Jerusalem-forum@wanadoo.jo

Documents

May 04, 1994

The Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (hereinafter "the PLO"), the representative of the Palestinian people;

PREAMBLE

WITHIN the framework of the Middle East peace process initiated at Madrid in October 1991;

REAFFIRMING their determination to live in peaceful coexistence, mutual dignity and security, while recognizing their mutual legitimate and political rights;

REAFFIRMING their desire to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace settlement through the agreed political process;

REAFFIRMING their adherence to the mutual recognition and commitments expressed in the letters dated September 9, 1993 , signed by and exchanged between the Prime Minister of Israel and the Chairman of the PLO;

REAFFIRMING their understanding that the interim self-government arrangements, including the arrangements to apply in the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area contained in this Agreement, are an integral part of the whole peace process and that the negotiations on the permanent status will lead to the implementation of Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338;

DESIROUS of putting into effect the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements signed at Washington, D.C. on September 13, 1993, and the Agreed Minutes thereto (hereinafter "the Declaration of Principles"), and in particular the Protocol on withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area;

HEREBY AGREE to the following arrangements regarding the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area:

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Agreement:

a. the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area are delineated on map No. 1 and map No. 2 attached to this Agreement;

b. "the Settlements" means the Gush Katif and Erez settlement areas, as well as the other settlements in the Gaza Strip, as shown on attached map No. 1;

c. "the Military Installation Area" means the Israeli military installation area along the Egyptian border in the Gaza Strip, as shown on map No. 1; and

d. the term "Israelis" shall also include Israeli statutory agencies and corporations registered in Israel.

ARTICLE II SCHEDULED WITHDRAWAL OF ISRAELI MILITARY FORCES

1. Israel shall implement an accelerated and scheduled withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the Gaza Strip and from the Jericho Area to begin immediately with the signing of this Agreement. Israel shall complete such withdrawal within three weeks from this date.

2. Subject to the arrangements included in the Protocol Concerning Withdrawal of Israeli Military Forces and Security Arrangements attached as Annex I , the Israeli withdrawal shall include evacuating all military bases and other fixed installations to be handed over to the Palestinian Police, to be established pursuant to Article IX below (hereinafter "the Palestinian Police").

3. In order to carry out Israel's responsibility for external security and for internal security and public order of Settlements and Israelis, Israel shall, concurrently with the withdrawal, redeploy its remaining military forces to the Settlements and the Military Installation Area, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, this redeployment shall constitute full implementation of Article XIII of the Declaration of Principles with regard to the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area only.

4. For the purposes of this Agreement, "Israeli military forces" may include Israel police and other Israeli security forces.

5. Israelis, including Israeli military forces, may continue to use roads freely within the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area. Palestinians may use public roads crossing the Settlements freely, as provided for in Annex I.

6. The Palestinian Police shall be deployed and shall assume responsibility for public order and internal security of Palestinians in accordance with this Agreement and Annex I.

ARTICLE III TRANSFER OF AUTHORITY

1. Israel shall transfer authority as specified in this Agreement from the Israeli military government and its Civil Administration to the Palestinian Authority, hereby established, in accordance with Article V of this Agreement, except for the authority that Israel shall continue to exercise as specified in this Agreement.

2. As regards the transfer and assumption of authority in civil spheres, powers and responsibilities shall be transferred and assumed as set out in the Protocol Concerning Civil Affairs attached as Annex II .

3. Arrangements for a smooth and peaceful transfer of the agreed powers and responsibilities are set out in Annex II.

4. Upon the completion of the Israeli withdrawal and the transfer of powers and responsibilities as detailed in paragraphs 1 and 2 above and in Annex II, the Civil Administration in the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area will be dissolved and the Israeli military government will be withdrawn. The withdrawal of the military government shall not prevent it from continuing to exercise the powers and responsibilities specified in this Agreement.

5. A Joint Civil Affairs Coordination and Cooperation Committee (hereinafter "the CAC") and two Joint Regional Civil Affairs Subcommittees for the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area respectively shall be established in order to provide for coordination and cooperation in civil affairs between the Palestinian Authority and Israel, as detailed in Annex II.

6. The offices of the Palestinian Authority shall be located in the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area pending the inauguration of the Council to be elected pursuant to the Declaration of Principles.

ARTICLE IV STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY

1. The Palestinian Authority will consist of one body of 24 members which shall carry out and be responsible for all the legislative and executive powers and responsibilities transferred to it under this Agreement, in accordance with this Article, and shall be responsible for the exercise of judicial functions in accordance with Article VI, subparagraph 1.b. of this Agreement.

2. The Palestinian Authority shall administer the departments transferred to it and may establish, within its jurisdiction, other departments and subordinate administrative units as necessary for the fulfillment of its responsibilities. It shall determine its own internal procedures.

3. The PLO shall inform the Government of Israel of the names of the members of the Palestinian Authority and any change of members. Changes in the membership of the Palestinian Authority will take effect upon an exchange of letters between the PLO and the Government of Israel.

4. Each member of the Palestinian Authority shall enter into office upon undertaking to act in accordance with this Agreement.

ARTICLE V JURISDICTION

1. The authority of the Palestinian Authority encompasses all matters that fall within its territorial, functional and personal jurisdiction, as follows:

2. The territorial jurisdiction covers the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area territory, as defined in Article I, except for Settlements and the Military Installation Area.

a. Territorial jurisdiction shall include land, subsoil and territorial waters, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

b. The functional jurisdiction encompasses all powers and responsibilities as specified in this Agreement. This jurisdiction does not include foreign relations, internal security and public order of Settlements and the Military Installation Area and Israelis, and external security.

c. The personal jurisdiction extends to all persons within the territorial jurisdiction referred to above, except for Israelis, unless otherwise provided in this Agreement.

3. The Palestinian Authority has, within its authority, legislative, executive and judicial powers and responsibilities, as provided for in this Agreement.

a. Israel has authority over the Settlements, the Military Installation Area, Israelis, external security, internal security and public order of Settlements, the Military Installation Area and Israelis, and those agreed powers and responsibilities specified in this Agreement.

b. Israel shall exercise its authority through its military government, which, for that end, shall continue to have the necessary legislative, judicial and executive powers and responsibilities, in accordance with international law. This provision shall not derogate from Israel's applicable legislation over Israelis in personam.

4. The exercise of authority with regard to the electromagnetic sphere and airspace shall be in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

5. The provisions of this Article are subject to the specific legal arrangements detailed in the Protocol Concerning Legal Matters attached as Annex III . Israel and the Palestinian Authority may negotiate further legal arrangements.

6. Israel and the Palestinian Authority shall cooperate on matters of legal assistance in criminal and civil matters through the legal subcommittee of the CAC.

