appointed the Prime Minister of the Palestinian The Third Way is a small Centrist Palestinian Political party active in the Palestinian National Authority (PNA Events 763 BC - Assyrians record a Solar eclipse that will be used to fix the Chronology of Mesopotamian history Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The Foreign Affairs Minister of the Palestinian National Authority is in charge of foreign relations Riyad al-Malki is Minister of Information and Foreign Affairs in the Palestinian Authority. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine ( PFLP) ( Arabic: الجبهة الشعبية لتحرير فلسطين al-Jabhah al-Sha`biyyah li-Tahrīr Events 763 BC - Assyrians record a Solar eclipse that will be used to fix the Chronology of Mesopotamian history Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The Interior Ministry of the Palestinian National Authority is the branch of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA cabinet in charge of the security and statistics of the Abdul-Razzaq Al-Yahya, was appointed the Interior Minister of the Palestinian National Authority, on June 15 2007 In Politics, an independent is a Politician who is not Affiliated with any Political party. Events 763 BC - Assyrians record a Solar eclipse that will be used to fix the Chronology of Mesopotamian history Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Mahmoud Abbas (محمود عباس (born March 26, 1935) also known by the kunya Abu Mazen (ابو مازن was elected President Events 1279 - A Mongolian victory in the Battle of Yamen ends the Song Dynasty in China. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 3761 BC - The epoch (origin of the modern Hebrew calendar ( Proleptic Julian calendar) Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Ahmed Ali Mohammed Qurei (or Qureia; احمد علي محمد قريع also known by his Arabic ''Kunya'' Abu Alaa (أبو علاء (born March Events 3761 BC - The epoch (origin of the modern Hebrew calendar ( Proleptic Julian calendar) Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 533 - Byzantine general Belisarius defeats the Vandals, commanded by King Gelimer, at the Battle of Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Nabil Shaath (نبيل شعث (also spelled Sha'ath born 1938 in Safad Palestine is a senior Palestinian official who has held the following titles Palestinian Events 533 - Byzantine general Belisarius defeats the Vandals, commanded by King Gelimer, at the Battle of Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 563 - The Byzantine church Hagia Sophia in Constantinople is dedicated for the second time after being destroyed by Earthquakes Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Ahmed Ali Mohammed Qurei (or Qureia; احمد علي محمد قريع also known by his Arabic ''Kunya'' Abu Alaa (أبو علاء (born March Events 563 - The Byzantine church Hagia Sophia in Constantinople is dedicated for the second time after being destroyed by Earthquakes Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 197 - Roman Emperor Septimius Severus defeats usurper Clodius Albinus in the Battle of Lugdunum Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Ismail Haniyeh ( Arabic: إسماعيل هنية sometimes transliterated as Ismail Haniya or Ismail Haniyah) (born January 1963 is a Events 197 - Roman Emperor Septimius Severus defeats usurper Clodius Albinus in the Battle of Lugdunum Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1276 - While taking exile in Fuzhou in southern China, away from the advancing Mongol invaders, the remnants of the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The President of the Palestinian National Authority ( رئيس السلطة الوطنية الفلسطينية) is the highest-ranking political position (equivalent to Mohammed Abdel Rahman Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini ( Arabic: محمد عبد الرؤوف عرفات القدوة الحسيني (August 24 1929 – November 11 Events 1295 - Scotland and France form an alliance the beginnings of the Auld Alliance, against England. Year 1994 ( MCMXCIV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar) Events 308 - The Congress of Carnuntum: Attempting to keep peace within the Roman Empire, the leaders of the Tetrarchy declare "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Rawhi Fattuh ( روحي فتوح, also transliterated as Rauhi Fattouh) (born 1949 is the former Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council Events 308 - The Congress of Carnuntum: Attempting to keep peace within the Roman Empire, the leaders of the Tetrarchy declare "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 588 BC - Nebuchadrezzar II of Babylon lays siege to Jerusalem under Zedekiah 's reign Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Nabil Shaath (نبيل شعث (also spelled Sha'ath born 1938 in Safad Palestine is a senior Palestinian official who has held the following titles Palestinian Events 1043 - Edward the Confessor is crowned King of England. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Mahmud al-Zahar (محمود الزهار (born 1945 is a co-founder of Hamas and a member of the Hamas leadership in the Palestinian occupied Gaza Strip. Events 1600 - The Linköping Bloodbath takes place on Maundy Thursday in Linköping, Sweden. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1276 - While taking exile in Fuzhou in southern China, away from the advancing Mongol invaders, the remnants of the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Hakam Umar As‘ad Balawi (1939- is a Palestinian politician and has been a member of the Palestinian National Authority cabinet and the Palestinian Legislative Said Seyam (1959 -) (سعيد صيام also spelled Saeed or Sayed) is the Interior Minister of the Palestinian government of March 2006. Talab al-Qawasmi is a Palestinian politician He was born in Gaza, although his family originated from Hebron in the modern-day West Bank and emigrated The History of Palestine is the account of events in the greater geographic area in the Southern Levant known as Palestine, which includes not just the West Bank The History of Palestine is the account of events in the greater geographic area in the Southern Levant known as Palestine, which includes not just the West Bank

The Oslo Accords were signed on 13 September 1993 between the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel. Israeli-Palestinian conflict The Oslo Accords, officially called the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements or Declaration of Principles Events 509 BC - The Temple of Jupiter on Rome 's Capitoline Hill is dedicated on the ides of September Year 1993 ( MCMXCIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar) The Palestine Liberation Organization ( PLO) (منظمة التحرير الفلسطينية or Munazzamat al-Tahrir al-Filastiniyyah) is a political and paramilitary The Accords led to the creation of the Palestinian Authority. This was an interim organization created to administer a limited form of Palestinian self-governance in the Palestinian territories for a period of five years during which final-status negotiations would take place. The Palestinian Authority became responsible for civil administration in some rural areas, as well as security in the major cities of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The West Bank (الضفة الغربية, הגדה המערבית Hagadah Hamaaravit) also referred to in Israel as " Judea and Samaria The Gaza Strip (قطاع غزة, רצועת עזה Retzu'at 'Azza) is a coastal strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt on the south-west Although the five-year interim period expired in 1999, the final status agreement has yet to be concluded despite attempts such as the Camp David 2000 Summit, the Taba summit, and the unofficial Geneva Accords. The Middle East Peace Summit at Camp David of July 2000 took place between United States President Bill Clinton, Israeli Prime Minister The Taba summit (also known as Taba Summit, Taba Talks, Taba Conference, Taba, or permanent status talks at Taba) were talks between This article is about the proposal for peace between Israel and Palestine

After the inability of the Palestinians to reach any position in the Israel-Palestinian peace process, and with the continuing Second Intifada, in 2005 Israeli forces unilaterally withdrew its military and civilians from the Gaza Strip, ceding full effective internal control of the Strip to the Palestinian Authority but retained control of its borders including air and sea (except for the Egyptian border). Israel's unilateral disengagement plan ( Hebrew: תוכנית ההתנתקות Tokhnit HaHitnatkut or תוכנית ההינתקות Tokhnit HaHinatkut in The Gaza Strip (قطاع غزة, רצועת עזה Retzu'at 'Azza) is a coastal strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt on the south-west

Palestinian legislative elections took place on 25 January 2006. On January 25 2006, elections were held for the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC the legislature of the Palestinian National Authority Events 41 - After a night of negotiation Claudius is accepted as Roman Emperor by the Senate Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Hamas was victorious and Ismail Haniyeh was nominated as Prime Minister on 16 February 2006 and sworn in on 29 March 2006. Ḥamas (ar حركة حماس acronym ar حركة المقاومة Ismail Haniyeh ( Arabic: إسماعيل هنية sometimes transliterated as Ismail Haniya or Ismail Haniyah) (born January 1963 is a The Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority is the Head of government of the Palestinian government Events 1249 - Andrew of Longjumeau is dispatched by Louis IX of France as his ambassador to meet with the Khan of the Mongols Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1461 - Wars of the Roses: Battle of Towton - Edward of York defeats Queen Margaret to become King Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. However, when a Hamas-controlled government was formed, Israel, the United States, Canada, and the European Union froze all funds to the Palestinian Authority, after Hamas refused to recognize Israel, renounce violence, and agree to past agreements. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page The European Union ( EU) is a political and economic union of twenty-seven member states, located primarily in These countries view Hamas as a terrorist organization. Terrorism is the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion

In an attempt to resolve the financial and diplomatic impasse, the Hamas-led government together with Chairman Abbas agreed to form a unity government. The Palestinian cabinet that was formed on March 17 2007 ( المجلس الفلسطيني لآذار 17 2007) by Palestinian Prime Minister Haniyeh resigned on 15 February 2007 as part of the agreement. Events 590 - Khosrau II is crowned as king of Persia 1637 - Ferdinand III becomes Holy Roman Emperor Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The unity government was finally formed on 18 March 2007 under Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh and consisted of members from Hamas, Fatah and other parties and independents. Events 37 - The Roman Senate annuls Tiberius ' will and proclaims Caligula emperor Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority is the Head of government of the Palestinian government Ismail Haniyeh ( Arabic: إسماعيل هنية sometimes transliterated as Ismail Haniya or Ismail Haniyah) (born January 1963 is a Ḥamas (ar حركة حماس acronym ar حركة المقاومة Fatah (فتح literally opening, is a reverse Acronym from the Arabic name Harakat al-Tahrir al-Watani al-Filastini (حركة التحرير

