Palestinian riot over Western Wall tunnel exit

In September 1996, tensions escalated in Jerusalem when a Palestinian riot erupted in response to the opening of an exit in the Western Wall tunnel. This development was perceived by many Palestinians as a provocative act, leading to widespread unrest. Over the course of the following weeks, the violence resulted in the tragic loss of approximately 80 lives, highlighting the deep-seated tensions surrounding the site, which holds significant religious and historical importance for both Jews and Palestinians. The riots underscored the fragile state of relations in the region and the challenges faced in the ongoing peace process. In January 1997, in an effort to address some of these tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed the Hebron Protocol with the Palestinian Authority. This agreement facilitated the redeployment of Israeli forces in Hebron and transferred civilian authority in much of the area to the Palestinian Authority, marking a significant step in the complex dynamics of Israeli-Palestinian relations during that period.