ARTICLE VI POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY

1. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Palestinian Authority, within its jurisdiction:

a. has legislative powers as set out in Article VII of this Agreement, as well as executive powers;

b. will administer justice through an independent judiciary;

c. will have, inter alia, power to formulate policies, supervise their implementation, employ staff, establish departments, authorities and institutions, sue and be sued and conclude contracts; and

d. will have, inter alia, the power to keep and administer registers and records of the population, and issue certificates, licenses and documents.

2.

a. In accordance with the Declaration of Principles, the Palestinian Authority will not have powers and responsibilities in the sphere of foreign relations, which sphere includes the establishment abroad of embassies, consulates or other types of foreign missions and posts or permitting their establishment in the Gaza Strip or the Jericho Area, the appointment of or admission of diplomatic and consular staff, and the exercise of diplomatic functions.

b. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph, the PLO may conduct negotiations and sign agreements with states or international organizations for the benefit of the Palestinian Authority in the following cases only:

1. economic agreements, as specifically provided in Annex IV of this Agreement;

2. agreements with donor countries for the purpose of implementing arrangements for the provision of assistance to the Palestinian Authority;

3. agreements for the purpose of implementing the regional development plans detailed in Annex IV of the Declaration of Principles or in agreements entered into in the framework of the multilateral negotiations; and

4. cultural, scientific and educational agreements.

c. Dealings between the Palestinian Authority and representatives of foreign states and international organizations, as well as the establishment in the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area of representative offices other than those described in subparagraph 2.a. above, for the purpose of implementing the agreements referred to in subparagraph 2.b. above, shall not be considered foreign relations.

ARTICLE VII LEGISLATIVE POWERS OF THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY

1. The Palestinian Authority will have the power, within its jurisdiction, to promulgate legislation, including basic laws, laws, regulations and other legislative acts.

2. Legislation promulgated by the Palestinian Authority shall be consistent with the provisions of this Agreement.

3. Legislation promulgated by the Palestinian Authority shall be communicated to a legislation subcommittee to be established by the CAC (hereinafter "the Legislation Subcommittee"). During a period of 30 days from the communication of the legislation, Israel may request that the Legislation Subcommittee decide whether such legislation exceeds the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority or is otherwise inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement.

4. Upon receipt of the Israeli request, the Legislation Subcommittee shall decide, as an initial matter, on the entry into force of the legislation pending its decision on the merits of the matter.

5. If the Legislation Subcommittee is unable to reach a decision with regard to the entry into force of the legislation within 15 days, this issue will be referred to a board of review. This board of review shall be comprised of two judges, retired judges or senior jurists (hereinafter "Judges"), one from each side, to be appointed from a compiled list of three Judges proposed by each. In order to expedite the proceedings before this board of review, the two most senior Judges, one from each side, shall develop written informal rules of procedure.

6. Legislation referred to the board of review shall enter into force only if the board of review decides that it does not deal with a security issue which falls under Israel's responsibility, that it does not seriously threaten other significant Israeli interests protected by this Agreement and that the entry into force of the legislation could not cause irreparable damage or harm.

7. The Legislation Subcommittee shall attempt to reach a decision on the merits of the matter within 30 days from the date of the Israeli request. If this Subcommittee is unable to reach such a decision within this period of 30 days, the matter shall be referred to the Joint Israeli-Palestinian Liaison Committee referred to in Article XV below (hereinafter "the Liaison Committee"). This Liaison Committee will deal with the matter immediately and will attempt to settle it within 30 days.

8. Where the legislation has not entered into force pursuant to paragraphs 5 or 7 above, this situation shall be maintained pending the decision of the Liaison Committee on the merits of the matter, unless it has decided otherwise.

9. Laws and military orders in effect in the Gaza Strip or the Jericho Area prior to the signing of this Agreement shall remain in force, unless amended or abrogated in accordance with this Agreement.

ARTICLE VIII ARRANGEMENTS FOR SECURITY AND PUBLIC ORDER

1. In order to guarantee public order and internal security for the Palestinians of the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area, the Palestinian Authority shall establish a strong police force, as set out in Article IX below. Israel shall continue to carry the responsibility for defense against external threats, including the responsibility for protecting the Egyptian border and the Jordanian line, and for defense against external threats from the sea and from the air, as well as the responsibility for overall security of Israelis and Settlements, for the purpose of safeguarding their internal security and public order, and will have all the powers to take the steps necessary to meet this responsibility.

2. Agreed security arrangements and coordination mechanisms are specified in Annex I .

3. A joint Coordination and Cooperation Committee for mutual security purposes (hereinafter "the JSC"), as well as three joint District Coordination and Cooperation Offices for the Gaza district, the Khan Yunis district and the Jericho district respectively (hereinafter "the DCOs") are hereby established as provided for in Annex I.

4. The security arrangements provided for in this Agreement and in Annex I may be reviewed at the request of either Party and may be amended by mutual agreement of the Parties. Specific review arrangements are included in Annex I.

ARTICLE IX THE PALESTINIAN DIRECTORATE OF POLICE FORCE

1. The Palestinian Authority shall establish a strong police force, the Palestinian Directorate of Police Force (hereinafter "the Palestinian Police"). The duties, functions, structure, deployment and composition of the Palestinian Police, together with provisions regarding its equipment and operation, are set out in Annex I, Article III. Rules of conduct governing the activities of the Palestinian Police are set out in Annex I, Article VIII.

2. Except for the Palestinian Police referred to in this Article and the Israeli military forces, no other armed forces shall be established or operate in the Gaza Strip or the Jericho Area.

3. Except for the arms, ammunition and equipment of the Palestinian Police described in Annex I, Article III, and those of the Israeli military forces, no organization or individual in the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area shall manufacture, sell, acquire, possess, import or otherwise introduce into the Gaza Strip or the Jericho Area any firearms, ammunition, weapons, explosives, gunpowder or any related equipment, unless otherwise provided for in Annex I.

ARTICLE X PASSAGES
Arrangements for coordination between Israel and the Palestinian Authority regarding the Gaza-Egypt and Jericho-Jordan passages, as well as any other agreed international crossings, are set out in Annex I, Article X.

ARTICLE XI SAFE PASSAGE BETWEEN THE GAZA STRIP AND THE JERICHO AREA
Arrangements for safe passage of persons and transportation between the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area are set out in Annex I, Article IX.

ARTICLE XII RELATIONS BETWEEN ISRAEL AND THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY

1. Israel and the Palestinian Authority shall seek to foster mutual understanding and tolerance and shall accordingly abstain from incitement, including hostile propaganda, against each other and, without derogating from the principle of freedom of expression, shall take legal measures to prevent such incitement by any organizations, groups or individuals within their jurisdiction.

