Sharm al-Sheikh Memorandum

Israel and the Palestinians met at Sharm al-Sheikh in the Sinai Peninsula in an effort to break the deadlock in negotiations. U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, and King Abdullah of Jordan were present. The Memorandum that was signed called for the Israeli withdrawal from a further 11% of the West Bank; the release of 350 Palestinian prisoners; the opening of safe passages between the West Bank and Gaza; and a seaport to be built in Gaza. There was also a timetable for final status talks to deal with Jerusalem, borders, refugees, and settlements. A framework agreement on permanent status (FAPS) was to be achieved by February 2000 and a permanent agreement by September 2000.

  • Sharm al-Sheikh Memorandum (4 Sep 1999)
  • Speeches at the signing ceremony
    • Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak
    • Israel Prime Minister Ehud Barak
    • PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat
    • King Abdullah of Jordan
    • US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright

Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sharm el-Sheikh Memorandum: Selected Documents and Stages of Implementation