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What responsibilities did Yasser Arafat have as president of the Palestinian Authority?
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Yasser Arafat
Yasser Arafat, leader of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), wearing the keffiyeh, 1996.
As president of the Palestinian Authority (PA) from 1996 to 2004, Yasser Arafat held several key responsibilities aimed at establishing a governing body for Palestinians.12
His primary duties included:
- Building Institutions: Arafat was tasked with developing the administrative and political institutions of the fledgling PA.2
- Managing Civil Functions: Following the withdrawal of the Israeli military from various cities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the PA assumed control over numerous civil functions within those areas.2
- Maintaining Security: Under the terms of the Oslo Accords, Arafat was responsible for stemming violence against Israel carried out by Palestinians.2
His presidency was marked by significant challenges, including rising internal opposition from groups like Hamas, stalled peace negotiations, and the outbreak of the second intifada. By 2003, international pressure led to the creation of the office of prime minister to share governance responsibilities, though Arafat remained a central figure until his death in 2004.2