After the takeover in Gaza by Hamas on 14 June 2007, Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas dismissed the government and on 15 June 2007 appointed Salam Fayad Prime Minister to form a new government. The Battle of Gaza ( معركة غزّة) was a Military conflict between Hamas and Fatah which took place between June 7 and Events 1276 - While taking exile in Fuzhou in southern China, away from the advancing Mongol invaders, the remnants of the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Mahmoud Abbas (محمود عباس (born March 26, 1935) also known by the kunya Abu Mazen (ابو مازن was elected President In Parliamentary systems a dissolution of parliament is the dispersal of a Legislature at the call of an Election. Events 763 BC - Assyrians record a Solar eclipse that will be used to fix the Chronology of Mesopotamian history Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Dr Salam Fayyad (سلام فياض b 1952 is a Palestinian politician who on June 15, 2007, was appointed the Prime Minister of the Palestinian The Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority is the Head of government of the Palestinian government Though the new government's authority is claimed to extend to all Palestinian territories, in effect it is limited to the Palestinian Authority controlled areas of the West Bank. The West Bank (الضفة الغربية, הגדה המערבית Hagadah Hamaaravit) also referred to in Israel as " Judea and Samaria The Fayad government has won widespread international support. Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia said in late June 2007 that the West Bank-based Cabinet formed by Fayad was the sole legitimate Palestinian government, and Egypt moved its embassy from Gaza to the West Bank. This article is about the country of Egypt For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Egypt topics. Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (الأردنّ al-Urdunn) is an Arab country in Southwest Asia spanning the southern The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KSA ( المملكة العربية السعودية, al-Mamlaka al-ʻArabiyya as-Suʻūdiyya) or Suudi Gaza (غزة, עַזָּה ʕazzā is the largest city in the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian territories. The West Bank (الضفة الغربية, הגדה המערבית Hagadah Hamaaravit) also referred to in Israel as " Judea and Samaria [1]. Hamas, which has effective control of the Gaza Strip, faces international diplomatic and economic isolation.

Current events

Since the beginning of the Second Intifada, the Palestinian Authority (PA) has been undermined both in the Palestinian occupied territories (Gaza strip and West Bank) and abroad. Name There are differences of opinion as to what the Palestinian territories should be called The Gaza Strip (قطاع غزة, רצועת עזה Retzu'at 'Azza) is a coastal strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt on the south-west The West Bank (الضفة الغربية, הגדה המערבית Hagadah Hamaaravit) also referred to in Israel as " Judea and Samaria Ariel Sharon and the George W. Bush administration refused to negotiate with Yasser Arafat, leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and former president of the PA, whom they asserted formed "part of the problem" (concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict) and not of its solution— this despite Arafat's signature of the 1993 Oslo Accords. (אריאל The Presidency of George W Bush began on his inauguration on January 20, 2001 as the 43rd and current President of the United States of America Mohammed Abdel Rahman Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini ( Arabic: محمد عبد الرؤوف عرفات القدوة الحسيني (August 24 1929 – November 11 The Palestine Liberation Organization ( PLO) (منظمة التحرير الفلسطينية or Munazzamat al-Tahrir al-Filastiniyyah) is a political and paramilitary Israeli-Palestinian conflict The Oslo Accords, officially called the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements or Declaration of Principles In January 2006, Hamas won the legislative elections, and thus replaced Arafat's Fatah as leading party of the Palestinian people. Ḥamas (ar حركة حماس acronym ar حركة المقاومة On January 25 2006, elections were held for the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC the legislature of the Palestinian National Authority Fatah (فتح literally opening, is a reverse Acronym from the Arabic name Harakat al-Tahrir al-Watani al-Filastini (حركة التحرير Palestinian people or Palestinians ( الشعب الفلسطيني, ash-sha`b al-filasTīni; الفلسطينيون, al-filasTīnīyyūn The PNA is therefore now led by president Mahmoud Abbas (Fatah), elected in January 2005, and by prime minister Ismail Haniyah (Hamas). Mahmoud Abbas (محمود عباس (born March 26, 1935) also known by the kunya Abu Mazen (ابو مازن was elected President The 2005 Palestinian presidential election &mdash the first to be held since 1996 &mdash took place on January 9, 2005 in the West Bank and Gaza The Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority is the Head of government of the Palestinian government Ismail Haniyeh ( Arabic: إسماعيل هنية sometimes transliterated as Ismail Haniya or Ismail Haniyah) (born January 1963 is a However, on February 15, 2007 Ismail Haniyah resigned his post clearing the way for a government of national unity. Events 590 - Khosrau II is crowned as king of Persia 1637 - Ferdinand III becomes Holy Roman Emperor Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.

Israel has accused the Palestinian Authority of ignoring and covertly sponsoring the violence against Israelis. The prolonged support and participation of his (Yaser Arafat's?) own private militia, the Fatah, in suicide bombings, reinforces that claim. Fatah (فتح literally opening, is a reverse Acronym from the Arabic name Harakat al-Tahrir al-Watani al-Filastini (حركة التحرير This view has been officially accepted by the United States in summer 2002, which decided then to halt most sorts of negotiations with the current Palestinian authority, pending a fundamental organizational change. The US Council on Foreign Relations think tank has declared the Palestinian Authority under Arafat a haven for terrorism. The Council on Foreign Relations ( CFR) is an American Nonpartisan foreign policy membership organization founded in 1921 and based at 58 East 68th Street (at A think tank (also called a policy institute) is an organization institute corporation or group that conducts Research and engages in advocacy in areas such

During the Intifada, Israel has often targeted Palestinian Authority personnel and resources. In particular, many of the people arrested, assassinated or killed in action because of their alleged terrorist activities, were employees of the Palestinian Authority's security forces or militias. In Operation Defensive Shield Israel has captured documents that allegedly prove that the Palestinian Authority officially sponsors "terrorist activities", which are carried out by its personnel as "shadow jobs". Background March and April 2002 saw a dramatic increase of Suicide bomb attacks against Israelis by Palestinian militant groups such as Hamas, For instance, Israel arrested and convicted Marwan Barghouti, a prominent leader of Fatah, for his role as leader of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. Marwan Bin Khatib Barghouti ( مروان البرغوثي born June 6, 1959) is a Palestinian politician and militant leader who gained political authority The al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades (كتائب شهداء الأقصى is a coalition of Palestinian militias in Barghouti maintains his innocence, and rejects the impartiality of the Israeli courts.

Israel has also targeted Palestinian Authority infrastructure; in particular it has closed and destroyed parts of the Palestinian sea and air ports, that were used, it claimed, to transport terrorists and their equipment. Israel's incursions during the Intifada also led to damage to some of the Palestinian computer infrastructure, though it is not clear to what extent it was deliberate.

These moves were criticized by the Palestinians, who claim that the Palestinian Authority is nearing collapse, and is no longer able to carry out its internal and external obligations. This is because these repeated degradations of PA resources and infrastructure have led to complaints by the PA and some of its EU funders that Israel is deliberately hobbling the PA to restrict its powers of law enforcement in order to present an image of terrorism and lawlessness in the Palestinian Territories. The European Union ( EU) is a political and economic union of twenty-seven member states, located primarily in On July 7, 2004, the Quartet of Middle East mediators informed Ahmed Qurei, Prime Minister of the PA from 2003 to 2006, that they were "sick and tired" of the Palestinians failure to carry out promised reforms: "If security reforms are not done, there will be no (more) international support and no funding from the international community"^[6]

On July 18, 2004, United States President George W. Bush stated that the establishment of a Palestinian state by the end of 2005 was unlikely due to instability and violence in the Palestinian Authority. Events 1456 - A retrial verdict acquits Joan of Arc of heresy 25 years after her death "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " The Quartet on the Middle East, sometimes called the Diplomatic Quartet or Madrid Quartet or simply the Quartet, is a foursome of nations and International The Middle East is a Subcontinent with no clear boundaries often used as a synonym to Near East, in opposition to Far East. Ahmed Ali Mohammed Qurei (or Qureia; احمد علي محمد قريع also known by his Arabic ''Kunya'' Abu Alaa (أبو علاء (born March Events 390 BC - Roman - Gaulish Wars Battle of the Allia - a Roman army is defeated by raiding Gauls, "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " The United States of America —commonly referred to as the President is a Title leaders of Organizations companies, Trade unions universities, and countries. George Walker Bush ( born July 6 1946 is the forty-third and current President of the United States. Palestinian people or Palestinians ( الشعب الفلسطيني, ash-sha`b al-filasTīni; الفلسطينيون, al-filasTīnīyyūn ^[7]

In order for there to be a Palestinian state, it is essential for its leaders to be open to reform and be dedicated to their people.

