palestinian

organizations

The PLO and Palestinian Authority: Origins, Objectives, and Challenges

  • PLO Formation and Goals: Founded in 1964, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) aimed to “liberate Palestine” through armed struggle, initially seeking to eliminate Israel and establish a Palestinian state over the entire former British Mandate. Its 1968 Charter explicitly rejected Jewish sovereignty.

  • PLO’s Tactical Shift: The 1974 Ten Point Program allowed for a Palestinian authority on “liberated” land as a step toward Israel’s destruction, not a genuine two-state solution, reaffirming armed struggle and rejecting Israel’s existence.

  • Oslo Accords and Recognition: In 1988, the PLO recognized UN Resolutions 242 and 338, implicitly acknowledging Israel. In 1993, Yasser Arafat pledged to renounce terrorism and recognize Israel’s right to exist under the Oslo Accords, but continued attacks by PLO factions like the PFLP (e.g., 2001 Ze’evi assassination) and the Second Intifada (2000–2005) undermined this commitment.

  • PLO Leadership: Led by Yasser Arafat (1969–2004) and Mahmoud Abbas (2004–present), the PLO is recognized by the UN, Arab League, and many nations as the Palestinian people’s representative.

  • PLO Structure: An umbrella organization, the PLO includes Fatah (dominant faction), the PFLP, and DFLP, with the latter two designated as terrorist groups by several countries for their involvement in attacks.

  • Palestinian Authority (PA) Creation: Established under the 1993–1995 Oslo Accords, the PA was an interim body to govern parts of the West Bank (Areas A and B) and Gaza until a final peace agreement, which was never reached.

  • PA Governance: The PA, led by Arafat (1994–2004) and Abbas (2005–present), handles civil administration and security in its territories but is constrained by Israeli control over Area C and security oversight.

  • Political Fragmentation: After Hamas’s 2006 election victory and 2007 takeover of Gaza, the PA (Fatah-led) governs parts of the West Bank, while Hamas rules Gaza independently, deepening Palestinian divisions.

  • PA Challenges: The PA faces financial dependence on foreign aid, corruption allegations, lack of elections since 2006, and criticism for security coordination with Israel, which many Palestinians view as collaboration prioritizing Israeli interests.

  • Current Dynamics: The PLO remains the Palestinians’ international representative, overseeing the PA, which struggles with legitimacy, economic issues, and Israeli restrictions. Many Palestinians see the PA as weak and corrupt, yet it persists as the recognized governing body in the West Bank.