2. Without derogating from the other provisions of this Agreement, Israel and the Palestinian Authority shall cooperate in combatting criminal activity which may affect both sides, including offenses related to trafficking in illegal drugs and psychotropic substances, smuggling, and offenses against property, including offenses related to vehicles.

ARTICLE XIII ECONOMIC RELATIONS
The economic relations between the two sides are set out in the Protocol on Economic Relations signed in Paris on April 29, 1994 and the Appendices thereto, certified copies of which are attached as Annex IV, and will be governed by the relevant provisions of this Agreement and its Annexes.

ARTICLE XIV HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE RULE OF LAW
Israel and the Palestinian Authority shall exercise their powers and responsibilities pursuant to this Agreement with due regard to internationally-accepted norms and principles of human rights and the rule of law.

ARTICLE XV THE JOINT ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN LIAISON COMMITTEE

1. The Liaison Committee established pursuant to Article X of the Declaration of Principles shall ensure the smooth implementation of this Agreement. It shall deal with issues requiring coordination, other issues of common interest and disputes.

2. The Liaison Committee shall be composed of an equal number of members from each Party. It may add other technicians and experts as necessary.

3. The Liaison Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure, including the frequency and place or places of its meetings.

4. The Liaison Committee shall reach its decisions by Agreement.

ARTICLE XVI LIAISON AND COOPERATION WITH JORDAN AND EGYPT

2. The Continuing Committee shall decide by agreement on the modalities of admission of persons displaced from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in 1967, together with necessary measures to prevent disruption and disorder.

3. The Continuing Committee shall deal with other matters of common concern.

ARTICLE XVII SETTLEMENT OF DIFFERENCES AND DISPUTES Any
difference relating to the application of this Agreement shall be referred to the appropriate coordination and cooperation mechanism established under this Agreement. The provisions of Article XV of the Declaration of Principles shall apply to any such difference which is not settled through the appropriate coordination and cooperation mechanism, namely:

1. Disputes arising out of the application or interpretation of this Agreement or any subsequent agreements pertaining to the interim period shall be settled by negotiations through the Liaison Committee.

2. Disputes which cannot be settled by negotiations may be settled by a mechanism of conciliation to be agreed between the Parties.

3. The Parties may agree to submit to arbitration disputes relating to the interim period, which cannot be settled through conciliation. To this end, upon the agreement of both Parties, the Parties will establish an Arbitration Committee.

ARTICLE XVIII PREVENTION OF HOSTILE ACTS
Both sides shall take all measures necessary in order to prevent acts of terrorism, crime and hostilities directed against each other, against individuals falling under the other's authority and against their property, and shall take legal measures against offenders. In addition, the Palestinian side shall take all measures necessary to prevent such hostile acts directed against the Settlements, the infrastructure serving them and the Military Installation Area, and the Israeli side shall take all measures necessary to prevent such hostile acts emanating from the Settlements and directed against Palestinians.

ARTICLE XIX MISSING PERSONS
The Palestinian Authority shall cooperate with Israel by providing all necessary assistance in the conduct of searches by Israel within the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area for missing Israelis, as well as by providing information about missing Israelis. Israel shall cooperate with the Palestinian Authority in searching for, and providing necessary information about, missing Palestinians.

ARTICLE XX CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURES
With a view to creating a positive and supportive public atmosphere to accompany the implementation of this Agreement, and to establish a solid basis of mutual trust and good faith, both Parties agree to carry out confidence building measures as detailed herewith:

1. Upon the signing of this Agreement, Israel will release, or turn over, to the Palestinian Authority within a period of 5 weeks, about 5,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners, residents of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Those released will be free to return to their homes anywhere in the West Bank or the Gaza Strip. Prisoners turned over to the Palestinian Authority shall be obliged to remain in the Gaza Strip or the Jericho Area for the remainder of their sentence.

2. After the signing of this Agreement, the two Parties shall continue to negotiate the release of additional Palestinian prisoners and detainees, building on agreed principles.

3. The implementation of the above measures will be subject to the fulfillment of the procedures determined by Israeli law for the release and transfer of detainees and prisoners.

4. With the assumption of Palestinian authority, the Palestinian side commits itself to solving the problem of those Palestinians who were in contact with the Israeli authorities. Until an agreed solution is found, the Palestinian side undertakes not to prosecute these Palestinians or to harm them in any way.

5. Palestinians from abroad whose entry into the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area is approved pursuant to this Agreement, and to whom the provisions of this Article are applicable, will not be prosecuted for offenses committed prior to September 13, 1993.

ARTICLE XXI TEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE

1. The Parties agree to a temporary international or foreign presence in the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area (hereinafter "the TIP"), in accordance with the provisions of this Article.

2. The TIP shall consist of 400 qualified personnel, including observers, instructors and other experts, from 5 or 6 of the donor countries.

3. The two Parties shall request the donor countries to establish a special fund to provide finance for the TIP.

4. The TIP will function for a period of 6 months. The TIP may extend this period, or change the scope of its operation, with the agreement of the two Parties.

5. The TIP shall be stationed and operate within the following cities and villages: Gaza, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Deir El Ballah, Jabaliya, Absan, Beit Hanun and Jericho.

6. Israel and the Palestinian Authority shall agree on a special Protocol to implement this Article, with the goal of concluding negotiations with the donor countries contributing personnel within two months.

ARTICLE XXII RIGHTS, LIABILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS

1.

a. The transfer of all powers and responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority, as detailed in Annex II, includes all related rights, liabilities and obligations arising with regard to acts or omissions which occurred prior to the transfer. Israel will cease to bear any financial responsibility regarding such acts or omissions and the Palestinian Authority will bear all financial responsibility for these and for its own functioning.

b. Any financial claim made in this regard against Israel will be referred to the Palestinian Authority.

c. Israel shall provide the Palestinian Authority with the information it has regarding pending and anticipated claims brought before any court or tribunal against Israel in this regard.

d. Where legal proceedings are brought in respect of such a claim, Israel will notify the Palestinian Authority and enable it to participate in defending the claim and raise any arguments on its behalf.

e. In the event that an award is made against Israel by any court or tribunal in respect of such a claim, the Palestinian Authority shall reimburse Israel the full amount of the award.

f. Without prejudice to the above, where a court or tribunal hearing such a claim finds that liability rests solely with an employee or agent who acted beyond the scope of the powers assigned to him or her, unlawfully or with willful malfeasance, the Palestinian Authority shall not bear financial responsibility.

2. The transfer of authority in itself shall not affect rights, liabilities and obligations of any person or legal entity, in existence at the date of signing of this Agreement.