The problem of the Palestinians is a territorial one – they have no state and they have no leaders. Palestinians that want change need to demand that a security force be established. The real problem is that there is no leadership that is able to say 'help us establish a state and we will fight terror and answer the needs of the Palestinians'.

Following Arafat's death on November 11, 2004, Rawhi Fattuh, leader of the Palestinian Legislative Council became Acting President of the Palestinian Authority as provided for in Article 54(2) of the Authority's Basic Law. Events 308 - The Congress of Carnuntum: Attempting to keep peace within the Roman Empire, the leaders of the Tetrarchy declare "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Rawhi Fattuh ( روحي فتوح, also transliterated as Rauhi Fattouh) (born 1949 is the former Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council The Palestinian Legislative Council (sometimes referred to as the Palestinan Parliament) the Legislature of the Palestinian Authority, is a Unicameral An Acting President is a person who temporarily fills the role of an organization's or country's President, either when the real president is unavailable (for example ill or ^[8]

If the office of the President of the National Authority becomes vacant due to any of the above cases, the Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council shall assume the powers and duties of the Presidency of the National Authority, temporarily for a period not exceeding (60) sixty days, during which free and direct elections to choose a new president shall take place in accordance with the Palestinian Elections Law.

On 19 April 2005, Vladimir Putin the president of Russia agreed to aid the Palestinian Authority stating, "We support the efforts of President Abbas to reform the security services and fight against terrorism . Events 1012 - Martyrdom of Alphege in Greenwich London. 1529 - At the Second Diet of Speyer Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (; born 7 October 1952 in Leningrad, USSR; now Saint Petersburg, Russia was the second President of Russia Russia (Россия Rossiya) or the Russian Federation ( Rossiyskaya Federatsiya) is a transcontinental Country extending . . If we are waiting for President Abbas to fight terrorism, he cannot do it with the resources he has now. . . . We will give the Palestinian Authority technical help by sending equipment, training people. We will give the Palestinian Authority helicopters and also communication equipment. "^[9]

In August 2005, Israeli Prime minister Ariel Sharon began his unilateral disengagement plan from the impoverished Gaza strip. The Prime Minister of Israel is the head of the Israeli government and is the most powerful political officer in Israel (the President of Israel being a titular figurehead (אריאל Israel's unilateral disengagement plan ( Hebrew: תוכנית ההתנתקות Tokhnit HaHitnatkut or תוכנית ההינתקות Tokhnit HaHinatkut in The Gaza Strip (قطاع غزة, רצועת עזה Retzu'at 'Azza) is a coastal strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt on the south-west This increased the percentage of land in Gaza nominally governed by the PNA from 60 percent to 100 percent.

In December 2006, Ismail Haniyeh, Prime Minister of the PA, declared that the PA will never recognize Israel: "We will never recognize the usurper Zionist government and will continue our jihad-like movement until the liberation of Jerusalem"^[10]

On June 14, 2007, the Palestine president Mahmoud Abbas, under the impressions of the Battle of Gaza, has dismissed the Hamas led government and declared a state of emergency. Ismail Haniyeh ( Arabic: إسماعيل هنية sometimes transliterated as Ismail Haniya or Ismail Haniyah) (born January 1963 is a Events 1276 - While taking exile in Fuzhou in southern China, away from the advancing Mongol invaders, the remnants of the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Mahmoud Abbas (محمود عباس (born March 26, 1935) also known by the kunya Abu Mazen (ابو مازن was elected President The Battle of Gaza ( معركة غزّة) was a Military conflict between Hamas and Fatah which took place between June 7 and Since the Hamas attacks against Fatah security forces in Gaza Strip in June 2007, most of the Gaza Strip is under the control of Hamas, whereas the West Bank remains under the control of Fatah and the Palestinian president. The Battle of Gaza ( معركة غزّة) was a Military conflict between Hamas and Fatah which took place between June 7 and The Gaza Strip (قطاع غزة, רצועת עזה Retzu'at 'Azza) is a coastal strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt on the south-west The West Bank (الضفة الغربية, הגדה המערבית Hagadah Hamaaravit) also referred to in Israel as " Judea and Samaria Fatah (فتح literally opening, is a reverse Acronym from the Arabic name Harakat al-Tahrir al-Watani al-Filastini (حركة التحرير

Politics and internal structure

Main article: Politics of the Palestinian National Authority

The Palestinian Authority (PA) has historically been associated with the PLO, with whom Israel negotiated the Oslo Accords. Political developments since 1993 Israel and the PLO signed the Oslo Accords which established the Palestinian National Authority The Palestine Liberation Organization ( PLO) (منظمة التحرير الفلسطينية or Munazzamat al-Tahrir al-Filastiniyyah) is a political and paramilitary For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics. Israeli-Palestinian conflict The Oslo Accords, officially called the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements or Declaration of Principles The Chairman of the PLO, Yasser Arafat, was elected as President of PA in a landslide victory in 1996. Mohammed Abdel Rahman Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini ( Arabic: محمد عبد الرؤوف عرفات القدوة الحسيني (August 24 1929 – November 11 On January 20, 1996, elections took place in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem for President of the Palestinian Subsequent elections were postponed, ostensibly due to the eruption of the Al-Aqsa Intifada and the Israeli military clampdown that accompanied it. However, internal Palestinian strife was also a reason for the disorganization in government. After Arafat's death in 2004, new elections occurred on both presidential and local levels. Although almost 80% of the employees of the PA were local Palestinians, higher posts were occupied mostly by PLO officials who returned from exile once the PA was established in 1994. To many local Palestinians, these "returnees" were a source of bureaucracy and corruption.

Arafat's administration was criticized for its lack of democracy, wide-spread corruption among officials, and the division of power among families and numerous governmental agencies with overlapping functions. He established over ten distinct security organizations through various mechanisms in an alleged divide et impera scheme, which is claimed to have guaranteed an atmosphere of power-struggle in the Authority which enabled him to preserve overall control. In Politics and Sociology, divide and rule (derived from Latin divide et impera) (also known as divide and conquer) is a combination Both Israel and the US declared they lost trust in Arafat as a partner and refused to negotiate with him, regarding him as linked to terrorism. Arafat denied this, and was visited by other leaders around the world up until his death. However, this began a push for change in the Palestinian leadership. In 2003, Arafat succumbed to domestic and international pressure and appointed Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) as prime minister of the PA. Mahmoud Abbas (محمود عباس (born March 26, 1935) also known by the kunya Abu Mazen (ابو مازن was elected President Abbas resigned four months later because of lack of support from Israel, the US, and Arafat himself. He was later chosen as his Fatah party's candidate for president of the PA in 2004 after the death of Arafat. Fatah (فتح literally opening, is a reverse Acronym from the Arabic name Harakat al-Tahrir al-Watani al-Filastini (حركة التحرير He won the presidency on January 9, 2005 with 62% of the vote. Events 475 - Byzantine Emperor Zeno is forced to flee his capital at Constantinople. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.

According to the Palestinian "Basic Law" which was signed by Arafat in 2002 after a long delay, the current structure of the PA is based on three separate branches of power:^[11] executive, legislative, and judiciary. The Judiciary Branch has yet to be properly formalized. The president of the PA is directly elected by the people, and the holder of this position is also considered to be the commander-in chief of the armed forces. In an amendment to the Basic Law approved in 2003 (and which may or may not become part of the Palestinian constitution once independence is established), the president appoints a "prime minister" who is also chief of the national security services. The prime minister chooses a cabinet of ministers and runs the government, reporting directly to the president. Former prime minister Ahmed Qureia formed his government on February 24, 2005 to wide international praise because, for the first time, most ministries were headed by experts in their field as opposed to political appointees. Ahmed Ali Mohammed Qurei (or Qureia; احمد علي محمد قريع also known by his Arabic ''Kunya'' Abu Alaa (أبو علاء (born March Events 303 - Galerius, Roman Emperor, publishes his edict that begins the persecution of Christians in his portion of the Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. ^[12]

The Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) is an elected body of 88 representatives and acts as a parliament. The Palestinian Legislative Council (sometimes referred to as the Palestinan Parliament) the Legislature of the Palestinian Authority, is a Unicameral The PLC must approve all government cabinet positions proposed by the prime minister, and must also confirm the prime minister himself upon nomination by the president. As opposed to other Arab countries, the PLC has historically demonstrated considerable power, and has frequently caused changes in government appointments through threats of no-confidence votes. Many critical votes are won in the government's favor without an outright majority. Since the death of Arafat, the PLC has reinvigorated its activity, and commonly summons senior executive officials to testify before it. Parliamentary elections were conducted in January 2006 after the recent passage of an overhauled election law that increased the number of seats from 88 to 132.

