"This is not what I would call a radical change but a practical matter for the people to have these things," Alherinai said.

But many students said that in solving other problems, the accord may fall short.

According to Shrier, the biggest problem that has faced Israel in the last year has been an upsurge in Islamic fundamentalist terrorism.

"In the past year Israel has been shaken by terrorism and the new situation doesn't do anything to mitigate it," Shrier said. "Hamas and other groups are not satisfied by this in the slightest."

Other major concerns under the new agreement are the welfare of Jewish settlers in the West Bank and the safety of travel throughout that region, Shrier said.

Alherinai said division among Palestinians and the mixed record of the PLO may cause problems once the Israeli army leaves the West Bank.

During his stay in Jericho and the Gaza Strip, Alherinai said he saw human rights violations committed by Palestinian authorities against other Palestinians.

"This doesn't mean we prefer Israeli control over Palestinian authority. I still think the Palestinian authority is more cooperative with the people than Israeli authorities," he said.

While the specifics of the deal may be in doubt, Jewish student Stephanie P. Weber '97, a Crimson editor, said the longstanding problems in the region leave little choice but to start making concessions.

"There is a situation where there are hundreds of thousands of Arabs who are living in the occupied territories and lacked any kind of representation. There was no other choice but to give them the right to rule over themselves," Weber said.

"Yes, this is a security risk for Israel, but what can you do?" she added.

One Jewish student summed up the views of many.

"I only hope," he said, "that a fair and lasting peace comes to the region as soon as possible.