History Today: What are the Oslo Accords that Israel and Palestine signed in 1993?

Israel and Palestine have been at odds with each other since the 1940s, with several wars having erupted over time. Even today, they are at loggerheads with more than 66,000 casualties in the Gaza war region. Did you know that the two entities had once signed a peace treaty in Washington? The Oslo Peace Accord was formally signed by Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) Chairman Yasser Arafat on September 13, 1993.

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Oprah Winfrey shocked her studio audience by giving away nearly 300 brand-new cars at her show on September 13, 2004. She gave the gifts during the premiere of the 19th season of The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Here is all that happened on this day.

Israel and Palestine signed a peace accord

One of the most historic feats was achieved on September 13, 1993, when the Oslo Peace Accord was signed between Israel and Palestine in Washington, DC. The signing of the treaty by Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) Chairman Yasser Arafat was witnessed by US President Bill Clinton. This marked the first face-to-face agreement between the two sides after decades of conflict.

The accord emerged from secret negotiations in Oslo, Norway, and aimed to establish a framework for peace by granting Palestinians limited self-rule in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank town of Jericho. It called for the creation of the Palestinian Authority, elections for a governing council, and gradual transfer of power from Israel to Palestinian representatives. Importantly, both sides recognised each other officially - Israel acknowledged the PLO as the representative of the Palestinian people, while the PLO recognised Israel’s right to exist in peace and security.

The signing ceremony became iconic, particularly the handshake between Rabin and Arafat, symbolising the hope of reconciliation after years of bloodshed. Clinton described the moment as “a brave gamble in the name of peace,” reflecting the optimism that a lasting settlement might be within reach.

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What are the challenges of a new Palestine state?

While the Oslo Peace Accord did not resolve contentious issues such as Jerusalem’s status, refugees, borders, and Israeli settlements, it created a roadmap for future negotiations. However, the peace process faced significant challenges in the years that followed. Violence, political opposition, and lack of trust undermined progress, and subsequent agreements often stalled or collapsed.

Oprah Winfrey gave away nearly 300 new cars

In a historic moment for television on 2004, Oprah Winfrey shocked her studio audience by giving away nearly 300 brand-new cars during the premiere of the 19th season of The Oprah Winfrey Show. The segment began with Oprah announcing that she had a “special surprise” for the audience of 276 people, many of whom were chosen because they were in need of a new vehicle.

After handing out gift boxes containing keys, she revealed that everyone present would be driving home in a Pontiac G6 sedan, then General Motors’ latest model. The scene erupted in cheers, tears, and hugs, culminating in Oprah’s now-legendary declaration: “You get a car! You get a car! Everybody gets a car!”

The giveaway generated enormous publicity both for The Oprah Winfrey Show and for Pontiac, boosting awareness of the G6. It also cemented Oprah’s reputation for generosity and flair for creating television spectacles that captured the public imagination. The phrase “You get a car!” quickly became a cultural catchphrase, often parodied and referenced in media.

While the gift was thrilling, it came with complexities. The cars, donated by General Motors, were valued at around $28,500 each. Recipients were responsible for paying federal and state taxes, which could total up to $7,000 (Rs 5.84 lakh) — creating financial burdens for some winners. Nevertheless, for many, the gift was life-changing.

This Day, That Year

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• British forces defeated the French in the Battle of Quebec in 1759.