The Palestinian Authority (PA), controlled by the political party Fatah and internationally recognised, exercises partial governance over West Bank areas "A" and "B" as a consequence of the 1993–1995 Oslo Accords. Israel currently relies on the PA to maintain control over the Palestinian population and manage civil affairs in these territories.
The PA also controlled the Gaza Strip prior to the Palestinian elections of 2006, when it lost control to Hamas.
The PA was formed in 1994, and was intended to be a five-year interim body to administer a limited form of Palestinian self-governance, during which final-status negotiations with Israel would take place. Final status agreement has yet to be concluded despite attempts such as the 2000 Camp David Summit and the unofficial Geneva Accords.
The PA has not held elections in over 15 years.