ARTICLE XXIII FINAL CLAUSES

1. This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of its signing.

2. The arrangements established by this Agreement shall remain in force until and to the extent superseded by the Interim Agreement referred to in the Declaration of Principles or any other agreement between the Parties.

3. The five-year interim period referred to in the Declaration of Principles commences on the date of the signing of this Agreement.

4. The Parties agree that, as long as this Agreement is in force, the security fence erected by Israel around the Gaza Strip shall remain in place and that the line demarcated by the fence, as shown on attached map No. 1, shall be authoritative only for the purpose of this Agreement.

5. Nothing in this Agreement shall prejudice or preempt the outcome of the negotiations on the interim agreement or on the permanent status to be conducted pursuant to the Declaration of Principles. Neither Party shall be deemed, by virtue of having entered into this Agreement, to have renounced or waived any of its existing rights, claims or positions.

6. The two Parties view the West Bank and the Gaza Strip as a single territorial unit, the integrity of which will be preserved during the interim period.

7. The Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area shall continue to be an integral part of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and their status shall not be changed for the period of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall be considered to change this status.

8. The Preamble to this Agreement, and all Annexes, Appendices and maps attached hereto, shall constitute an integral part hereof.

Done in Cairo this fourth day of May, 1994.

_______________________
For the Government of the
State of Israel

_______________________
For the PLO

Witnessed By:

_________________________
The United States of America

_________________________
The Russian Federation

_________________________
The Arab Republic of Egypt

*Annex 1 - Withdrawal and Security Arrangements
*Annex 2 - Civil Affairs
*Annex 3 - Legal Matters
*Annex 4 - Economic Protocol
*Exchange of Letters - Arafat-Rabin

GAZA-JERICHO AGREEMENT
ANNEX I Protocol Concerning Withdrawal of Israeli Military Forces and Security Arrangements

Article I

Arrangements for Withdrawal of Israeli Military Forces

1. Subject to the provisions of this Annex, withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the Gaza Strip and from the Jericho Area shall begin on the date of the signing of this Agreement and shall be completed within three weeks (21 days) from that date.

2.
a. The Joint Security Coordination and Cooperation Committee set up under Article II hereunder shall develop a plan to ensure full coordination between the Israeli military forces and the Palestinian Police during the withdrawal phases and the entry and deployment of the Palestinian Police.
b. This coordination will be implemented through the District Coordination Offices set up under Article II hereunder, that shall start functioning on the date of the signing of this Agreement.
c. The plan will include arrangements for the entry of the Palestinian Police, the introduction of police arms, ammunition and equipment and related matters, as well as arrangements intended to facilitate a smooth transfer of responsibility, including the transfer of civil authority, so that no vacuum in authority exists.

Article II

Coordination and Cooperation In Security Matters

1. Joint Security Coordination and Cooperation Committee
a. A joint Security Coordination and Cooperation Committee for Mutual Security Purposes (hereinafter "the JSC") is hereby established.
b. The JSC shall:
1. recommend security policy guidelines for the approval of the Joint Israeli-Palestinian Liaison Committee and implement such approved guidelines;
2. deal with security issues raised by either side;
3. provide the proper channel for exchanging information between the two sides, needed to solve security problems; and
4. provide directives for the District Coordination Offices.
c. The JSC shall comprise between five and seven members from each side. Decisions of the JSC will be reached by agreement between the two sides.
d. The JSC shall determine its rules of procedure. Meetings of the JSC shall be held every two weeks. In the event that either side requests a special meeting, it shall be convened within forty-eight (48) hours.
e. Unless otherwise agreed by the two sides, JSC meetings will be hosted by each of the sides alternately.

2. District Coordination Offices
a. Three (3) District Coordination Offices are hereby established, one each for the districts of Gaza, Khan Yunis and Jericho (hereinafter "the DCOs").
b. The DCOs shall:
1. monitor and manage the matters requiring coordination as determined by the JSC, according to the policy and guidelines established by the JSC;
2. monitor and manage all matters of a joint nature within the specific district of each DCO, including the coordination of activities by one side which may affect the other side;
3. review, investigate and report to the JSC on the overall situation within the DCO's respective district, with special regard to specific events, incidents and activities occurring in the district;
4. direct the Joint Patrols and Joint Mobile Units as defined in this Article, operating within the DCO's respective district; and
5. direct the Liaison Bureau established under Article X below, operating at passages and crossing points as detailed in Article VII and X below, in conjunction with the Joint Civil Affairs Coordination and Cooperation Committee set up under Annex II to the Agreement (hereinafter the "CAC").
c. Each DCO will be continuously staffed by a team of up to six officers from each side, comprising one commander and five duty officers.
d. The DCOs will be operated jointly by both sides, 24 hours a day. At least one duty officer from each side will be present during each eight-hour shift, as well as the necessary number of assistants.
e. With a view to preventing friction and to enabling the two sides to deal with possible incidents, both sides shall ensure that the relevant DCO shall immediately be notified of any of the following events:
1. routine, scheduled or irregular activity or deployment by the Israeli military forces or the Palestinian Police that directly affect the other side. This includes activity or deployment in the proximity of Settlements or Palestinian villages, as the case may be;
2. events that pose a threat to public order;
3. activities which disturb the regular flow of traffic on the main roads, including roadblocks and road works;
4. incidents involving both Israelis and Palestinians, such as road accidents, rescue of casualties or persons in mortal danger, engagement steps or any incident in which a weapon is used;
5. a terrorist action of any kind and from any source;
6. infiltrations across the lines of the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area; and
7. all cases in which Israelis are hospitalized in the Gaza Strip or the Jericho Area or in which Palestinians of the Gaza Strip or the Jericho Area are hospitalized in Israel.
f. Each DCO shall notify the relevant Israeli and Palestinian headquarters, as well as the Joint Patrols and Joint Mobile Units operating in the relevant district, of the occurrence of any of the events listed in subparagraph e. above.
g. The JSC may modify the content of the list of events outlined in subparagraph e. above.
h. Any event involving injury to Israelis, at any location within the Gaza Strip or the Jericho Area, shall be immediately reported to Israel through the relevant DCO. Israel may employ any means necessary for the evacuation and treatment of such injured persons, and will coordinate such activity through the relevant DCO.
i. The DCOs shall be equipped with the necessary means of communication to enable direct and immediate contact both with the Joint Patrols and the Joint Mobile Units, as well as with the respective district headquarters.

