Independent Palestine Is Declared
The declaration of an independent Palestine on November 15, 1988, marked a significant moment in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict that has persisted throughout the 20th century. This declaration emerged during the Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli control in the occupied territories, which was characterized by considerable violence as Palestinians sought recognition of their right to a homeland. The context for this declaration was intensified by King Hussein of Jordan's decision to relinquish Jordan's claims to the West Bank, further complicating the political landscape.
The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), led by Yasser Arafat, convened the Palestine National Council in Algeria, where the proclamation of statehood was made. Despite the absence of agreements with Israel or clearly defined borders, the declaration garnered significant media attention and received support from a majority of the United Nations General Assembly. In a bid to gain favor with both Israel and the United States, the PLO renounced terrorism and acknowledged Israel's legitimacy. However, ongoing violence and stalled diplomatic efforts hindered further progress in the peace process. The events of this period continue to influence the dynamics of Israeli-Palestinian relations into the present day.
On this Page
Independent Palestine Is Declared
Independent Palestine Is Declared
During the late 1980s, another phase in the longstanding 20th-century conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians in the Middle East began when an uprising known as the Intifada erupted in those territories held by Israeli forces. There was considerable violence in the occupied lands as the Palestinians fought for what they claimed was their right to a homeland. Fueling the fire was the decision of King Hussein of Jordan to cede all of Jordan's claims to the Palestinian lands on the West Bank that Israel had seized during its victory in the 1967 Arab-Israeli conflict. Attempting to seize on the political opportunities presented by the situation, Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) leader Yasser Arafat held a meeting of the Palestine National Council in Algiers, Algeria, and boldly declared the independence of a Palestinian state on November 15, 1988. Although there was in fact no agreement with Israel on this matter or even a definitive recognition of territorial boundaries, the Palestinian declaration of independence gained considerable attention in the news media and was even endorsed by a majority of the United Nations General Assembly. The PLO attempted to make its actions more palatable to Israel and the United States, Israel's largest ally, by renouncing terrorism and recognizing Israel's long-contested legitimacy as a nation. However, the PLO's initiatives fell apart as fighting continued with the Israelis and diplomatic measures stalled. There would be no further progress until the 1990s, and even that limited progress is still very much in contention at present.