Honorable President of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization,

Honorable Leaders and Secretaries of Palestinian Political Parties and Factions,

Subject: Youths’ Participation as a Prerequisite for Strengthening the Palestine Liberation Organization and its Political Parties

Amid the significant challenges facing Palestinians, in light of the ongoing war for over a year, Palestinian political and societal factions’ role has markedly declined. This has been coupled with a weakened ability to address the resulting humanitarian and economic crises, contributing to a deep sense of alienation among youth and undermining their national awareness and political engagement.

Youth are a vital pillar of society, particularly during times of crisis and rebuilding. Successful societies invest in their youth, shaping them to embody their aspirations, values, and collective goals.

In the Palestinian context, youth have always been central to the pursuit of national aspirations. From the British Mandate to the ongoing Israeli occupation, they have been the driving force in the struggle against various forms of aggression.

Historically, Palestinian youth have led the national liberation movement across different eras, from the Buraq Revolution in the 1920s to the efforts toward establishing a Palestinian state.

Palestinian youth face dual marginalization —first, as part of a population enduring the oppression of occupation that denies their rights and freedoms, and second, as a social group overlooked by their political parties and leaders. This neglect fosters widespread frustration, anxiety, and fear for the future among young people.

The sustainability of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and political parties, as well as their role as the sole legitimate representatives of the Palestinian people, hinges on their ability to engage youth and inspire their active participation in political life.

Youths’ disengagement from the political sphere not only jeopardizes the future of Palestinian political parties but also directly undermines the PLO’s capacity to represent the aspirations of the next generation of Palestinians.

According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, youth make up 22% of the total Palestinian population, with those aged 18-29 comprising 21.8% of the population in the Gaza Strip. However, Palestinian parties are increasingly seen by young people as irrelevant, as many feel that these parties can neither fulfill their aspirations nor address the challenges they face effectively.

Esteemed Secretaries-General of the Palestinian Political Parties,

Economic and social challenges, coupled with the lack of security, significantly hinder youths’ engagement and participation in public affairs, creating a frustrating environment that imposes heavy social and economic burdens on them. This demands your commitment to preserving the resilience of citizens and safeguarding the Palestinian collective identity, as youth are the foundation of any society striving for change and development.

Given the complexities of the Palestinian reality, today’s youth—empowered by their global connectivity through the Internet—have the potential and capacity to bring innovative solutions in politics, economics, culture, literature, and society. They can amplify the Palestinian cause on international platforms, making their inclusion indispensable.

The limited involvement of youth in the Palestinian political system undermines the sustainability of political movements and parties, fosters intellectual stagnation, and weakens the ability of the  PLO and other political entities to represent the aspirations of the next generation. Without youth participation, the Palestinian political system, in all its facets, forfeits crucial opportunities for progress and renewal.

Esteemed Members,

The current circumstances and the gravity of this stage demand intensified efforts from all components of the Palestinian political system. It is essential to take concrete and serious steps to involve youth in the political process, ensuring the preservation of the Palestinian collective identity.

Involving youth in shaping national discourse is not merely symbolic but a genuine means of empowering them and showcasing their active role in building Palestine's future. Such participation strengthens the credibility of the national narrative, aligning it with the aspirations of the Palestinian people and enabling it to respond effectively to rapid global changes and the needs of new generations.

Palestinian youth are the backbone of any national liberation movement. Empowering them to play an active role in political and partisan life not only enhances the standing of political parties and the PLO but also revitalizes national efforts, renews momentum, and shapes the future of the cause. The continuity of the struggle and the credibility of the national project hinge on engaging the 22% of society represented by youth.

Sincerely,

Dunya Mohamed Al-Awawda

Youth activist and participant in the “Symposia II” project implemented by REFORM Association.

The opinions expressed in this article are the author's views and not necessarily the Association's or donor's opinion.