3. Joint Patrols
a. The mission of the Joint Patrols is to ensure free, unimpeded and secure movement along the roads and in the areas described in Articles IV and V of this Annex.
b. Unless the JSC decides otherwise, the Joint Patrols shall each be composed of two 4-wheel drive vehicles, one Palestinian and one Israeli. The vehicles shall be marked so as to be easily distinguishable from all other vehicles in the area. There will be four persons in each vehicle: an officer, a signal operator, a driver and a guard.
c. The Joint Patrols will patrol 24 hours a day, in vehicles and on foot, along their routes of activity and on the adjacent sides of the roads upon which the security of traffic along these roads is dependent, or as directed by the DCO.
d. In roads under Israeli security responsibility, the Israeli vehicle will be the leading vehicle. In roads under Palestinian security responsibility, the Palestinian vehicle will be the leading vehicle. The Joint Patrol will be under the direction of the relevant DCO.
e. The Joint Patrols shall monitor continuously movement within their area of operation with a view to preventing incidents that may threaten or endanger persons using the roads. They shall report any such incident or threat thereof to the relevant DCO, and to the Israeli and Palestinian district headquarters.
f. On reaching the scene of an incident, the Joint Patrol will provide as much assistance as possible. Where the incident is dealt with by the authorities functioning in the area, the Joint Patrol shall verify that the appropriate measures have been taken and report to the relevant DCO accordingly.
g. Immediately upon becoming aware of the occurrence of one of the events listed in subparagraph 2.e above, the Joint Patrols shall report the event to the relevant DCO, as well as to the respective headquarters of the two sides.

4. Joint Mobile Units
a. The mission of the Joint Mobile Units is to provide rapid response in the event of incidents and emergency situations, in order to ensure free, unimpeded and secure movement at the junctions where they are located, as well as along their designated routes of activity.
b. The composition of the Joint Mobile Units shall be similar to that of the Joint Patrols.
c. The duties of the Joint Mobile Units are:
1. to monitor movement along designated roads from stationary locations on agreed junctions, from where they may patrol at random on agreed roads as directed by the relevant DCO, in which case their duties shall be the same as those of Joint Patrols; and
2. in the event of an incident involving both Israelis and Palestinians, to reach the site of the incident in order to provide assistance and to investigate.

5. Review of Security Arrangements

The JSC shall meet six months after the signing of this Agreement, and at six-month intervals thereafter, to review the security arrangements and to recommend changes. Amendments will be adopted by mutual agreement based, among other factors, on the regular reports and recommendations received from the DCOs.

Article III

The Palestinian Directorate of Police Force

1. General
The Palestinian Directorate of Police Force (hereinafter "the Palestinian Police") shall function in accordance with the following principles:
a. It will be responsible for public order and internal security within the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority in accordance with Article V of the Agreement.
b. Movement of Palestinian policemen between the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area will be conducted in accordance with Article IX of this Annex.

2. Duties and Functions
a. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, in the areas under Palestinian jurisdiction the duties of the Palestinian Police shall be as follows:
1. performing normal police functions, including maintaining internal security and public order;
2. protecting the public and its property and acting to provide a feeling of security and safety;
3. adopting all measures necessary for preventing crime in accordance with the law; and
4. protecting public installations and places of special importance.

3. Structure and Composition
a. The Palestinian Police shall consist of one integral unit under the control of the Palestinian Authority. It shall be composed of four branches:
1. Civil Police (Al Shurta);
2. Public Security;
3. Intelligence; and
4. Emergency Services and Rescue (Al Difa'a Al Madani).
In each district, all members of the four Police branches shall be subordinate to one central command.
b. The Palestinian Police will establish a Palestinian Coastal Police unit (hereinafter the "Palestinian Coastal Police") in accordance with Article XI of this Annex.
c. The Palestinian Police will be comprised of up to 9,000 policemen in all its branches.

4. Recruitment
a. The Palestinian Police shall consist of policemen recruited locally, and from abroad (from among individuals holding Jordanian passports or Palestinian documents issued by Egypt).
The number of Palestinian recruits from abroad shall not exceed 7,000, of whom 1,000 will arrive three months after the signing of the Agreement.
b. Palestinians recruited from abroad should be trained as policemen. The employment of policemen who have been convicted of serious crimes or have been found to be actively involved in terrorist activities subsequent to their employment will be immediately terminated. The list of Palestinians recruited, whether locally or from abroad, shall be agreed on by both sides.
c. Palestinian policemen coming from abroad may be accompanied by spouse and children.

5. Arms, Ammunition and Equipment
a. Uniformed policemen, as well as other policemen on duty who hold special accreditation, may carry arms.
b. The Palestinian Police will possess the following arms and equipment:
1. 7,000 light personal weapons.
2. Up to 120 machine guns of 0.3" or 0.5" caliber.
3. Up to 45 wheeled armored vehicles of a type to be agreed on between the two sides, and of which 22 will be deployed in protecting Palestinian Authority installations. The use of wheeled armored vehicles in the Security Perimeter, on the Lateral Roads and on their adjacent sides, or in the vicinity of the Settlements shall be approved through the relevant DCO. Movement of such vehicles along the central North-South road (Road No. 4) in the Gaza Strip may take place only after providing notification to the relevant DCO.
4. Communication systems, subject to Article II of Annex II of this Agreement.
5. Distinctive uniforms, identification badges and vehicle markings.
c. Relevant police equipment and infrastructure funded from the budget of the Civil Administration shall be transferred to the Palestinian Police.

6. Introduction of Arms and Equipment and Foreign Assistance
a. All foreign contributions and other forms of assistance to the Palestinian Police must comply with the provisions of this Agreement.
b. The introduction into the Gaza Strip or the Jericho Area of arms, ammunition or equipment for the Palestinian Police, from all sources, shall be coordinated through the JSC.

7. Deployment

The Palestinian Police shall be initially deployed in the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area as shown on attached maps Nos. 4 and 5. Any changes to this deployment will be agreed on in the JSC.

Article IV

Security Arrangements in the Gaza Strip

1. The Delimiting Line
For the purpose of the present Agreement only, and without prejudice to the final status, the line delimiting the northern and eastern edge of the Gaza Strip follows the fence on the ground, as delineated on attached map No. 1 by an unbroken green line (hereinafter "the Delimiting Line") and shall have no other effect.

2. Security Perimeter
a. There will be a security perimeter along the Delimiting Line inside the Gaza Strip as delineated on attached map No. 1 by a broken green line (hereinafter "the Security Perimeter").
b. In accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, the Palestinian Police will be responsible for security in the Security Perimeter.
c. The Palestinian Police will enforce special security measures aimed at preventing infiltrations across the Delimiting Line or the introduction into the Security Perimeter of any arms, ammunition or related equipment, except for the arms, ammunition or equipment of the Palestinian Police, authorized through the relevant DCO.
d. Activities of the Palestinian Police inside the Security Perimeter will be coordinated through the relevant DCO. Security activities in Israel in the vicinity of the Delimiting Line that directly affect the other side will be coordinated with the Palestinian Police through the relevant DCO.

