## Overview and Functions The Palestinian Authority (PA), also known as the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), is the interim governing body for Palestinians in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank[1]. Established under the 1993 Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), its original mandate was to administer limited self-governance in designated Palestinian areas during a five-year interim period, after which final-status negotiations were expected to resolve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict[1][3]. The PA is responsible for civil administration—including education, health, and municipal services—and internal security in areas classified as “A” and “B” under the Oslo framework, but not in “C” areas, which remain under full Israeli control[1]. Its operations are headquartered in Ramallah, West Bank[2]. ## History and Development The PA formally began operations in 1994, following Israeli military withdrawals from Gaza and Jericho[4]. The first Palestinian elections in 1996 brought Yasser Arafat to the presidency and established the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC)[4]. The PA’s early years were marked by institution-building and efforts to curb violence, as stipulated by the Oslo Accords, though continued unrest and political rivalries complicated its mandate[4]. After Arafat’s death in 2004, Mahmoud Abbas assumed leadership, and in 2013, he decreed the PA’s official name change to the “State of Palestine,” reflecting UN recognition of Palestine as a non-member observer state in 2012[1][3]. ## Key Achievements The PA’s main achievement has been the creation of administrative structures in the West Bank, including ministries for finance, health, education, and technology[6]. It has managed to deliver basic public services despite significant political and financial constraints. The PA has also engaged in international diplomacy, securing recognition for Palestine at the UN and maintaining relations with numerous countries[3