Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine dealing with general principles of freedom of religion, organizational rights of the Catholic Church in Palestinian Authority areas, respect for holy places and personal status of Catholics. Its preamble shows support for Palestinian aspirations of independence by recognizing a "State of Palestine" that consists of all the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, including East Jerusalem. This stipulation has angered the Israeli government, that doesn't recognize the officially proclaimed State of Palestine. The Israeli government deplored the conclusion of the agreement. Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman termed it as one-sided for not recognizing the rights of the Jewish people
Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine special nature not defined as "diplomatic" were established between the Holy See and PLO on Oct. 26, 1994. Holy See-Palestinian negotiations have produced a basic agreement signed on Feb. 15, 2000, which committed the PLO to respect freedom of religion in general, as well as freedom of action for Catholic communities and establishments under Palestinian control. The need for a more comprehensive agreement led to the conclusion of such an agreement on June 26, 2015. The agreement went into effect on Jan. 2, 2016. The Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine consists of 32 articles