The Emergence of the PLO

Palestine Liberation Organization

The Palestinian Arabs had a weak history of organization and leadership.

Historically, the Mufti of Jerusalem had been their official voice during the British Mandate. The Mufti had tried to ally with Hitler during the war and was banned from Palestine.

After the 1948 War, the Palestinians became refugees and fell under either Syrian, Egyptian, Jordanian, or Lebanese control.

Finally, in 1959 a group of Palestinian Fighters emerged named Fatah. The group was founded by Palestinian refugees that had met while attending university in Cairo.

Founder of Fatah

Yasser Arafat

(1929-2004)

In 1964, the PLO was founded by the Arab League (Nasset – Egypt, It was created to control Palestinian nationalism. If Nasser could control and lead the Arab Palestinians, he could also unite the Arab world under Egyptian control. (Pan-Arabism)

Fatah

PLO

From 1965-1967, the Fatah carried out an increasing number of attacks against Israel, supported by the Arab states, especially Syria.

He was Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO),

FaTaH is a

reverse acronym

of the Arabic name Harakat al-Tahrir al-Watani al-Filastini which translates into "The Palestinian National Liberation Movement".

After the Six Day War in 1967, things changed for the PLO and Fatah.

What changed?

-The Arab countries that were helping them (Egypt, Syria, Jordan) suffered heavy losses in the war. -These countries were now concerned about the land they lost in the war, not the refugees.

- Many Palestinians realized they’d have to fight on their own.

Life in the occupied territories….

West Bank, Gaza Strip under Israeli rule (occupation).

Resistance was dealt with harshly and was interpreted in many ways: holding a rally or demonstration, organizing a strike or just waving the Palestinian flag. Israeli troops rounded up PLO suspects and others whom they saw as a threat to their security. Thousands were jailed without trial, some tortured and hundreds were deported(usually to Jordan). Sometimes their houses were blown up, leaving their families homeless.

1967 was a major turning point. (Source F pg 135)

The aggressive war of 1967 was a landmark in my life. The new expansion of Israel and the new waves of refugees multiplied the tragedy many times…I am left with no alternative but to fight our oppressor. This is why I have joined the Palestine National Liberation Movement. We shall fight for the Palestinians return and for a new society in Palestine.

- Ghazi Daniel, Palestinian Refugee

Fatah increased its attacks into Israel after the war, planting bombs, mines and military installations.

Most attacks came from the West Bank and Jordan. In response to these attacks, Israel decided to attack an important Fatah base in Karameh.

300 Palestinians Forces, alongside Jordan’s army took out several tanks and planes, killing 28 Israelis. Karameh Israel launched an attack on Karameh in March, 1968 involving 15,000 troops and planes.

The Battle at Karameh inspired thousands of Arabs to join Fatah and the guerillas. It proved that the Israelis were not invincible and could be defeated. Between 1967 and 1970, Fatah forces killed over 500 Israelis.

1970 Arafat becomes leader of the PLO Source I “He slept in a different bed every night.” Pg. 137

Why?

Arafat and Nasser 1970 Arab Conference.

…and Abu Jihad.

Palestinian National Charter (1968)

- Armed struggle is the only way to liberate Palestine -The partition of Palestine in 1947 and the establishment of the state of Israel are entirely illegal, regardless of the passage of time.

Terrorists or Freedom Fighters?

Sources J-M (pg 137 – 138)

Palestinian Terrorism

The Palestinians Refugees changed their tactics in the late 1960s to include targets outside of Israel.

- 1968 PFLP members hijacked an Israeli passenger plane in Athens, killing one man.

- 1970 A Swiss airplane was blown up on the way to Israel.

The Palestinian Front for the Liberation of Palestine was created by Dr George Habash, a Palestinian Christian.

The Palestinian Front for the Liberation of Palestine was created by Dr George Habash, a Palestinian Christian.

Meanwhile in Jordan… After the 1967 War, 300,000 Palestinians had moved from the West Bank to Jordan.

(Half Jordan’s Population) The PLO were acting as if they rules Jordan, roaming around the city, fully armed, setting up road blocks etc.

So, the King Hussein of Jordan asked them to obey him and his army.

A couple weeks later, passenger jets (BOAC, Swissair and TWA) are hijacked by the PFLP and landed in an airfield in Jordan.

The hijackers demand the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israel and in Europe. The passengers were let off the planes and then blown up.

King Hussein tells his army to take control of the PLO bases.

The PLO resist, and fighting begins for 10 days.

3000 guerillas were killed. Nasser helped negotiate a ceasefire.

The Palestinians felt betrayed by Jordan and King Hussein.

They murdered Jordan’s Prime Minister Wasfi al-Tel while he was in Egypt.

A new terrorist group was created called “Black September”

In 1972, Black September stunned the entire world. It attacked Israeli athletes competing in the Olympic games in Munich Germany.

Two terrorist bombings in Volgograd Russia (Stalingrad).

Sochi Olympics coming up.