Palestinian Concessions for Peace: What the State of Palestine Has Offered

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and later the Palestinian Authority (PA) have formally articulated a framework for a two-state solution involving significant compromises. These positions are based on UN Resolutions 242, 338, 1397 and the Arab Peace Initiative (2002).

Core Concessions

1. Recognition of Israel – PLO recognized Israel's right to exist in 1988 (Algiers Declaration) and 1993 (Oslo Accords).
2. Two-State Solution on 1967 Lines – Acceptance of a Palestinian state on 22% of historic Palestine (West Bank + Gaza), with mutually agreed land swaps (typically 1:1 ratio).
3. Jerusalem as Shared Capital – East Jerusalem = Palestinian capital; West Jerusalem = Israeli capital; Holy Basin under special regime (international/dual sovereignty).
4. Refugee Resolution per UN 194 – Right of return implemented via: return to Israel (limited, symbolic numbers), return to Palestinian state, resettlement in third countries, integration in host countries, compensation. Not a blanket return to pre-1948 homes inside Israel.
5. Security Arrangements – Demilitarized Palestinian state; international monitors (NATO/UN); phased Israeli withdrawal; security cooperation.
6. End of Claims – Finality of conflict; no further demands.

What Israel Has Not Reciprocated

• Full withdrawal to 1967 lines (settlements expanded: 700,000+ settlers in WB/EJ).
• Recognition of Palestinian statehood (though 139+ UN members have).
• Agreement on Jerusalem or refugees.
• Cessation of settlement construction (ICJ 2024: settlements illegal).

Current Status

Negotiations stalled since 2014. PA remains committed to two-state solution; Hamas (Gaza) does not recognize Israel. International consensus still centers on 1967 borders with swaps.