Political parties and elections

From the establishment of the Palestinian Authority in 1993 until the death of Yasser Arafat in late 2004, only one election had taken place. Mohammed Abdel Rahman Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini ( Arabic: محمد عبد الرؤوف عرفات القدوة الحسيني (August 24 1929 – November 11 All other elections were deferred for various reasons.

A single election for president and the legislature took place in 1996. On January 20, 1996, elections took place in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem for President of the Palestinian The next presidential and legislative elections were scheduled for 2001, but were delayed following the outbreak of the Al-Aqsa Intifada. Following Arafat's death, elections for the President of the Authority were announced for January 9, 2005. The 2005 Palestinian presidential election &mdash the first to be held since 1996 &mdash took place on January 9, 2005 in the West Bank and Gaza Events 475 - Byzantine Emperor Zeno is forced to flee his capital at Constantinople. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The PLO leader Mahmoud Abbas won 62. Mahmoud Abbas (محمود عباس (born March 26, 1935) also known by the kunya Abu Mazen (ابو مازن was elected President 3% of the vote, while Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, a physician and independent candidate, won 19. Mustafa Barghouti (مصطفى البرغوثي strict transliteration, also transcribed Mustafa Barghouthi, Mustafa Al Barghuthi, Dr Barghuthi 8%. ^[13]

Main article: Palestinian presidential election, 2005

On May 10, 2004 the Palestinian Cabinet announced that municipal elections would take place for the first time. Events 1291 - Scottish Nobles recognize the authority of Edward I of England. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Elections were announced for August 2004 in Jericho, followed by certain municipalities in the Gaza Strip. Jericho ( Arabic, ʼArīḥā; Hebrew, Standard Yəriḥo Tiberian Yərîḫô The Gaza Strip (قطاع غزة, רצועת עזה Retzu'at 'Azza) is a coastal strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt on the south-west In July 2004 these elections were postponed. Issues with voter registration are said to have contributed to the delay. Municipal elections finally took place for council officials in Jericho and 25 other towns and villages in the West Bank on December 23, 2004. Jericho ( Arabic, ʼArīḥā; Hebrew, Standard Yəriḥo Tiberian Yərîḫô The West Bank (الضفة الغربية, הגדה המערבית Hagadah Hamaaravit) also referred to in Israel as " Judea and Samaria Events 962 - Byzantine-Arab Wars: Under the future Emperor Nicephorus Phocas, Byzantine troops stormed the city "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " On January 27, 2005, the first round of the municipal elections took place in the Gaza Strip for officials in 10 local councils. Events 98 - Trajan becomes Roman Emperor after the death of Nerva. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Municipal elections were held to elect members of local councils in the Palestinian Territories between December 2004 and December 2005 The Gaza Strip (قطاع غزة, רצועת עזה Retzu'at 'Azza) is a coastal strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt on the south-west Further rounds in the West Bank took place in May 2005.

Elections for a new Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) were scheduled for July 2005 by Acting Palestinian Authority President Rawhi Fattuh in January 2005. The Palestinian Legislative Council (sometimes referred to as the Palestinan Parliament) the Legislature of the Palestinian Authority, is a Unicameral Rawhi Fattuh ( روحي فتوح, also transliterated as Rauhi Fattouh) (born 1949 is the former Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council These elections were postponed by Mahmoud Abbas after major changes to the Election Law were enacted by the PLC which required more time for the Palestinian Central Elections Committee to process and prepare. Mahmoud Abbas (محمود عباس (born March 26, 1935) also known by the kunya Abu Mazen (ابو مازن was elected President Among these changes were the expansion of the number of parliament seats from 88 to 132, with half of the seats to be competed for in 16 localities, and the other half to be elected in proportion to party votes from a nationwide pool of candidates. TalkParliament#Screen-size. -->A  parliament is a Legislature, especially in those

Main article: Palestinian legislative election, 2006

The following organizations, listed in alphabetic order, have taken part in recent elections inside the Palestinian National Authority:

• Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (Al-Jabhah al-Dimuqratiyah Li-Tahrir Filastin)
• Fatah or Liberation Movement of Palestine (Harakat al-Tahrâr al-Filistini)
• Hamas or Islamic Resistance Movement (Harakat al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyah)
• Palestine Democratic Union (al-Ittihad al-Dimuqrati al-Filastini, FiDA)
• Palestinian National Initiative (al-Mubadara al-Wataniya al-Filistiniyya)
• Palestinian People's Party (Hizb al-Sha'b al-Filastini)
• Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (Al-Jabhah al-sha'abiyah Li-Tahrir Filastin)

October 2006 polls have shown that Fatah and Hamas have equal strength. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 904 - Sergius III comes out of retirement to take over the papacy from the deposed Antipope Christopher. The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP ( Arabic: ' الجبهة الديموقراطية لتحرير فلسطين', transliterated Al-Jabha Fatah (فتح literally opening, is a reverse Acronym from the Arabic name Harakat al-Tahrir al-Watani al-Filastini (حركة التحرير Fatah (فتح literally opening, is a reverse Acronym from the Arabic name Harakat al-Tahrir al-Watani al-Filastini (حركة التحرير Ḥamas (ar حركة حماس acronym ar حركة المقاومة Ḥamas (ar حركة حماس acronym ar حركة المقاومة The Palestine Democratic Union ( Al-Ittihad al-Dimuqrati al-Filastini, generally known as FIDA) is a small Palestinian Political party active in the Palestinian National Initiative (Arabic المبادرة الوطنية الفلسطنية al-Mubadara al-Wataniyya al-Filistiniyya) is a Palestinian political movement The Palestinian People's Party ( PPP, in Arabic حزب الشعب الفلسطيني Hizb al-Sha'b al-Filastini) founded in 1982 as the Palestinian Communist The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine ( PFLP) ( Arabic: الجبهة الشعبية لتحرير فلسطين al-Jabhah al-Sha`biyyah li-Tahrīr October 2006 was a month that began on a Sunday The month was marked by a nuclear test by North Korea that prompted that passing of Resolution 1718 Fatah (فتح literally opening, is a reverse Acronym from the Arabic name Harakat al-Tahrir al-Watani al-Filastini (حركة التحرير Ḥamas (ar حركة حماس acronym ar حركة المقاومة [2]

On June 14, 2007, after the Battle of Gaza (2007), Palestine president Mahmoud Abbas has dismissed the Hamas led government, leaving the government under his control for 30 days, after which the temporary government has to be approved by the Palestinian Legislative Council. Events 1276 - While taking exile in Fuzhou in southern China, away from the advancing Mongol invaders, the remnants of the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The Battle of Gaza ( معركة غزّة) was a Military conflict between Hamas and Fatah which took place between June 7 and Mahmoud Abbas (محمود عباس (born March 26, 1935) also known by the kunya Abu Mazen (ابو مازن was elected President [3]

Administrative divisions

After the signing of the Oslo Accords, the West bank and the Gaza Strip were divided into areas (A, B, and C) and governorates. Israeli-Palestinian conflict The Oslo Accords, officially called the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements or Declaration of Principles The West Bank (الضفة الغربية, הגדה המערבית Hagadah Hamaaravit) also referred to in Israel as " Judea and Samaria The Gaza Strip (قطاع غزة, רצועת עזה Retzu'at 'Azza) is a coastal strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt on the south-west After the signing of the Oslo Accords, the Palestinian territories were divided into three areas (Area A Area B and Area C and 16 Governorates under the jurisdiction Area A refers to the area under PA security and civilian control. Area B refers to the area under Palestinian civilian and Israeli security control. Palestinian people or Palestinians ( الشعب الفلسطيني, ash-sha`b al-filasTīni; الفلسطينيون, al-filasTīnīyyūn For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics. Area C refers to the area under full Israeli control such as settlements.

