The Palestine Papers
Draft of Annapolis Joint Document on Refugees (#1)

This is a draft of a joint agreement on refugees; it presents the Israeli and Palestinian positions in the run-up to the Annapolis conference.

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Joint provision document (Is & Ps) on refugees

- For discussion purposes-

 

 

1-

 

[I:  The Parties commit to a comprehensive, just and agreed resolution of the refugee issue in accordance with the terms of the agreement.]

 

[P:  In the context of ending the conflict, the Parties commit to a comprehensive, just and agreed resolution of the refugee issue in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative, international law and as agreed to in this Article and the terms of the agreement.]

 

 

 

[P:2]  

 

 

[P: Israel acknowledges its moral and legal responsibility for the longstanding displacement and dispossession of the Palestinian civilian population stemming from its actions {before?}, during and subsequent to the War of 1948.]

 

 

[P:3] [I:3] [Return - resettlement Options]

 

 

[I: Palestinian refuges shall be entitled to Palestinian citizenship and shall be provided with resettlement and integration options: in Palestine, as the homeland of the Palestinian people in accordance with Palestinian law, [P: in Israel ? on a humanitarian basis, in accordance with an agreed annual quota and within an agreed period of time] and in consenting third countries and host States. The international mechanism shall assist in coordinating the orderly and secure resettlement and integration of Palestinian refugees.]

 

[P: Palestinian refugees shall be provided with repatriation and resettlement option, including:

  •  return to Israel, to be implemented in accordance with an agreed quota and within an agreed period of time (renewable on the basis of both parties? consent)
  •  return to Palestine, as its sole discretion
  •  consenting third countries and host States.

 

The International mechanism shall assist in coordinating the orderly and secure settlement and integration of Palestinian refugees.]

 

 

[P: 4]

 

 

[P: Palestinian refugees shall be granted restitution and/or full compensation for the material and non-material damages they have suffered, including loss of opportunities and human rights suffering as a result of their protracted displacement.]

 

 

[P:5]

 

[P: States that have hosted Palestinian refugees shall be entitled for remuneration.]

 

 

[P:6] [I:2]

 

[I: To this end, the Parties have agreed to invite the United States, in coordination with them, to establish and lead an international mechanism to address all aspects of the refugee issue as set out in the Article, enabling the phased termination of UNRWA and bringing an end to Palestinian refugee issue.]

 

[P: In order to enable a comprehensive, just and effective settlement of the refugee issue, an international mechanism shall be established to implement all aspects of the Treaty relating to refugees with the participation of Palestine, Israel, the host countries and other necessary and willing countries and entities.]

 

[P:7] [I:6]

 

[I: In furtherance of the above, an international found shall be established to enable the operation of the international mechanism and to finance the compensation and the resettlement, integration and rehabilitation assistance for the refugees. Israel commits to make a fixed financial contribution to the fund, along with contributions from the third Stated and other entities.]

 

[P: In furtherance thereof, and international fund shall be established to finance the repatriation, resettlement and rehabilitation of the refugee, and the reparation program, including restitution and/or compensation program. Israel commits to contribute financially to the fund as to be agreed in the Treaty [?], along with the contributions from responsible third States.]

 

 

 

[Compensation]

 

[I:4]

 

[I: All claims for compensation arising out of the refugee issue shall be resolved in accordance with procedure, criteria and time-limits determined by the international mechanism, which shall constitute the exclusive forum for dealing with such claims.]

 

[P: Ok even if as many items as possible should be agreed in the scope of the Agreement]

 

[I:5]

 

[I: The international mechanism shall also provide rehabilitation assistance to Palestinian refugees and to relevant States in order to facilitate the refugees? economic and social integration and development.]

 

[P: Ok in principle. But this should be part of the comprehensive mission of the IM. See P.7]

 

 

[I:7]

 

[I: The Parties call on the international community to support the international mechanism, including through financial contributions to the international fund.]

 

[P: The Parties call on the international community, and Arab States [?], to support the international mechanism, through their participation in the mechanism and financial contributions to the international fund.]

 

[I:8]

 

[I: Israel shall have no further commitment or obligation arising from the refugee issue beyond those specified in the Article.]

 

[P:  Israel and Palestine shall have no further commitment or obligation arising from the refugee issue beyond those specified in the Article.]