Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 3: Attempts at a solution, 1974–95 - 3 Attempts at a solution:…
Full specification wording
Option P5: Key topic 3: Attempts at a solution, 1974–95 - 3 Attempts at a solution: Arafat, Rabin and the Oslo Accords (1993); the setting up of the Palestinian National Authority; Israel-Jordan peace treaty (1994); Oslo II (1995).
The 1993 Oslo Accords marked a historic breakthrough, with PLO leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin officially recognising each other.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The 1993 Oslo Accords marked a historic breakthrough, with PLO leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin officially recognising each other. Brokered secretly in Norway, the agreement established the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), granting limited self-rule in Gaza and Jericho. This momentum facilitated the 1994 Israel-Jordan peace treaty, normalising relations and settling border disputes between the two nations. In 1995, the Oslo II agreement expanded Palestinian self-government across parts of the West Bank, dividing it into Areas A, B, and C. Despite these monumental diplomatic achievements, the process faced fierce opposition from extremists on both sides, culminating tragically in Rabin's assassination in 1995.
What earns the marks
- Detail the terms of the 1993 Oslo Accords, including mutual recognition between Israel and the PLO.
- Explain the creation and function of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) in administering limited self-rule.
- Describe the significance of the 1994 Israel-Jordan peace treaty in normalising relations.
- Outline the provisions of the 1995 Oslo II agreement, specifically the division of the West Bank into Areas A, B, and C.
- Note the opposition to the peace process, highlighting the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Stating that the Oslo Accords created an independent Palestinian state.
Put it right: Clarify that the Accords only established the PNA with limited self-rule, not full statehood.
Confusing Oslo I (1993) and Oslo II (1995).
Put it right: Oslo I established the framework and initial self-rule in Gaza/Jericho, while Oslo II expanded this to wider areas of the West Bank.
Ignoring the Israel-Jordan peace treaty.
Put it right: Ensure you include the 1994 treaty as a direct consequence of the momentum generated by the Oslo Accords.
Exam tips
- Memorise the division of the West Bank in Oslo II (Areas A, B, C) to demonstrate precise knowledge of the agreements.
- Discuss the role of leadership by highlighting the political risks taken by both Arafat and Rabin.
- Use the establishment of the PNA as a key example of a tangible, albeit limited, step towards a two-state solution.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option P5: Key topic 3: Attempts at a solution, 1974–95 - 3 Attempts at a solution: Arafat, Rabin and the Oslo Accords (1993); the setting up of the Palestinian National Authority; Israel-Jordan peace treaty (1994); Oslo II (1995). lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What was the most significant breakthrough achieved by the signing of the first Oslo Accords in 1993?
Listen
The 1993 Oslo Accords marked a historic breakthrough, with PLO leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin officially recognising each other. Brokered secretly in Norway, the agreement established the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), granting limited self-rule in Gaza and Jericho. This momentum facilitated the 1994 Israel-Jordan peace treaty, normalising relations and settling border disputes between the two nations. In 1995, the Oslo II agreement expanded Palestinian self-government across parts of the West Bank, dividing it into Areas A, B, and C. Despite these monumental diplomatic achievements, the process faced fierce opposition from extremists on both sides, culminating tragically in Rabin's assassination in 1995. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Detail the terms of the 1993 Oslo Accords, including mutual recognition between Israel and the PLO. Explain the creation and function of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) in administering limited self-rule. Describe the significance of the 1994 Israel-Jordan peace treaty in normalising relations. Outline the provisions of the 1995 Oslo II agreement, specifically the division of the West Bank into Areas A, B, and C. A common slip: Stating that the Oslo Accords created an independent Palestinian state. Instead, Clarify that the Accords only established the PNA with limited self-rule, not full statehood. Exam tip: Memorise the division of the West Bank in Oslo II (Areas A, B, C) to demonstrate precise knowledge of the agreements.
Put the events in order
Put these events in the order they happened, earliest first.
- 1. Arafat, Rabin and the Oslo Accords
- 2. Oslo II agreement expanded Palestinian self-government
- 3. Israel-Jordan peace treaty signed
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Oslo Accords
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Palestinian National Authority
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Israel-Jordan peace treaty
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Oslo II
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Oslo Accords
- The 1993 agreement in which PLO leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin officially recognised each other, brokered secretly in Norway.
- Palestinian National Authority
- The body established by the Oslo Accords, granting limited self-rule in Gaza and Jericho.
- Israel-Jordan peace treaty
- The 1994 treaty that normalised relations and settled border disputes between the two nations, facilitated by the momentum of the Oslo Accords.
- Oslo II
- The 1995 agreement that expanded Palestinian self-government across parts of the West Bank, dividing it into Areas A, B, and C.
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