Palestine Liberation Organization

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is a group that represents the Palestinian people. It was created in 1964 to work toward creating a home for Palestinians. At first, the PLO wanted to build a state where the old Mandatory Palestine was, which included land that is now part of Israel.

In 1993, important talks happened between leaders of Israel and the PLO. These talks, called the Oslo I Accord, led to both sides recognizing each other. The PLO agreed that Israel had the right to exist, and Israel agreed to talk about giving back some land it controlled.

Even after this agreement, there were still hard times. During a period called the Second Intifada from 2000 to 2005, some in the PLO used force against Israel. In 2018, the PLO stopped recognizing Israel as a country. Today, the PLO is seen as the government of the State of Palestine and has had a special status with the United Nations since 1974.

History and armed actions

Early actions

In 1964, leaders from Arab countries created a group to represent the Palestinian people. This group, called the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), wanted to create a new Arab state in the land that was once Mandatory Palestine.

The PLO started its efforts soon after forming, attacking Israel’s water system in 1965. They used hidden fighters to launch attacks from nearby countries like Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, and Syria.

PLO operations in Jordan: 1967–1971

From 1967 to 1970, the PLO fought with Israel while receiving some support from Jordan. This led to battles and attacks on both sides. In 1970, Jordan asked the PLO to leave, and they moved to Lebanon.

Lebanese Civil War: 1971–1982

After moving to Lebanon, the PLO continued its activities. This led to bigger conflicts, including a civil war in Lebanon. In 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon, causing the PLO to leave and move to Tunis.

Headquarters in Tunis: 1982–1991

From Tunis, the PLO found it harder to connect with Palestinians. Many felt the group was not as strong or active as before.

Oslo I Accord (1993)

In 1993, talks between Israel and the PLO led to an agreement. The PLO recognized Israel’s right to exist, and Israel recognized the PLO as the representative of the Palestinian people.

Second Intifada: 2000–2004

In 2000, fights between Palestinians and Israelis began again after talks failed. This period saw many attacks and much sadness on both sides.

Ideology

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was created in 1964 and had a clear set of beliefs about what should happen in the land called Palestine. After a big war in 1967, the PLO changed its ideas. In 1968, it started talking about creating a new state where people of all faiths could live equally, instead of completely removing an existing country.

Over time, the PLO began to talk more about working with others to find peace. By 1974, it suggested starting with a smaller area in two places, hoping to grow from there. This idea did not sit well with everyone, and some groups left the PLO. Later, the PLO began talking to Israeli leaders, looking for ways to make peace.

For many years, the PLO believed the best way to reach its goals was through talking and negotiating, especially after 1993. The PLO felt that people who had lived in Palestine before were treated unfairly and should be allowed to return home. These beliefs were written down in documents that were later changed to match new peace agreements.

The PLO has often been described as more open and less focused on religion compared to some other groups, even though most people in the areas it represents practice Islam. Some Christians also live in these areas. Under a leader named Arafat, laws were made that said Islam would be the main religion and that religious rules would guide many laws.

Organization

The PLO is a group that brings together many different Palestinian movements. It was created to help Palestinians gain independence and freedom. The PLO has a parliament called the Palestine National Council, chosen by Palestinians, and an executive government. But in practice, it works more like a structured organization focused on its goal of freeing Palestine.

The PLO has many parts, including political groups and popular organizations. It has published newspapers and magazines, such as Falastinuna, to share its message. Over time, the PLO has faced challenges in representing all Palestinians, especially after the creation of the Palestinian Authority in the 1990s. Today, the PLO remains the official representative of Palestine at the UN.

Political status

The Palestine Liberation Organization is recognized by the Arab League and the United Nations as the representative of the Palestinian people.

The PLO was once seen as a group that some countries did not want to work with, but this changed over time. In 1993, its leader recognized Israel, and Israel began to work with the PLO. This led to important agreements between them. Over the years, the United Nations has allowed the PLO to take part in discussions, even though it is not a full member country. In 2012, the United Nations changed the PLO’s status to a special kind of member, but it is still not a full country member.

Peace process

Further information: Palestinian views on the peace process § Yasser Arafat and the PLO

In the 1970s and early 1980s, the PLO took actions against Israel. In 1988, the PLO agreed to a plan where two states could exist: Israel and a Palestinian state. They wanted East Jerusalem to be the capital of the Palestinian state and for Palestinians to have the right to return to land they lived on before 1948.

In 1993, the PLO signed the Oslo Accords with Israel. These agreements allowed Palestinians to govern themselves in parts of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Yasser Arafat became the leader of this new government, and plans were made for elections. The PLO moved its headquarters to Ramallah in the West Bank.

Ten Point Program

Main article: PLO's Ten Point Program

After wars in 1973, the PLO created a new plan. They wanted to set up a government in any areas they could free. This plan was made in 1974. It said they would use all ways, including armed struggle, to free Palestinian land and create an independent government. They still wanted to free all Palestinian land someday, but they were also open to peaceful ways.

First Intifada

Main article: First Intifada

In 1987, people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip began a big uprising called the First Intifada. The PLO was surprised and could only watch from far away. A new local group led the uprising. In 1988, the PLO declared independence for Palestine. They said they would accept Israel existing within its borders from before 1967, and that Palestinians could have their own state in the West Bank and Gaza. The United States then agreed to talk with PLO leaders.

Oslo Accords

Main article: Oslo Accords

In 1993, the PLO secretly talked with Israel and made the Oslo Accords. They were signed in August 1993 and made public in September 1993 in Washington, D.C. The Accords let Palestinians govern themselves in parts of the Gaza Strip and the city of Jericho in the West Bank. Yasser Arafat became the leader of this new government, and plans were made for elections. The PLO moved its headquarters to Ramallah in the West Bank.

Wealth controversy

According to a 1993 report by the British National Criminal Intelligence Service, the Palestine Liberation Organization had a lot of money. It was reported to have between $8–$10 billion in assets and earned $1.5–$2 billion each year. This money came from donations, extortion, payoffs, illegal arms dealing, drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud, and other activities. Estimates of the hidden money varied a lot, and only one leader knew the full amount. A former finance minister said it might have been between $3 billion and $5 billion.

Membership

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is a group that represents the Palestinian people. It was created to support the rights of Palestinians.