Fatah

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Fatah (Arabic: فتح‎), also known as the Palestinian National Liberation Movement, is a major Palestinian political party and the largest faction of the confederated multi-party Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Founded in 1959 by Yasser Arafat, Khalil al-Wazir, and others, Fatah has played a leading role in the Palestinian national movement.

History

Fatah was established in 1959 by a group of Palestinian exiles, including Yasser Arafat, Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad), and Salah Khalaf (Abu Iyad). The name "Fatah" is a reverse acronym of the Arabic phrase "Harakat al-Tahrir al-Watani al-Filastini," which translates to "Palestinian National Liberation Movement."

Early Years

In its early years, Fatah operated as a clandestine organization, focusing on guerrilla warfare and armed struggle against Israel. The group carried out its first military operation in 1965, marking the beginning of its armed resistance.

Joining the PLO

In 1967, following the Six-Day War, Fatah joined the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which was established in 1964. Fatah quickly became the dominant faction within the PLO, with Arafat becoming the chairman of the PLO Executive Committee in 1969.

Oslo Accords

Fatah played a central role in the negotiations leading to the Oslo Accords in the early 1990s. The accords led to the establishment of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and granted limited self-governance to parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Arafat became the first President of the Palestinian Authority in 1994.

Second Intifada

The Second Intifada, which began in 2000, saw a resurgence of violence between Palestinians and Israelis. Fatah's military wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, was heavily involved in the conflict.

Internal Struggles

In the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections, Fatah lost its majority to the Hamas party, leading to a significant political rift. The conflict between Fatah and Hamas escalated into violent clashes, particularly in the Gaza Strip, where Hamas took control in 2007.

Ideology

Fatah's ideology is rooted in Palestinian nationalism and the goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state. The party has historically supported armed struggle, although it has also engaged in peace negotiations and diplomatic efforts.

Leadership

Fatah has been led by several prominent figures, most notably Yasser Arafat, who served as the leader until his death in 2004. He was succeeded by Mahmoud Abbas, who continues to lead the party and the Palestinian Authority.

Current Status

Today, Fatah remains a key player in Palestinian politics, although it faces significant challenges, including internal divisions and competition with Hamas. The party continues to advocate for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Related Pages

• Palestine Liberation Organization
• Yasser Arafat
• Mahmoud Abbas
• Hamas
• Oslo Accords
• Palestinian Authority
• Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades
• Second Intifada
• Six-Day War