The Palestinian left-wing movements historically challenged Fatah's dominance, significantly influencing the struggle for Palestinian self-determination during and after the First Intifada.
The fragmentation of leftist factions like the PFLP and DFLP in the late 1960s weakened their overall power, enabling Fatah to eclipse them within the PLO.
Deep dives
The Aftermath of the Six-Day War
The Six-Day War in June 1967 drastically altered the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, resulting in Israel's swift military victory over its neighbors and the occupation of significant Palestinian territories. This marked a pivotal moment for Palestinian identity and nationalism, as it brought to the forefront a larger Palestinian population that refused to vacate their homes. This post-war period catalyzed the emergence of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Fatah movement, led by Yasser Arafat. Fatah distinguished itself by advocating for independent Palestinian governance and drawing inspiration from various global liberation movements, adopting guerrilla warfare as a primary strategy towards achieving Palestinian self-determination.
The Growth of Left-Wing Palestinian Movements
Post-1967, the Palestinian political landscape witnessed the rise of leftist factions, notably the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which embraced Marxist ideology and an armed struggle as means of liberation. Founded by prominent figures like George Habash, the PFLP sought to intertwine Palestinian national aspirations with broader Arab revolutionary goals, reflecting an inclusive vision for regional liberation beyond simply reclaiming Palestine. This approach attracted a diverse base of support, as many Palestinians in refugee camps rallied to the leftist cause, thus integrating various factions under the PLO umbrella. By the late 1960s, leaders like Arafat and Habash captured significant attention for their compelling narratives and public commitments to revolutionary action.
Fragmentation and the Rise of the DFLP
The left-wing Palestinian movements eventually faced internal divisions, leading to the emergence of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), which split from the PFLP in 1969 amidst ideological and leadership disputes. The DFLP positioned itself as a more youthful, leftist alternative, advocating for a two-state solution, whereas the PFLP maintained a focus on a singular Palestinian state. This fragmentation weakened the overall power of Palestinian leftist factions, allowing Fatah to assert dominance within the PLO. Despite attempts to unite these factions throughout the following decades, the ongoing rivalries rendered collaborative efforts largely ineffective, leaving the Palestinian left fragmented and struggling for cohesion.
For many years, Palestine had one of the strongest left-wing movements in the Arab world, represented by prominent figures such as Leila Khaled and Ghassan Kanafani. At the beginning of the First Intifada in the 1980s, Palestinian left groups were the main challengers to the hegemony of Fatah. Although the Palestinian Left has lost much of its influence since the 1980s, they still play an important role today.
Red Star Over Palestine: Histories of the Palestinian Left is a six-part series from Long Reads exploring radical movements and progressive organizations of the region. We’ll be looking at the experience of Palestinian communism and the left-wing currents inside the PLO, the Palestine Liberation Organization. We’ll also be looking at the outsized impact of the Left on Palestinian cultural life.
This second episode examines the left-wing movement that took shape under the banner of the PLO, the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the role of figures such as George Habash and Nayef Hawatmeh.
Red Star Over Palestine is hosted by Daniel Finn and produced by Conor Gillies. Music provided by Fadi Tabbal.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