Since the Battle of Gaza (2007) most of the Gaza Strip is in control of the Hamas with the PA stating it is officially no longer in control of the Gaza Strip. The Battle of Gaza ( معركة غزّة) was a Military conflict between Hamas and Fatah which took place between June 7 and Ḥamas (ar حركة حماس acronym ar حركة المقاومة [4]

Map showing governorates and areas of formal Palestinian control (Areas A and B in dark green)

The PNA divides the Palestinian territories into 16 governorates

• Jenin Governorate
• Tubas Governorate
• Nablus Governorate
• Tulkarm Governorate
• Qalqilya Governorate
• Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate
• Jericho Governorate
• Jerusalem Governorate
• Bethlehem Governorate
• Hebron Governorate
• North Gaza Governorate
• Gaza Governorate
• Deir el-Balah Governorate
• Khan Yunis Governorate
• Rafah Governorate

See also: districts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip,

See also: List of cities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip

Economy

Further information: Palestinian economy

Following the 2006 legislative elections, won by Hamas, Israel has ceased transferring the $55 million tax-receipts to the PA; since the PA has no access point (ports, airports, etc. After the signing of the Oslo Accords, the Palestinian territories were divided into three areas (Area A Area B and Area C and 16 Governorates under the jurisdiction The Jenin Governorate ( محافظة جنين) is one of a number of Governorates of the West Bank and Gaza Strip within the Palestinian Territories, It The Tubas Governorate ( محافظة طوباس) is an administrative district of the Palestinian National Authority in the northeastern West Bank. The Nablus Governorate ( محافظة نابلس) is an administrative district of the Palestinian National Authority located in the Central Highlands of the West The Tulkarm Governorate ( محافظة طولكرم) is an administrative district and one of 16 Governorates of the Palestinian National Authority located in the northwestern The Qalqilya Governorate ( محافظة قلقيلية) is an administrative area of the Palestinian National Authority in the northwestern West Bank. The Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate ( محافظة رام الله و البيرة) is one of 16 Governorates of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Jericho Governorate ( محافظة أريحا) is one of 16 Governorates of the Palestinian National Authority (administrative districts within the Palestinian The Jerusalem Governorate (محافظة القدس is one of 16 Palestinian governorates situated in the central portion of the West Bank. The Bethlehem Governorate ( محافظة بيت لحم) is one of 16 Governorates of the West Bank and Gaza Strip within the Palestinian Territories. The Hebron Governorate ( محافظة الخليل) is an administrative district of the Palestinian National Authority in the southern West Bank. The North Gaza Governorate ( محافظة شمال غزة) is one of 16 Governorates of the Palestinian National Authority in the Gaza Strip which is administered The Gaza Governorate ( محافظة غزة) is one of 16 Governorates of the Palestinian National Authority located in the north central Gaza Strip which The Deir el-Balah Governorate is one of 16 Governorates of the Palestinian National Authority in the central Gaza Strip which is administered by the Palestinian The Khan Yunis Governorate is one of 16 Governorates of the Palestinian National Authority, located in the southern Gaza Strip. The Rafah Governorate (محافظة رفح is an administrative district of the Palestinian National Authority in the southernmost portion of the Gaza Strip The 16 Governorates of the West Bank and Gaza Strip are divided into 16 electoral Districts ( Aqdya, singular - Qadaa) List of cities (and towns in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian economy refers to the economy of the Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza strip. Ḥamas (ar حركة حماس acronym ar حركة المقاومة ) to receive taxes, it is Israel that is charged with this duty. These funds accounted for a third of the PA's budget, two thirds of its proper budget, and ensure the wages of 160 000 Palestinian civil servants (among them 60 000 security and police officers), on which a third of the Palestinian population is dependent. Israel has also decided to increase controls on check-point, which has been since the beginning of the Second Intifada a main cause of the 2001-2002 economic recession, which the World Bank has compared to the 1929 economic crisis. The World Bank is an internationally supported Bank that provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries for development programs (e Furthermore, the US and the EU have stopped direct aid to the PA, while the US imposed a financial blockade on PA's banks, impeding some of the Arab League's funds (e. The Arab League ( الجامعة العربية) officially called the League of Arab States ( جامعة الدول العربية g. Saudi Arabia and Qatar) from being transferred to the PA. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KSA ( المملكة العربية السعودية, al-Mamlaka al-ʻArabiyya as-Suʻūdiyya) or Suudi Qatar ( قطر; ˈqɑtˁɑr local pronunciation giṭar officially the State of Qatar (Arabic دولة قطر transliterated ^[14] On May 6 and 7, 2006, hundreds of Palestinians demonstrated in Gaza and the West Bank demanding payment of their wages. Tension between Hamas and Fatah has been slowly risen with the "economic squeeze" on the PA. Fatah (فتح literally opening, is a reverse Acronym from the Arabic name Harakat al-Tahrir al-Watani al-Filastini (حركة التحرير ^[15] The UN institution underlines that unemployment, which was estimated to 23% in 2005, would increase to 39% in 2006, while poverty, estimated at 44%, would increase to 67% in 2006. The United Nations ( UN) is an International organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in International law, International security Unemployment occurs when a person is available to work and currently seeking work but the person is without work. Poverty (also called penury) is deprivation of common necessities that determine the quality of life including food clothing shelter and safe Drinking water, and ^[14]

Foreign aid and budget deficit

Due to the specific conditions of the disputed territories, the Palestinian Authority (PA) has received unprecedented financial support from the international community. Name There are differences of opinion as to what the Palestinian territories should be called According to the World Bank, USD $929 million were given by the international community to the PNA in 2001, $891 million in 2003 and $1. The World Bank is an internationally supported Bank that provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries for development programs (e 1 billion in 2005 (representing 53% of the budget in 2005). Budget (from French bougette, purse generally refers to a list of all planned expenses and revenues The main objectives are support to the budget, development aid and public health. Development aid or development cooperation (also development assistance, technical assistance, international aid, overseas aid Public health is "the science and art of preventing disease prolonging life and promoting health through the organised efforts and informed choices of society organisations In 2003, the US funded $224 million, the EU $187 million, the Arab League $124 million, Norway $53 million, the World Bank $50 million, the United Kingdom $43 million, Italy $40 million, and the last $170 million by others. The Arab League ( الجامعة العربية) officially called the League of Arab States ( جامعة الدول العربية Norway ( Norwegian: Norge ( Bokmål) or Noreg ( Nynorsk) officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Constitutional The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest According to the World Bank, the budget deficit was about of $800 million in 2005, with nearly half of it financed by donors. A budget deficit occurs when an Entity (often a Government) spends more Money than it takes in "The PA's fiscal situation has become increasingly unsustainable mainly as a result of uncontrolled government consumption, in particular a rapidly increasing public sector wage bill, expanding social transfer schemes and rising net lending," said the World Bank report. Government corruption is widely seen as the cause of much of the PA financial difficulties.

Economic sanctions following January 2006 legislative elections

Main article: Economic sanctions against the Palestinian Authority

Following the January 2006 legislative elections, won by Hamas, the Quartet threatened to cut funds to the Palestinian Authority. On January 25 2006, elections were held for the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC the legislature of the Palestinian National Authority Ḥamas (ar حركة حماس acronym ar حركة المقاومة The Quartet on the Middle East, sometimes called the Diplomatic Quartet or Madrid Quartet or simply the Quartet, is a foursome of nations and International On February 2, 2006, according to the AFP, the PNA accused Israel of "practicing collective punishment after it snubbed US calls to unblock funds owed to the Palestinians. Events 962 - Translatio imperii: Pope John XII crowns Otto I Holy Roman Emperor, the first Holy Roman Emperor Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Agence France-Presse ( AFP) is the oldest News agency in the world and one of the three largest with Associated Press and Reuters. " Prime minister Ahmed Qorei "said he was hopeful of finding alternative funding to meet the budget shortfall of around 50 million dollars, needed to pay the wages of public sector workers, and which should have been handed over by Israel on the first of the month. Ahmed Ali Mohammed Qurei (or Qureia; احمد علي محمد قريع also known by his Arabic ''Kunya'' Abu Alaa (أبو علاء (born March " The US Department criticized Israel for refusing to quickly unblock the funds. The funds were later unblocked. ^[16] However, the New York Times alleged on February 14, 2006 that a "destabilization plan" of the United States and Israel, aimed against Hamas, winner of the January 2006 legislative elections, centered "largely on money" and cutting all funds to the PA once Hamas takes power, in order to delegitimize it in the eyes of the Palestinians. Events 842 - Charles the Bald and Louis the German swear the Oaths of Strasbourg in the French and German Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Ḥamas (ar حركة حماس acronym ar حركة المقاومة According to the news article, "The Palestinian Authority has a monthly cash deficit of some $60 million to $70 million after it receives between $50 million and $55 million a month from Israel in taxes and customs duties collected by Israeli officials at the borders but owed to the Palestinians. " Beginning March 2006, "the Palestinian Authority will face a cash deficit of at least $110 million a month, or more than $1 billion a year, which it needs to pay full salaries to its 140,000 employees, who are the breadwinners for at least one-third of the Palestinian population. The employment figure includes some 58,000 members of the security forces, most of which are affiliated with the defeated Fatah movement. Fatah (فتح literally opening, is a reverse Acronym from the Arabic name Harakat al-Tahrir al-Watani al-Filastini (حركة التحرير " Since January 25 elections, "the Palestinian stock market has already fallen about 20 percent", while the "Authority has exhausted its borrowing capacity with local banks. Events 41 - After a night of negotiation Claudius is accepted as Roman Emperor by the Senate "^[17]

Use of European Union assistance

In February 2004, it was reported that the European Union (EU) anti-fraud office (OLAF) was studying documents suggesting that Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian Authority had diverted tens of millions of dollars in EU funds to organizations involved in terrorist attacks, such as the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. The European Union ( EU) is a political and economic union of twenty-seven member states, located primarily in OLAF (French acronym for Office Européen de Lutte Anti-Fraude) the " European Anti-Fraud Office " has been charged by the European Union with protecting Mohammed Abdel Rahman Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini ( Arabic: محمد عبد الرؤوف عرفات القدوة الحسيني (August 24 1929 – November 11 The al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades (كتائب شهداء الأقصى is a coalition of Palestinian militias in However, in August 2004, a provisional assessment stated that "To date, there is no evidence that funds from the non-targeted EU Direct Budget Assistance to the Palestinian Authority have been used to finance illegal activities, including terrorism. "^[18]

A separate EU "Working Group" also issued a report in April 2004, adopted by a 7-6 vote, which covers the period from the end of 2000 to the end of 2002, stating that EU aid has not been siphoned off to Palestinian militants carrying out attacks on Israelis: "There is no conclusive evidence, to date, that the EU non-targeted direct budgetary support was used to finance illegal activities, including the financing of terrorism".

