Respectful Secretary-Generals of the Palestinian parties,

Greetings,

 

Subject: National Requirements from the PLO and Palestinian Parties in Light of Current Political Transformations

Political parties play a crucial role in shaping the Palestinian reality, bearing the responsibility for planning and preserving the land and resources. Likewise, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and political parties hold a central position in the national struggle, tasked with organizing, strategizing, and politically representing a people who continue to face persistent challenges.

The Palestine Liberation Organization: Historical Role and Current Challenges:

Established in 1964, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) has been at the forefront of the Palestinian national struggle, championing the pursuit of Palestinian rights. For decades, it has served as the political representative of the Palestinian people on the international stage. However, in the aftermath of the Oslo Accords and amid escalating political crises, the organization has faced significant structural challenges, particularly in redefining its relationship with the Palestinian Authority. As the occupation persists and aggression against the Palestinian people continues, questions have emerged about the PLO's ability to reclaim its role as a unifying national leadership. Can it adapt to embrace all factions and political forces, while fostering democratic representation and achieving national consensus?

Palestinian Parties: Between Ideology and the Demands of the Current Phase

Palestinian parties, both those within the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and those outside it, have played a crucial role in shaping the political and social landscape of Palestine. Since the Nakba, these parties have worked to develop visions and political programs aligned with all forms of legitimate resistance, as guaranteed by law. However, these forces now face an existential challenge: their ability to adapt to the evolving dynamics of the conflict, as well as regional and international policies.

Among the main challenges Palestinian parties currently face are the internal political divide, which remains a significant barrier to building a unified national strategy; weak engagement with younger generations, as factions struggle to attract youth and empower them to actively participate in decision-making; and regional alliances, particularly in terms of their alignment with the goals of national liberation and independence.

Additionally, the lack of a regulatory law governing the work of Palestinian parties has made it difficult for them to secure the necessary funding to implement their programs on the ground, hindering their ability to fulfill the aspirations of their members and Palestinian society at large.

The Role of Political Parties Amidst the War on Gaza

The Israeli aggression on Gaza has underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive reassessment of the roles of Palestinian political parties and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole representative and unifying entity of the Palestinian people. It has become increasingly apparent that a significant gap exists between the political reality and the aspirations of the Palestinian street. While political forces outside the PLO are leading the direct confrontation with the occupation—through either active resistance or managing negotiations to end the aggression and oversee Gaza's recovery—some Palestinian parties are struggling to formulate a clear and impactful political discourse. They face challenges in effectively communicating the urgent need to end the aggression and implement international agreements and resolutions aimed at establishing an independent Palestinian state. In contrast, some intellectuals and activists have emerged in an attempt to bridge this gap, while others remain caught in peripheral debates on social media, failing to develop concrete intellectual and political initiatives capable of creating meaningful transformation.

National Requirements for a Unifying National Strategy

In accordance with the agreements reached during the various reconciliation rounds, the activation of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as a comprehensive national framework has become an urgent necessity. This requires the rebuilding of the organization’s institutions to make them more representative and inclusive of all Palestinian factions, alongside strengthening political partnerships between parties to ensure the unification of the Palestinian narrative both internally and externally. Furthermore, it is crucial to involve youth and women in decision-making processes at all levels to ensure a more dynamic and responsive representation that meets the challenges of the current phase.

A unified approach should be adopted, one that integrates political, diplomatic, and field actions, driven by a cohesive and comprehensive vision. Ultimately, adopting a forward-looking and renewed vision can significantly contribute to restoring the PLO’s representative capacity, confronting the occupation, and addressing internal challenges. This approach will help unite Palestinians under the banner of national liberation, state-building, and pave the way for a more cohesive, independent political future while ensuring the peaceful transfer of power.

 

With deep respect and appreciation,

Mohammed Al-Umla

Participant in the Symposia project – REFORM Association

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