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How significant was Fatah in determining the nature of Palestinian-Israeli relations to 2005?

Level

O LEVEL

Year Examined

2019

Topic

ISRAELIS AND PALESTINIANS SINCE 1945

👑Complete Model Essay

How significant was Fatah in determining the nature of Palestinian-Israeli relations to 2005?

Was Fatah the Decisive Factor in Shaping Palestinian-Israeli Relations Until 2005?

While Fatah played a significant role in defining Palestinian-Israeli relations until 2005, arguing that they were the *decisivefactor is an oversimplification. While their early militancy exacerbated the conflict, other crucial elements, including Israeli policies, international actors, and the rise of new Palestinian factions like Hamas, exerted equally significant influence.

Fatah's Impact: Escalation and the Armed Struggle

Formed in 1959, Fatah, under Yasser Arafat, undeniably steered the Palestinian struggle towards armed resistance. Their guerrilla raids into Israel from neighboring states, culminating in their first terror attack in 1965, inflamed tensions. Their attacks on Israeli civilian and infrastructure targets during 1965-67 solidified their image as a militant organization and contributed to the escalation of violence. Their integration into the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1964 further amplified their influence. Fatah's ideology, centered on the "armed struggle" and the liberation of Palestine through force, resonated with displaced Palestinians languishing in refugee camps across the Middle East.

Beyond Fatah: The Complexities of the Conflict

However, focusing solely on Fatah risks overlooking the multifaceted nature of the conflict. Israeli policies played a crucial role. The fluctuating approaches of Labor and Likud governments, ranging from attempts at peace negotiations to actions perceived as aggression, significantly shaped the trajectory of relations. The Six-Day War in 1967, for instance, dramatically altered the geopolitical landscape, further complicating Palestinian-Israeli relations.

Furthermore, external actors like the United Nations, with its peacekeeping efforts, and the United States, particularly under the mediation of Henry Kissinger, played critical roles. The Camp David Accords (1978) and the Oslo Accords (1993), while ultimately unsuccessful in achieving a lasting peace, demonstrated the importance of international efforts and the pursuit of diplomatic solutions.

Finally, the emergence of Hamas in the 1980s challenged Fatah's dominance and introduced a new layer of complexity. Hamas's more hardline stance and commitment to armed struggle presented a significant obstacle to peace efforts.

Conclusion: A Multifaceted Narrative

In conclusion, while Fatah's early militancy and their central role in the Palestinian struggle undoubtedly impacted Israeli-Palestinian relations, their influence was not absolute. Attributing the complexities of the conflict solely to Fatah ignores the critical contributions of Israeli policies, international interventions, and the rise of other Palestinian factions like Hamas. A balanced understanding necessitates acknowledging the interplay of these various factors in shaping the tumultuous relationship between Israelis and Palestinians up to 2005.

**Sources:**

Fawaz A. Gerges, *The Superpowers and the Middle East: Regional Transformation and Challenge(1994)
Rashid Khalidi, *The Iron Cage: The Story of the Palestinian Struggle for Statehood(2006)

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THESIS: Fatah's role in shaping Palestinian-Israeli relations was significant until 2005, primarily through its advocacy for armed resistance and its influence within the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).

I. Establishment and Ideology
Fatah was founded in 1959 as a nationalist movement seeking to liberate Palestine from Israeli occupation.
Its ideology emphasized the use of armed struggle against Israel and the return of Palestinian refugees to their homeland.

II. Role within the PLO
Fatah played a central role in the formation of the PLO in 1964, becoming the dominant faction within the organization.
Yasser Arafat, Fatah's leader, became the Chairman of the PLO.

III. Armed Struggle and Terrorism
Fatah launched numerous guerrilla raids into Israel, carrying out attacks on civilians and military targets.
The group's first major terrorist attack occurred in 1965, marking the beginning of a wave of violence that continued for years.

IV. Impact on Palestinian Society
Fatah gained significant support within Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria.
Its militant stance resonated with Palestinians who felt marginalized and displaced.

V. Diplomatic Stalemate
Despite its military strength, Fatah was unable to achieve its goals through armed struggle alone.
Negotiations with Israel proved difficult due to Fatah's uncompromising position and Israel's security concerns.

VI. Road to Diplomacy
In the late 1980s, Fatah under Arafat shifted its focus from armed resistance to political negotiations.
This led to the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993, which established the Palestinian National Authority.

VII. Ongoing Significance
Until 2005, Fatah remained a major force in Palestinian-Israeli relations.
Its legacy of armed struggle and its role in the establishment of the Palestinian National Authority continue to shape the ongoing conflict.

Extracts from Mark Schemes

How significant was Fatah in determining the nature of Palestinian-Israeli relations to 2005?

YES:
Al-Fatah formed in 1959 to launch guerrilla raids into Israel; joined with other groups to form PLO in 1964; dedicated to return of Palestine to Arabs; promoted use of force; gained followers in refugee camps in Lebanon, Jordan and Syria; 1965 first terror attack by Al-Fatah in Israel; 1965–1967 – Fatah bomb attacks on Israeli villages and railroads, etc.

NO:
More significant – future PLO under Arafat promoted peace process; Israeli governments – Labor Party and Likud had differing aims at times; Israeli aggression; UN role in peacekeeping; US intervention – Kissinger; Camp David talks; Oslo Accords; growth of Hamas, etc.

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