3. The Israeli Settlements
a. In accordance with the Declaration of Principles, during the interim period, the Gush Katif and Erez settlement areas, as well as the other settlements in the Gaza Strip, as delineated on attached map No. 1 by a blue line, will be under Israeli authority.
b. Palestinians will be free to move along the coast road and along the road from the Netzarim Junction to the seashore.

4. The Yellow Areas
a. In the areas delineated by a broken red line and shaded in yellow on attached map No. 1 (hereinafter "the Yellow Areas"), and without derogating from Palestinian authority, responsibility will be shared as follows: The Israeli authorities will have the overriding responsibility and powers for security, and the Palestinian Authority will have the responsibility and powers for civil affairs, subject to this Agreement. In addition, with regard to the Yellow Areas, cooperation and coordination in security matters, including joint patrols, as agreed, will be implemented.
b. Entry of Palestinian policemen into the Yellow Areas and their activity therein may take place as agreed upon through the relevant DCO.

5. The Mawasi Area
a. Two joint patrols will operate in the Mawasi area, the fishermen's wharves of Rafah and Khan Yunis, and along the coast road led by the Israeli vehicle.
b. Access of Palestinians to the Mawasi Area, as delineated on attached map No. 1, will be by the following roads:
1. Rafah - Tel Sultan - Mawasi;
2. Khan Yunis - El Bahr Village; and
3. Deir El Ballah - along the beach to the Mawasi.
c. The Mawasi Beach
1. Notwithstanding Israeli authority over the Gush Katif settlement area, the Palestinian Authority may operate sections of the Mawasi beach extending to the east up to the coast road, totalling, together with the Rafah and Khan Yunis wharves, five (5) kilometers.
2. Upon the completion of the withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area, Israel will notify the Palestinian Authority of the locations of these sections.
3. These sections may be used for the following purposes:
a. sport and recreation, including boat hire facilities;
b. operating food establishments;
c. enlarging the wharves; and
d. expanding the facilities for fishermen, such as offices, wharehouses and cold storage facilities.
4. In these sections, the Palestinian Authority, in exercising its civil authority, will be able to grant licenses for businesses, collect fees and taxes, set and enforce public health standards and develop and manage the tourist sector.
5. In each of the fishermen's wharves, the Palestinian Authority may have an office building which shall be protected.
6. There will be not be any construction by Israelis of new sites along the beach.
7. During a period of three months from the signing of this Agreement, Israel may consider, in light of the security situation, the use by the Palestinian Authority of additional beach sections.

6. The Egyptian Border
The Military Installation Area along the Egyptian border in the Gaza Strip, as delineated on attached map No. 1 by a blue line and shaded in pink, will be under Israeli authority.
The village of Dahaniya will remain part of the Military Installation Area pending a declaration of a general amnesty for the residents of the village, and provision having been made for their protection. Upon realization of the above amnesty and protection, the village of Dahaniya will become part of the Yellow Area.

7. Lateral Roads to the Settlements
a. Without derogating from Palestinian authority and in accordance with the Declaration of Principles:
1. On the three lateral roads connecting the Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip to Israel, namely: the Kissufim-Gush Katif road; the Sufa-Gush Katif road; and the Karni-Netzarim road, as delineated by a light blue line on attached map no. 1, including the adjacent sides upon which the security of traffic along these roads is dependent (hereinafter "the Lateral Roads"), the Israeli authorities will have all necessary responsibilities and powers in order to conduct independent security activity, including Israeli patrols.
2. Joint Israeli-Palestinian patrols will operate along the Lateral Roads. Such joint patrols will be led by the Israeli vehicle.
3. Where the Israeli authorities carry out engagement steps, they will do so with a view to transferring, at the earliest opportunity, the continued handling of the incidents falling within Palestinian responsibility, to the Palestinian Police.
4. Overpasses will be constructed on intersections between the Lateral Roads and the central North-South road (Road No. 4).
5. These arrangements will be reviewed by the JSC one year after the date of the signing of this Agreement.
b. Where the Lateral Roads overlap the Security Perimeter the two sides, in the exercise of their respective powers and responsibilities, will fully coordinate their activity in order to prevent friction.

8. The Central North-South Road (Road No. 4) A joint patrol led by the Palestinian vehicle will be operated along the central North-South road (Road No. 4) in the Gaza Strip between Kfar Darom and Wadi Gaza.

9. Joint Mobile Units
a. Joint Mobile Units will be located at the following junctions:
1. the Nissanit junction;
2. the Netzarim junction:
3. the Deir el-Ballah junction; and
4. the Sufa-Morag junction.
b. At the Netzarim junction, the Israeli side of this Joint Mobile Unit will check Israeli vehicles, which will then be able to continue their journey without interference. This Joint Mobile Unit will also operate as a Joint Patrol between the Netzarim Junction and Wadi Gaza under the direction of the relevant DCO.

10. Coordination and Cooperation in the Gaza Strip Two DCOs will function in the Gaza Strip as follows:
a. A DCO for the Gaza district, located at the Erez crossing point with subordinate Joint Liaison Bureaus at the Erez and Nahal Oz crossing points.
b. A DCO for the Khan Yunis district, located at the Nuriya Camp with subordinate Joint Liaison Bureaus at the Sufa crossing point and at the Rafah terminal.

Article V

Security Arrangements in the Jericho Area1. Clarifications Concerning the Jericho Area With regard to the definition of the Jericho Area, as delineated on attached map No. 2, it is hereby clarified that Route No. 90 crossing Auja from South to North and the East-West road connecting Route No. 90 with Yitav, and their adjacent sides, shall remain under Israeli authority. For the purpose of this Article, the width of each such road and its adjacent sides, as shown on attached map No. 2, shall extend at least 12 meters on each side measured from its center.

2. A Joint patrol led by the Palestinian vehicle shall operate along the main North-South road crossing Jericho (Route No. 90).

3. Joint Mobile Units
a. A Joint Mobile Unit shall be located at the Auja junction being the intersection of Route No. 90 and the road to Yitav. This unit shall be led by the Israeli vehicle, and may be directed by the DCO to deal with certain incidents occurring on the road between Auja and Jericho in which Palestinians are involved.
b. A Joint Mobile Unit shall be located at the Nahal Elisha junction on the road from Jericho to the Mousa Allami project.

4. Coordination and Cooperation in the Jericho Area A DCO located at the Vered Yericho crossing point will function in the Jericho Area and will maintain a subordinate Joint Liaison Bureau in the Allenby Terminal.

