Background
The Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza
Strip, dated September 28, 1995, provided that as part of the redeployment
of Israeli military forces in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip there would
be a redeployment of forces in Hebron. The Agreement set out guidelines
for this redeployment, including the establishment of a Temporary
International Presence in Hebron (TIPH).
In order to arrive at more detailed provisions regarding the redeployment
in Hebron the two sides commenced negotiations on a Protocol, amplifying
the guidelines contained in the Interim Agreement.
During the period between the conclusion of the Interim Agreement and the
Hebron Protocol, the two sides invited Norway to sent a group of 50-60
Norwegians to act as an "advance TIPH" preparing for the new TIPH to be
established following the redeployment. Under an Agreement dated May 9,
1996, the Norwegian personnel arrived and commenced their operation in the
city, preparing for the establishment for the new TIPH, contributing to a
feeling of security for the Palestinian inhabitants of the city, helping
promote stability, and providing reports.
On January 15, 1997 the Hebron negotiations were completed and a Protocol
concerning the Redeployment in Hebron was signed, setting out agreed
arrangements for the implementation of the redeployment provisions of the
Interim Agreement. Following the signing of this Protocol the two sides
signed, on January 21, 1997, an Agreement on the Temporary International
Presence in the city of Hebron setting out the arrangements for the new
TIPH.
This Agreement provides that the TIPH will comprise up to 180 persons from
Norway, Italy, Denmark Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey, with Norway being
responsible for the coordination of the TIPH's activity.
The task of the TIPH is to monitor and report on efforts to maintain
normal life in Hebron, to provide a feeling of security among the
Palestinians of Hebron and to help promote stability. In addition, the
TIPH personnel are to assist in the promotion and execution of projects,
to encourage economic development and growth in the city and to provide
reports. The TIPH has no military or police functions.
The TIPH members are identifiable by their distinctive khaki unifomis and
the special emblem on their uniforms and vehicles. Practical aspects of
their operation and activity are set out in a Memorandum of Understanding
concluded by the participating countries with the agreement of the two
sides.
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