A Short Introduction To The Philately Of Palestine

Subsequent to long winding negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis following the Madrid peace conference (November 1991), the so called `Oslo Process' resulted in several declarations, accords and treaties:

• Oslo Declaration of Principles (13.09.1993)
• Gaza-Jericho-(or Cairo)-Accord (4.05.1994)
• Taba-Accord (24.09.1995)
• Hebron-Accord (15.01.1997)
• Wye-I-Accord (3.10.1998)
• Wye-II-Accord (5.09.1999)

On 13.05.1994 the Palestine National Authority (PNA, As-Sulta al-Wataniya al-Filastiniya) established itself on the liberated parts of Palestine (i.e. most of the Gaza-Strip and the town of Jericho). Gradually the Israeli occupation forces vacated 28% (Zone A with 3% and Zone B with 25% of the occupied Westbank, as well as some 60% of the Gaza-Strip) of the territories occupied in 1967. More than 72% remain under total Israeli control.

Zones of Occupation and Settlements in the Gaza Strip, 2002

Zones of Occupation and Settlements in the Westbank, 2002

In free, fair and secret elections under observation of international organisations the Palestinians voted on 20.01.1996 for a parliament (Legislative Council) and a president:

• The Legislative Council consists of 88 members: 49 from Fatah, 15 independents aligned with Fatah, 4 members of Islamic groups, and 20 independents (as of 1996).
• Yassir Arafat (a.k.a. Abu Ammar, born 1929) was elected President with 87% of the votes