5.
a. Pending the entry into force of the interim agreement, the holy site of Nebi Mousa will be under the auspices of the Palestinian Authority, for religious purposes.
b. During religious events that take place three times a year and other special occasions that will be coordinated with the Israeli authorities, Palestinians will have the right to religious pilgrimage to the al-Maghtas under the Palestinian flag.
c. Palestinian private projects, as well as joint ventures in accordance with the Declaration of Principles, will be located as agreed on the shore of the Dead Sea.
d. Safe passage will be provided from the Jericho Area to Nebi Mousa, al-Maghtas and the projects and ventures as agreed in subparagraph c. above on the shore of the Dead Sea for the aforementioned purposes.

6. Within three months of the signing of this Agreement, Israel may consider, in light of the security situation, the possibility of widening of the Jericho Area.

Article VI

Security Arrangements Concerning Planning, Building and Zoning

1. Notwithstanding the provisions relating to planning, building and zoning set out elsewhere in this Agreement, the provisions of this Article shall apply with respect to the areas specified below.

2. These arrangements will be reviewed within a period of six months from the signing of this Agreement and, thereafter, every six months, with a view to modifying them, with due consideration to Palestinian plans for establishing economic projects, and to the security concerns of both sides.

3. The limitations set out below on the construction of buildings and installations in specific areas shall not require the demolition or removal of existing buildings or installations.

4. The existing buildings, installations and natural and artificial culture in the Gaza Strip within a distance of 100 meters from the Delimiting Line shall remain as they are at present.

5. Within the next 500 meters of the Security Perimeter, and within the Yellow Areas, buildings or installations may be constructed, provided that:
a. one building or installation may be constructed on each plot, the size of which shall not be less than 25 dunams; and
b. such building or installation shall not exceed two floors, of a size not exceeding 180 sq. meters per floor.
The Palestinian Authority shall maintain the predominantly agricultural character of the remaining areas of the Security Perimeter.

6. Buildings or installations shall not be constructed on either side of the Lateral Roads up to a distance of 75 meters from the center of these Roads.

7. In the Jericho Area, no bridges or other structures will be built above Route No. 90 which may prevent the movement on this road of vehicles with a height of up to 5.25 meters.

8. For the purpose of enforcing this Article, the United States will provide both sides with satellite photographs of the Gaza Strip depicting the buildings, installations and natural and artificial culture existing at the time of the signing of this Agreement.

Article VII

The Crossing Points

1. General
a. Israel declares that work to relocate the Erez, Nahal Oz and Sufa crossing points currently within the Gaza Strip, to a location within Israel adjacent to the Delimiting Line, is underway. Israel will attempt to complete this work not later than 12 months from the date of the signing of this Agreement with regard to the Erez crossing point, and not later than 8 months from the date of the signing of this Agreement with regard to the Nahal Oz and Sufa crossing points. Pending the completion of this work, Israel shall retain control over these crossing points and operate them in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
b. Israelis entering the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area shall carry Israeli documentation (if they are above the age of 16) and, if driving a vehicle, a driving license and vehicle registration documentation recognized in Israel. Tourists to Israel entering the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area shall carry their passports and other relevant documentation.
c. Entry of residents of the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area to Israel shall be subject to Israeli laws and procedures regulating entry into Israel, and such residents shall be required to carry the identity card as agreed upon in this Agreement, as well as documentation specified by Israel and notified through the CAC to the Palestinian Authority.
d. The provisions of this Agreement shall neither prejudice the use of safe passage nor Israel's right, for security and safety considerations, to close the crossing points to Israel and to prohibit or limit the entry into Israel of residents and of vehicles from the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area.

2. Passage between the Gaza Strip and Israel
a. Passage between the Gaza Strip and Israel will be via one or more of the following crossing points:
1. the Erez crossing point;
2. the Nahal Oz crossing point; and
3. the Sufa crossing point.
b. The Palestinian Authority may set up a checkpoint, within the Gaza Strip, on the road leading to the Erez crossing point and on the road leading to the Nahal Oz crossing point, at locations to be coordinated between the two sides, for the purpose of inspection and identification of passengers and vehicles.
Israelis and tourists to Israel passing through these checkpoints may be only required to identify themselves by presenting Israeli documentation or a passport, as set out in subparagraph 1.b. above. The above requirements shall not apply to uniformed members of the Israeli military forces.
c. The Palestinian Authority may set up a checkpoint, within the Gaza Strip, on the road leading to the Sufa crossing point, at a location acceptable to both sides, for the purpose of inspection and identification of Palestinian passengers and vehicles.
Israeli vehicles may bypass this checkpoint unimpeded.
d. Passage of Israelis, and tourists to Israel, between the Gaza Strip and Israel may, in addition, be via the following crossing points:
1. the Karni crossing point;
2. the Kisufim crossing point;
3. the Kerem Shalom crossing point; and
4. the Elei Sinai crossing point.
e. Israelis, and tourists to Israel, who have passed through any of the above crossing points into the Gaza Strip shall not be required to undergo any inspection, identification or other requirement in addition to the stated provisions for entry into the Gaza Strip outlined in this Article.
Tourists to the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area from countries having diplomatic relations with Israel, who have passed through an international crossing, will not be required to pass any additional entry control before entry to Israel.
f. Arrangements for the movement of goods between the Gaza Strip and Israel through the crossing points are set out in Annex IV.
g. A Palestinian liaison officer will be present at each of the crossing points on the Lateral Roads.

3. Passage to and from the Jericho Area
a. Passage between the Jericho Area and the rest of the West Bank shall be governed by the same rules regulating the movement of persons and vehicles within the West Bank, and shall not need to be effected through designated crossing points.
b. Passage between the Jericho Area and Israel via the West Bank shall be governed by the currently applicable rules regulating the movement of persons and vehicles between the West Bank and Israel.

Article VIII

Rules of Conduct in Security Matters

1. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the security and public order personnel of both sides shall exercise their powers and responsibilities pursuant to this Agreement with due regard to internationally-accepted norms of human rights and the rule of law and shall be guided by the need to protect the public, respect human dignity and avoid harassment.

2. In the Yellow Areas and on the Lateral Roads and their adjacent sides, vehicles bearing Israeli license plates shall not be stopped, obstructed or delayed by the Palestinian Police, and no identification shall be required.

3. On the central North-South road (Road No. 4) in the Gaza Strip between the Netzarim Junction and Kfar Darom, and on the main North-South road crossing the Jericho Area (Route No. 90), vehicles bearing Israeli license plates may be stopped for identification by a Joint Patrol or a Joint Mobile Unit. The Israeli side of such a patrol or unit may carry out identity and vehicle documentation checks.

