The agreement guarantees freedom of access to and freedom of worship at the holy sites, and defines access arrangements for the holy places located in Areas " A " and " B ". With regard to Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem and Joseph's Tomb in Nablus, special arrangements are set out in the agreement which will also guarantee freedom of access and freedom of worship.

Hebron

In view of the Jewish presence in the heart of Hebron and the sensitive historical and religious aspects involved, special arrangements will apply in this city. These arrangements will enable Palestinian police to exercise responsibilities vis-a-vis Palestinian residents, while at the same time Israel will retain the powers and responsibilities necessary to protect Israeli residents living in Hebron and visiting the holy places. The areas of Hebron to remain under full Israeli control are: the Old City of Hebron, the Jewish Quarter, and everything that is linked from there to Kiryat Arba and the Tomb of the Patriarchs.

There will be a redeployment of Israeli military forces in Hebron, except for places and roads where arrangements are necessary for the security and protection of Israelis and their movement. This redeployment will be completed no later than six months after the signing of this agreement. Israel will continue to carry the responsibility for overall security of Israelis for the purpose of safeguarding their internal security and public order.

The status quo at the Tomb of the Patriarchs will remain unchanged, for the time being.

There will be a temporary international presence in Hebron.

Human Rights

The agreement states that the Israel and the Council shall carry out their functions and responsibilities while adhering to the international norms of human rights and the rule of law, guided by the obligation to protect the public, respect their fellow men and prevent harassment.

Water

The agreement contains an undertaking on the part of Israel to increase the amount of water allocated to the Palestinians by 28 million cu.m. Any further addition to either side will be based on an increase in the available water resources to be developed through international funding and channels, among them the tripartite American - Palestinian - Israeli forum which will hold its first meeting after the signing of the Interim Agreement. The agreement provides for the establishment of a joint water committee that will manage water resources and enforce water policies, protecting the interests of both parties by the prevention of uncontrolled drilling by enforcing standards, etc.

Release of Prisoners

In order to foster a positive atmosphere as this agreement is being implemented, and to engender mutual confidence and a basis for cooperation between the two peoples, Israel will release Palestinian prisoners who are in Israeli custody in three ( 3 ) stages according to the following format:

• Stage 1 - Upon the signing of the agreement.
  
  
• Stage 2 - On the eve of elections for the Council.

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