INTRODUCTION
1. The Middle East problem had erupted when in 1948 the state of Israel was declared for establishment in Palestine. Since then, many of the Arab countries got entangled in the conflict with Israel, over the Palestinian issue. For the last 48 years or so, the Middle East issue has been a history of miseries for the Palestinians. The Palestinians who once belonged to a country with distinctive geographical, political and cultural identity ultimately transformed into refugees. Being the victim of Zionist aggression, the Palestinians had resorted to armed resistance and diplomatic efforts for achieving their legitimate rights.
2. The Palestinian problem is a very complex one, marked by a series of developments with bewildering swiftness. Over the years the search for a peaceful resolution of the Arab - Israeli conflict by different quarters has been associated with a number of peace plans, proposals, agreements, diplomatic initiatives and missions. Despite all these efforts no practical solution could be sought until recently to resolve the issue so as to bring a reconciliation between the two hostile groups. The major breakthrough in the peace process was marked by the signing of an accord in September 93. Another peace accord between Palestine and Israel has been signed in May 94 making a positive move for the lasting peace . There are indications which reveal that both the belligerents are proceeding to some sort of settlement. However, the recent initiatives are taking place presumably due to several reasons which requires elaborate discussion.
3. "Peace is not made with friends. Peace is made with enemies." This was the statement put forward by Israeli Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin in reply to a question by a journalist during the Palestine and Israel peace negotiations in September 93. Incidentally the words came out from the mouth of one who had been deeply involved in enhancing the age old conflict