4. Without prejudice to the provisions of this Article regarding the areas mentioned in paragraphs 2 and 3 above, the following rules of conduct shall apply throughout the rest of the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area:
a. Vehicles bearing Israeli license plates may be stopped by the Palestinian Police for the purpose of checking the driving license, and passengers' identity documentation (if above the age of sixteen).
b. Israelis shall under no circumstances be apprehended, arrested or placed in custody or prison by Palestinian authorities.
However, where an Israeli is suspected of having committed of an offense, he or she may be detained in place by the Palestinian Police while ensuring his or her protection, in accordance with the provisions of Annex III, until the arrival of a Joint Patrol or Joint Mobile Unit, called immediately by the Palestinian Police, or of other Israeli representatives dispatched by the relevant DCO.

5. Pedestrians may be required to produce identity documentation (if above the age of sixteen). Thereafter, they shall be treated in accordance with the provisions of this Article.

6. Uniformed members of the Israeli military forces, as well as vehicles of the Israeli military forces, shall not be stopped by the Palestinian Police in any circumstances, and shall not be subject to any identification requirements. Without derogating from the above, in the event of suspicion regarding such a person or vehicle, the Palestinian Police may notify the Israeli authorities through the relevant DCO, in order to request appropriate assistance.

7. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article, persons who are subject to identification pursuant to this Article and who claim to be Israelis but cannot present appropriate identification documentation may be detained in place by the Palestinian Police, in accordance with the provisions of Annex III, until the arrival of a Joint Patrol or Joint Mobile Unit, called by the Palestinian Police, or of other Israeli representatives dispatched by the relevant DCO.

8.
a. Each side shall enforce upon civilians subject to its authority a prohibition on possession or carrying weapons without a license.
b. The Palestinian Authority may grant licenses to possess or carry pistols for civilian use. The modalities for granting such licenses, as well as categories of persons who may be granted such licenses, will be agreed upon in the JSC.

9. Rules of Engagement
a. For the purpose of this Article, "engagement" shall mean an immediate response to an act or an incident constituting a danger to life or property that is aimed at preventing or terminating such an act or incident, or at apprehending its perpetrators.
b. Within the territory under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority, in places where Israeli authorities exercise their security functions in accordance with this Annex, and in their immediate vicinities, the Israeli authorities may carry out engagement steps in cases where an act or an incident requires such action. In such cases, the Israeli authorities will take any measures necessary to bring to an end such an act or incident with a view to transferring, at the earliest opportunity, the continued handling of the incident falling within the Palestinian responsibility to the Palestinian Police.
The Palestinian Authority will immediately be notified, through the relevant DCO, of such engagement steps.
c. Engagement with the use of firearms shall not be allowed, except as a last resort after all attempts at controlling the act or the incident such as warning the perpetrator or shooting in the air have failed. Use of firearms should be aimed at deterring and not at killing the perpetrator. The use of firearms shall cease once the danger is past.
d. Any activity involving the use of firearms other than for immediate operational purposes shall be subject to prior notification to the relevant DCO.

10. If a person is injured or otherwise in need of assistance, such assistance will be provided by the side that first reaches the site. If such a person is under the authority of the other side, the assisting side shall notify the relevant DCO and the appropriate provisions of Article II of this Annex, as well as the provisions of Annex II, Article II, regarding arrangements for treatment and hospitalization, shall be applied.

Article IX

Arrangements for Safe Passage Between the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area

1. General
a. There shall be safe passage between the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area for residents of the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area and visitors to these areas from abroad, as detailed in this Article.
b. Israel will ensure safe passage during daylight hours (from sunrise to sunset) for persons and transportation.
c. Safe passage will be effected via the following designated crossing points:
1. the Erez crossing point; and
2. the Vered Yericho crossing point.
d. Israel will make safe passage available through one or more of the routes delineated on attached map No. 3.

2. The usage of safe passage

a. As detailed below, persons using safe passage shall carry, in addition to the personal and vehicle documentation, the following documents:

1. a safe passage card; and

2. (for drivers only) a vehicle safe passage permit.

Arrangements for implementation of safe passage, as well as modalities for the issuance by Israel of safe passage cards and vehicle safe passage permits, shall be discussed and agreed in the CAC.

b. Residents of the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area in possession of a permit enabling them to enter Israel will be able to use this permit as a safe passage card.

c. Safe passage cards and vehicle safe passage permits shall be stamped by the Israeli authorities at the crossing point with the time of departure from the crossing point and the estimated time of arrival.

d. Residents of the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area who are denied entry into Israel may be permitted by Israel to use safe passage in accordance with special arrangements to be made in each individual case through the JSC.

e. Special arrangements will apply with respect to passage of Palestinian leaders, senior Palestinian Authority officials and distinguished personalities. The CAC will define the scope and nature of these special arrangements, in consultation with the JSC.

f. The mode of passage of Palestinian policemen on duty, between the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area, will be coordinated through the JSC.

g. Any additional matters relating to the usage of safe passage will be coordinated through the JSC.

3. Passage and Mode of Transit

a. Persons and vehicles in transit under these arrangements shall neither break their journey nor depart from the designated routes, and shall complete the transit within the designated time stamped on their safe passage cards and permits, unless a delay is caused by a medical emergency or a technical breakdown.

b. Persons using safe passage shall be subject to the laws and regulations applicable in Israel and in the West Bank respectively.

c. Persons and vehicles using safe passage shall not carry explosives, firearms or other weapons or ammunition, except for special cases that will be agreed to in the JSC.

4. General Provisions Regarding the Routes

a. The above arrangements shall in no way affect the status of the routes used for safe passage.

b. Routes used for safe passage shall be closed on Yom Kippur, Israel's Memorial Day and Israel's Independence Day.

c. Without prejudice to the use of safe passage, Israel may, for security or safety reasons, temporarily modify the arrangements for safe passage. Notice of such temporary modification shall be given to the Palestinian authority through the JSC. At least one route of safe passage shall, however, remain open.

d. Israel shall notify the Palestinian Authority of incidents involving persons using safe passage.

Article X

Passages

1. General
a. While Israel remains responsible during the interim period for external security, including along the Egyptian border and the Jordanian line, border crossing shall take place according to the arrangements included in this Article. These arrangements aim at creating a mechanism that facilitates the entry and exit of people and goods, reflecting the new reality created by the Declaration of Principles, while providing full security for both sides.
b. The arrangements included in this Article shall apply to the following border crossings:

1. the Allenby Bridge crossing; and

2. the Rafah crossing.

c. The same arrangements will be applied by the Parties, with the necessary adjustments, to agreed seaports, airports or other international crossings, such as the Abdullah and Damya bridges.

d. The two sides are determined to do their utmost to maintain the dignity of persons passing through the border cro