The interim arrangements of the Oslo Accords divided the West Bank into three regions -
- Area A contains the principal Palestinian towns. In this area, Palestinians are responsible for internal security and administration. Area A comprises about 18 per cent of the West Bank.
- Area B contains most of the Palestinian rural population. Here Israelis are responsible for security, Palestinians are nominally responsible for civil affairs and public order. Area B comprises about 21 per cent of the West Bank.
- Area C contains the remaining 61 per cent of the West Bank. It is under Israeli control. This is where Israeli settlements and Israeli-only roads are sited.
This arrangement was accepted by both sides as part of the Oslo Accords. However it was intended to be temporary - until 1999. It is still in force, and Israeli settlements continue to expand.
A separate protocol covers the partition of Hebron into Areas H-1 and H-2.
See Palestinian and Israeli reactions to the Oslo Accords.
See also the Geneva Initiative, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Road Map.