Furthermore, the EU has changed the way it funded the Palestinians and now uses targeted aid for specific purposes. From April 2003, money is only handed over if various conditions are met, such as the presentation of invoices for bills the Palestinians need to pay. The EU remains the biggest donor to the Palestinian Authority.

Payments to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons

On July 22, 2004, Salam Fayyad, PNA Minister of Finance, in an article in the Palestinian weekly, The Jerusalem Times, detailed the following payments to Palestinians imprisoned by the Israeli authorities:^[19]

1. Prisoner allowances increased between June 2002 and June 2004 to $9. Events 1099 - First Crusade: Godfrey of Bouillon is elected the first Defender of the Holy Sepulchre of The Kingdom of "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics. 6m monthly, an increase of 246 percent compared with January 1995-June 2002.
2. Between June 2002 and June 2004, 77 million shekels were delivered to prisoners, compared to 121 million between January 1995 and June 2002, which is an increase of 16 million shekels yearly. The increase of annual spending between the two periods registers 450 percent, which is much higher than the percentage of increase of the number of prisoners.
3. Between 2002 and 2004, the PNA paid 22 million shekels to cover other expenses — lawyers’ fees, fines, and allocations for released prisoners. This includes lawyers’ fees paid directly by the PNA and fees paid through the Prisoners Club.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of the Palestinian territories

Education

Main article: Education in the Palestinian territories

According the a ministrial statistic conducted in September 2005, there are 2,267 schools in general education, 31,001 classes, 1,078,488 students, and 48,674 teachers in the Palestinian territories. The Palestinian territories in this context are defined to include West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza strip. Education in Palestinian territories is provided by the government UNRWA, and private sources PortalCurrent events News collections and sources WikipediaNews collections and sources. Name There are differences of opinion as to what the Palestinian territories should be called 24% of schools are UNRWA-operated, 70% are governmental, and 6% are private. United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East ( UNRWA) is a relief and human development agency providing education health care social services Palestine also enjoys as one of highest educated countries in the Arab World.

Another statistic conducted in May 2005 shows that there are 138,139 students enrolled in Higher Education Institutions. May 2005 was the fifth month of that year It began on a Sunday and ended after 31 days on a Tuesday. Between these students, 9,002 (6. 5%) are in (community colleges), 6,034 (4. A community college is a type of Educational institution. The term has different meanings in different countries 4%) in (University colleges), 46,453 (33. The term " university college " is used in a number of countries to denote institutions that provide Tertiary education but do not have full or independent 6%) in Al-Quds Open University, and 76,650 (55. This article is about the open university for a similarly named university see Al-Quds University. 5%) in traditional universities.

List of Universities and Colleges in Palestine:

• Community College of Applied Science and Technology (Gaza)
• Alquds University (Alquds/Abu Dees)
• Birzeit University (Birzeit/Ramallah)
• Bethlehem University (Bethlehem)
• An-Najah N. University (Nablus)
• Alquds Open University
• Islamic University - Gaza (Gaza)
• Al-Azhar University of Gaza (Gaza)
• Al-Aqsa University (Gaza)
• Arab-American University - Jenin (Al-Zababdeh)
• Hebron (Al-Khalil) University (Al-Khalil)
• Palestine Polytechnic Institute (PPI) (Hebron)
• Ibrahimieh College (Alquds)
• Bethlehem Bible College (Bethlehem)
• Palestine Technical College (Deir Elbalah)

Transportation

Main article: Transportation in Palestine

Palestinian culture

Main article: Palestinian culture

Lawlessness in Palestinian areas

Violence against civilians

The Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group reports "everyday disagreements and clashes between the various political factions, families and cities that a complete picture of Palestinian society is painted. This article describes transport within the region under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority, which consists of two non-contiguous territories Gaza and Palestinian people or Palestinians ( الشعب الفلسطيني, ash-sha`b al-filasTīni; الفلسطينيون, al-filasTīnīyyūn The Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group is a diverse Human rights group founded in December 1996 by a group of prominent Palestinians, including members of the These divisions have during the course of the al Aqsa Intifada also led to an increasingly violent ‘Intrafada’. In the 10 year period from 1993 to 2003, 16% of Palestinian civilian deaths were caused by Palestinian groups or individuals. "^[20]

Erika Waak reports in The Humanist "Of the total number of Palestinian civilians killed during this period by both Israeli and Palestinian security forces, 16 percent were the victims of Palestinian security forces. " Accusations of collaboration with Israel are used to target and kill individual Palestinians: "Those who are convicted have either been caught helping Israelis, spoken out against Arafat, or are involved in rival criminal gangs, and these individuals are hanged after summary trials. Arafat creates an environment where the violence continues while silencing would-be critics, and although he could make the violence impossible, he doesn't stop it. "

Freedom House's annual survey of political rights and civil liberties, Freedom in the World 2001-2002, reports "Civil liberties declined due to: shooting deaths of Palestinian civilians by Palestinian security personnel; the summary trial and executions of alleged collaborators by the Palestinian Authority (PA); extra-judicial killings of suspected collaborators by militias; and the apparent official encouragement of Palestinian youth to confront Israeli soldiers, thus placing them directly in harm's way. Freedom House is a United States -based international Non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on Democracy, political "^[21]

Palestinian security forces have, as of March 2005, not made any arrests for the October 2003 killing of three American members of a diplomatic convoy in the Gaza Strip. The Gaza Strip (قطاع غزة, רצועת עזה Retzu'at 'Azza) is a coastal strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt on the south-west Moussa Arafat, head of the Palestinian Military Intelligence and a cousin of then Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat has stated that, regarding the United States pressure to arrest the killers; "They know that we are in a very critical position and that clashing with any Palestinian party under the presence of the occupation is an issue that will present many problems for us". Major General Moussa Arafat al-Qudwa (born Jaffa January 23 1940/41 — killed in Gaza City September 7, 2005) was a cousin Mohammed Abdel Rahman Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini ( Arabic: محمد عبد الرؤوف عرفات القدوة الحسيني (August 24 1929 – November 11 Since the October 2003 attack, United States diplomats have been banned from entering the Gaza Strip. ^[22]

It is claimed that some of the smuggling tunnels connecting Egypt and the Gaza Strip are controlled by one of the Palestinian Authority security services under Moussa Arafat's command. Smuggling tunnels are secret tunnels, usually hidden underground used for Smuggling of Goods and people. This article is about the country of Egypt For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Egypt topics. The Gaza Strip (قطاع غزة, רצועת עזה Retzu'at 'Azza) is a coastal strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt on the south-west He is accused of receiving a portion of the profits derived from the smuggling tunnels. ^[23]

During 2007 many Western and Christian targets were attacked in the West Bank and Gaza. Members of local gangs and terror cells blew up and destroyed institutions linked to Western culture such as American schools, church libraries and dozens of Internet cafes. These events were largely ignored by the media. ^[24]

Violence against officials

On October 15, 2003, three members of a United States diplomatic convoy were killed and additional members of the convoy wounded three kilometers south of the Erez Crossing into the Gaza Strip by a terrorist bomb. Events 533 - Byzantine General Belisarius makes his formal entry into Carthage, having conquered it from the Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Palestinian political violence or Palestinian terrorism refers to acts of violence committed for political reasons by Palestinians Palestinian groups that support The perpetrators remain at large.

In February 2004 Ghassan Shaqawa (the mayor of Nablus) filed his resignation from office in protest of the Palestinian Authority's lack of action against the armed militias rampaging the city and the multiple attempts by some Palestinians to assassinate him. Nablus ( sometimes Nābulus; Arabic:; næːblʊs is a Palestinian city in the northern West Bank, approximately north of Jerusalem Gaza's police chief, General Saib al-Ajez, later would say: "This internal conflict between police and the militants cannot happen. It is forbidden. We are a single nation and many people know each other and it is not easy to kill someone who is bearing a weapon to defend his nation. "^[25]

Through the first three months of 2004, a number of attacks on journalists in the West Bank and Gaza Strip have been blamed on the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, most clearly the attack on the Arab television station Al-Arabiya's West Bank offices by masked men self-identifying as members of the Brigades. The al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades (كتائب شهداء الأقصى is a coalition of Palestinian militias in Al Arabiya (العربية) is an Arabic-language Television News channel Palestinian journalists in Gaza called a general strike on February 9 to protest this rising violence against journalists. Events 474 - Zeno crowned as co-emperor of the Byzantine Empire.

