An agreement was signed in Geneva in September 1975 in addition to the 1974 separation-of-forces agreement following the Yom Kippur War. The main points of the agreement were: Israeli withdrawal in Sinai to the eastern ends of the Mitla and Gidi Passes; creation of a UN-monitored buffer zone in the evacuated area; turning the previous buffer zone into Egyptian territory; and Israeli withdrawal from the oil fields at Abu Rudeis and Ras Sudar. It was also agreed to open the Suez Canal to Israeli non-military cargo ships and to establish American early-warning stations in the area of the passes. The agreement was perceived as an important step towards a just and sustainable peace.

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