The handover of Jericho occurred as part of the Gaza Disengagement Plan, initiated by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. This plan aimed to improve security and facilitate peace negotiations with Palestinians, believing that returning territories could foster better relations. Jericho, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, was significant due to its historical and cultural importance and its location in the West Bank. The transfer involved the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers and settlers from the region, allowing the Palestinian Authority to assume governance of the area. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas hailed the event as a monumental step towards greater Palestinian independence and the realization of a Palestinian state. While the handover was celebrated in Palestinian territories, it also raised concerns among some Israeli factions regarding security and future territorial disputes. The international community viewed the transfer as hopeful progress in the peace process, although skepticism remained about the efficacy and long-term implications of such unilateral actions.