Karen Abu Zayd, deputy commissioner general for the UN Relief and Works Agency in the Gaza Strip stated on February 29, 2004: "What has begun to be more visible is the beginning of the breakdown of law and order, all the groups have their own militias, and they are very organized. United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East ( UNRWA) is a relief and human development agency providing education health care social services Leap years Although the modern calendar counts a year as 365 days a complete revolution around the sun takes approximately 365 days and 6 hours "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " It's factions trying to exercise their powers. "^[26]

Ghazi al-Jabali, the Gaza Strip Chief of Police, since 1994 has been the target of repeated attacks by Palestinians. Ghazi al-Jabali was the Gaza Strip Chief of the Preventive Security Service, appointed by the Palestinian Authority. The Gaza Strip (قطاع غزة, רצועת עזה Retzu'at 'Azza) is a coastal strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt on the south-west Palestinian people or Palestinians ( الشعب الفلسطيني, ash-sha`b al-filasTīni; الفلسطينيون, al-filasTīnīyyūn In March 2004, his offices were targeted by gunfire. In April 2004, a bomb was detonated destroying the front of his house. In July 17, 2004, he was kidnapped at the at gunpoint following an ambush of his convoy and wounding of two bodyguards. Events 180 - Twelve inhabitants of Scillium in North Africa are executed for being Christians "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " An ambush is a long-established military tactic, in which the aggressors (the ambushing force use Concealment to attack a passing enemy In Medicine, a wound is a type of Injury in which the Skin is torn cut or punctured (an open wound or where blunt force trauma He was released several hours later. ^[27] Less than six hours later, Colonel Khaled Abu Aloula, director of military coordination in the southern part of Gaza was abducted.

On July 17 eve, Fatah movement members kidnapped 5 French citizens (3 men and 2 women) and held hostage in Red Crescent Society building in Khan Yunis:

Palestinian security officials said that the kidnapping was carried out by the Abu al-Rish Brigades, accused of being linked to Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat's Fatah faction. Events 180 - Twelve inhabitants of Scillium in North Africa are executed for being Christians This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is an International humanitarian movement with approximately 97 million volunteers worldwide who stated Khan Yunis (خان يونس literally Jonah 's Inn) is a city and adjacent Refugee camp in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. Mohammed Abdel Rahman Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini ( Arabic: محمد عبد الرؤوف عرفات القدوة الحسيني (August 24 1929 – November 11 Fatah (فتح literally opening, is a reverse Acronym from the Arabic name Harakat al-Tahrir al-Watani al-Filastini (حركة التحرير ^[28]

On July 18, Arafat replaced Ghazi al-Jabali, with his nephew Moussa Arafat, sparking violent riots in Rafah and Khan Yunis in which members of the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades burned PA offices and opened fire on Palestinian policemen. Events 390 BC - Roman - Gaulish Wars Battle of the Allia - a Roman army is defeated by raiding Gauls, Ghazi al-Jabali was the Gaza Strip Chief of the Preventive Security Service, appointed by the Palestinian Authority. Major General Moussa Arafat al-Qudwa (born Jaffa January 23 1940/41 — killed in Gaza City September 7, 2005) was a cousin Rafah (رفح is a Palestinian town in the Gaza Strip, on the Egyptian border and a nearby town on the Egyptian side of the border on the Sinai Khan Yunis (خان يونس literally Jonah 's Inn) is a city and adjacent Refugee camp in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades (كتائب شهداء الأقصى is a coalition of Palestinian militias in During the riots at least one Palestinian was killed and dozen more seriously wounded.

On July 20, 2004 David Satterfield, the second-in-charge at the United States Department of State Near East desk stated in hearing before the Senate that the Palestinian Authority has failed to arrest the Palestinian terrorists who murdered three members of an American diplomatic convoy traveling in the Gaza Strip on October 15, 2003. Events 1304 - Wars of Scottish Independence: Fall of Stirling Castle - King Edward I of England takes the last rebel stronghold "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Palestinian political violence or Palestinian terrorism refers to acts of violence committed for political reasons by Palestinians Palestinian groups that support Murder is the unlawful killing of another human person with Malice aforethought, as defined in Common Law countries Diplomacy is the art and practice of conducting Negotiations between representatives of groups or states A convoy is a group of Vehicles (of any type but usually motor vehicles or ships traveling together for mutual support The Gaza Strip (قطاع غزة, רצועת עזה Retzu'at 'Azza) is a coastal strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt on the south-west Events 533 - Byzantine General Belisarius makes his formal entry into Carthage, having conquered it from the Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Satterfield states:

There has been no satisfactory resolution of this case. We can only conclude that there has been a political decision taken by the chairman (Yasser Arafat) to block further progress in this investigation. Mohammed Abdel Rahman Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini ( Arabic: محمد عبد الرؤوف عرفات القدوة الحسيني (August 24 1929 – November 11

On July 21, Nabil Amar, former Minister of Information and a cabinet member and a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, was shot by masked gunmen, after an interview to a TV channel in which he criticized Yasser Arafat and called for reforms in the PA. Events 356 BC - Herostratus sets fire to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World Nabil Amr is a former cabinet minister in the Palestinian National Authority. The Palestinian Legislative Council (sometimes referred to as the Palestinan Parliament) the Legislature of the Palestinian Authority, is a Unicameral Mohammed Abdel Rahman Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini ( Arabic: محمد عبد الرؤوف عرفات القدوة الحسيني (August 24 1929 – November 11 ^[29]

Regarding the descent into chaos Cabinet minister Qadura Fares stated on July 21, 2004:

Every one of us is responsible. Qadura Fares (قدّورة فارس is a Palestinian Authority minister Events 356 BC - Herostratus sets fire to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Arafat is the most responsible for the failure. Mohammed Abdel Rahman Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini ( Arabic: محمد عبد الرؤوف عرفات القدوة الحسيني (August 24 1929 – November 11 President Arafat failed and the Palestinian government failed, the Palestinian political factions failed. ^[30]

On July 22, 2004, The United Nations elevated its threat warning level for the Gaza Strip to "Phase Four" (one less than the maximum "Phase Five") and plans to evacuate non-essential foreign staff from the Gaza Strip. Events 1099 - First Crusade: Godfrey of Bouillon is elected the first Defender of the Holy Sepulchre of The Kingdom of "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " The United Nations ( UN) is an International organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in International law, International security The Gaza Strip (قطاع غزة, רצועת עזה Retzu'at 'Azza) is a coastal strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt on the south-west ^[31]

The firing of Qassam rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel is strongly opposed by those living closest to the firing location due to frequent Israeli military responses to Qassam rocket launches. The Qassam rocket ( صاروخ القسام; also Kassam) is a simple steel Rocket filled with explosives produced by Hamas. The Gaza Strip (قطاع غزة, רצועת עזה Retzu'at 'Azza) is a coastal strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt on the south-west For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics. On July 23, 2004, an Arab boy was shot and killed by Palestinian terrorists of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades after he and his family physically opposed their attempt to set up a Qassam rocket launcher outside the family's house. Events 1632 - Three hundred colonists bound for New France depart from Dieppe France. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Palestinian political violence or Palestinian terrorism refers to acts of violence committed for political reasons by Palestinians Palestinian groups that support The al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades (كتائب شهداء الأقصى is a coalition of Palestinian militias in Five other individuals were wounded in the incident. ^{[32][33][34][35]}

On July 25, 2004, 20 members of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades seized the governor's office in the Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis. Events 285 - Diocletian appoints Maximian as Caesar, co-ruler "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " The al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades (كتائب شهداء الأقصى is a coalition of Palestinian militias in The Gaza Strip (قطاع غزة, רצועת עזה Retzu'at 'Azza) is a coastal strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt on the south-west Among their demands are that Yasser Arafat's cousin, Moussa Arafat be dismissed from his post as chief of general security in Gaza. Mohammed Abdel Rahman Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini ( Arabic: محمد عبد الرؤوف عرفات القدوة الحسيني (August 24 1929 – November 11 In a separate attack, unidentified persons stormed a police station and burned the structure causing extensive damage.

On July 31, Palestinian kidnappers in Nablus seized 3 foreign nationals, an American, British and Irish citizen. Events 30 BC - Battle of Alexandria: Mark Antony achieves a minor victory over Octavian 's forces but most of his army subsequently Nablus ( sometimes Nābulus; Arabic:; næːblʊs is a Palestinian city in the northern West Bank, approximately north of Jerusalem The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located Ireland (pronounced /ˈaɾlənd/ Éire) is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth-largest island in the world They were later released. Also, a PA security forces HQ building was burnt down in Jenin by the al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. Jenin ( Arabic:; ג'נין a city in the West Bank 's Jenin Governorate, is a major Palestinian agricultural center The al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades (كتائب شهداء الأقصى is a coalition of Palestinian militias in A leader of Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades said they torched the building because new mayor Qadorrah Moussa, appointed by Arafat, had refused to pay salaries to Al Aqsa members or to cooperate with the group. ^[36]

On August 8, 2004 the Justice Minister Nahed Arreyes resigned stating that he has been stripped of much of his authority over the legal system. Events 1220 - Sweden is defeated by Estonian tribes in the Battle of Lihula. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " The year before, Yasser Arafat created a rival agency to the Justice Ministry and was accused of continuing to control the judiciary and in particular the state prosecutors. Mohammed Abdel Rahman Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini ( Arabic: محمد عبد الرؤوف عرفات القدوة الحسيني (August 24 1929 – November 11 ^[37]

On August 10, 2004, a report by an investigation committee Palestinian Legislative Council for the reasons for the anarchy and chaos in the PA was published by Haaretz daily newspaper. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " The Palestinian Legislative Council (sometimes referred to as the Palestinan Parliament) the Legislature of the Palestinian Authority, is a Unicameral (הארץ "The land" referring to the Land of Israel) founded in 1918 is Israel 's oldest Daily newspaper. The report puts the main blame on Yasser Arafat and the PA's security forces, which "have failed to make a clear political decision to end it". Mohammed Abdel Rahman Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini ( Arabic: محمد عبد الرؤوف عرفات القدوة الحسيني (August 24 1929 – November 11 The report states,

"The main reason for the failure of the Palestinian security forces and their lack of action in restoring law and order" . . .

"is the total lack of a clear political decision and no definition of their roles, either for the long term or the short. "

The report also calls to stop shooting Qassam rockets and mortar shells on Israeli settlements because of it hurts "Palestinian interests". The Qassam rocket ( صاروخ القسام; also Kassam) is a simple steel Rocket filled with explosives produced by Hamas. Hakham Balawi sais:

". . . It is prohibited to launch rockets and to fire weapons from houses, and that is a supreme Palestinian interest that should not be violated because the result is barbaric retaliation by the occupying army and the citizenry cannot accept such shooting. Those who do it are a certain group that does not represent the people and nation, doing it without thinking about the general interest and public opinion in the world and in Israel. There is no vision or purpose to the missiles; the Palestinian interest is more important"^[38]

Despite the criticism against Yasser Arafat, the troubles continued. Mohammed Abdel Rahman Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini ( Arabic: محمد عبد الرؤوف عرفات القدوة الحسيني (August 24 1929 – November 11 On August 24, the Lieutenant Commander of the Palestinian General Intelligence in the Gaza Strip, Tareq Abu-Rajab, was shot by group of armed men. Events 49 BC - Julius Caesar 's General Gaius Scribonius Curio is defeated in the Second Battle of the Bagradas River The Gaza Strip (قطاع غزة, רצועת עזה Retzu'at 'Azza) is a coastal strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt on the south-west He was seriously injured. ^[39]

On August 31, the Jenin Martyrs Brigades, the armed wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, threaten to kill Minister Nabil Shaath for participating in a conference in Italy attended by Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, declaring "He will be sentenced to death if he enters. Events 1056 - Byzantine Empress Theodora becomes ill dying suddenly a few days later without children to succeed the Throne The Popular Resistance Committees (PRC are various Palestinian militant organizations which operate in the Gaza Strip and are regarded as terrorist organizations Nabil Shaath (نبيل شعث (also spelled Sha'ath born 1938 in Safad Palestine is a senior Palestinian official who has held the following titles Palestinian Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics. The decision cannot be rescinded, we call upon his bodyguards to abandon his convoy in order to save their lives. "^[40]

On September 8, Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei, threatens to resign, again. Events 70 - Roman forces under Titus sack Jerusalem. 1264 - The Statute of Kalisz Three weeks have elapsed since he retracted is resignation, originally tendered six weeks ago. ^[41]

On October 12, Moussa Arafat, cousin of Yasser Arafat and a top security official in the Gaza Strip, survived a car bomb assassination attempt. Events 539 BC - The army of Cyrus the Great of Persia takes Babylon. Major General Moussa Arafat al-Qudwa (born Jaffa January 23 1940/41 — killed in Gaza City September 7, 2005) was a cousin Mohammed Abdel Rahman Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini ( Arabic: محمد عبد الرؤوف عرفات القدوة الحسيني (August 24 1929 – November 11 The Gaza Strip (قطاع غزة, רצועת עזה Retzu'at 'Azza) is a coastal strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt on the south-west A car bomb is an explosive device placed in a car or other Vehicle and then detonated. Recently the Popular Resistance Committees threatened Moussa Arafat with retaliation for an alleged attempt to assassinate its leader, Mohammed Nashabat. The Popular Resistance Committees (PRC are various Palestinian militant organizations which operate in the Gaza Strip and are regarded as terrorist organizations ^[42]

On October 14, Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei stated that the Palestinian Authority is unable to stop the spreading anarchy. Events 1066 - Norman Conquest: Battle of Hastings - In England on Senlac Hill seven miles from Hastings, the forces Ahmed Ali Mohammed Qurei (or Qureia; احمد علي محمد قريع also known by his Arabic ''Kunya'' Abu Alaa (أبو علاء (born March While routinely blaming Israel for the PA's problems, he pointed out that the many PA security forces are hobbled by corruption and factional feuding. Due to the lack of governmentals reforms demanded by international peace mediators, Palestinian legislators demanded Qurei present a report on the matter by October 20, at which point they will decide upon holding a no-confidence vote. ^[43]

On October 19, a group of Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades members, led by Zakaria Zubeidi, seized buildings belonging to the Palestinan Finance ministry and Palestinian parliament in Jenin. Events 202 BCE - The Battle of Zama results in the defeat of Carthage and Hannibal. The al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades (كتائب شهداء الأقصى is a coalition of Palestinian militias in Zakaria or Zakariyah Zubeidi (زكريا محمد عبد الرحمن الزبيدي born 1976 is the current Jenin chief of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades Jenin ( Arabic:; ג'נין a city in the West Bank 's Jenin Governorate, is a major Palestinian agricultural center ^[44]

Current Palestinian measures to keep law and order

In 2006, after the Hamas victory, the Palestinian interior minister formed an Executive Force for the police. Ḥamas (ar حركة حماس acronym ar حركة المقاومة However, the PA president objected and after clashes between Hamas and Fatah, a redeployment of the force was made and efforts started in order to integrate it with the police force.

See also

• Palestinian Legislative Council
• State of Palestine
• Palestinian Liberation Army
• Israeli-Palestinian conflict
  • Violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
  • Palestinian political violence
  • Children and minors in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
• PLO and Hamas
• Palestinian Scout Association
• List of cities in Palestinian Authority areas
• Postage stamps and postal history of the Palestinian National Authority

Notes and references

External links

Government

• State Information Service
• Ministry of Planning
• Ministry of Information
• Ministry of Education and Higher Education
• Ministry of Labor
• The Palestinian Legislative Council (Arabic)
• Ministry of the National Economy
• Negotiations Affairs Department
• pecdar
• Palestine Media Center

General information

• The Palestinian Basic Law - A collection of various propsals and amendments to the Basic Law of Palestine
• Columbia University Libraries - Palestine directory category of the WWW-VL
• Open Directory Project - Palestinian Territory Government directory category
• Yahoo! - Palestinian Authority directory category
• Council on Foreign Relations - Palestinian Authority
• British Foreign & Commonwealth office - Palestine National Authority
• What is the "Palestinian Authority"? - Institute for Middle East Understanding

Other

• PA President Yasser Arafat memorial site
• Israeli Institute for Combatting Terrorism - The Palestinian Security Services: Between Police and Army
• MEMRI - Daily Life in the Palestininian Authority
• MEMRI - Special Dispatch / Inquiry and Analysis Series for Palestinian Authority
• The 'Intra'fada or 'Chaos of the Weapons', An Analysis of Internal Palestinian Violence by the Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group
• The Palestinian Security Services: Between Police and Army Mideast Review of International Affairs Volume 3, No. The Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group is a diverse Human rights group founded in December 1996 by a group of prominent Palestinians, including members of the 2—June 1999
• US-Israel.org - Palestinian Authority Threatens Cameraman Prevents Broadcast of Palestinians Celebrating Attack on U. S. (September 11-13, 2001)
• Israeli Intelligence - Peace Against Truth: When Peace Movements Reinforce Evil On funding sources of uses by the Palestinian Authority and PLO
• Jerusalem Post - Engineering civilian casualties (registration required) (reprint free access)
• China Daily - Mediators Tell Palestinians to Reform or Lose Aid
• Daily Star - Time has come for a long, hard look inside the Palestinian Authority (Lebanese Daily Newspaper)
• The EU's new Palestine dilemma by Khaled Diab
• Palestinian Authority Profile on Ynet News, Real-time news about the Israeli Palestinian conflict, updated daily
• Occupation Magazine