First intifada

Definition

The first intifada was a Palestinian uprising against Israeli rule that lasted from 1987 to 1993. It was characterized by widespread protests, civil disobedience, and violent confrontations, reflecting the deep-seated frustrations of Palestinians living under occupation. This movement played a significant role in the rise of political Islam in the Arab world, as various Islamic groups emerged and gained support during this time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first intifada began in December 1987, sparked by an incident involving an Israeli military vehicle that killed four Palestinians.
2. Protest tactics included boycotts of Israeli goods, strikes, and nonviolent demonstrations, alongside more violent confrontations with Israeli soldiers.
3. The uprising saw the rise of grassroots organizations and leadership within Palestinian communities, highlighting their demands for self-determination.
4. The first intifada led to increased international attention on the Palestinian cause and helped change perceptions of Palestinians among global audiences.
5. By the end of the first intifada in 1993, it set the stage for the Oslo Accords, marking a significant shift in Israeli-Palestinian relations.

Review Questions

• How did the first intifada influence the emergence of political Islam within Palestinian society?
  • The first intifada significantly influenced the emergence of political Islam as it created a space for Islamic organizations, particularly Hamas, to gain prominence. Amidst the frustration with Israeli occupation and lack of progress from secular leadership like the PLO, many Palestinians turned to Islamic movements for guidance and support. The social services provided by these groups during the intifada helped bolster their popularity and political clout, demonstrating a shift towards religiously-oriented politics.
• Analyze how the tactics used during the first intifada reflect broader trends in Palestinian resistance movements at the time.
  • The tactics employed during the first intifada mirrored broader trends in resistance movements worldwide by emphasizing grassroots organization, civil disobedience, and nonviolent protest alongside direct confrontation. This blend allowed Palestinians to assert their identity and demands against a powerful military presence while also gaining international sympathy. The successful mobilization of diverse sectors of society showcased a unified front against oppression, which inspired other movements across the Arab world dealing with similar struggles.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the first intifada on Israeli-Palestinian relations and its significance for subsequent peace processes.
  • The long-term impact of the first intifada on Israeli-Palestinian relations is profound, as it shifted dynamics toward negotiations seen in initiatives like the Oslo Accords. By demonstrating Palestinian resilience and organization, it forced Israeli leadership to recognize Palestinian aspirations for statehood. However, it also laid bare divisions within Palestinian society between secular and religious factions, complicating future negotiations. The first intifada thus not only catalyzed political discourse but also foreshadowed ongoing tensions that would challenge peace efforts in subsequent years.

Related terms

PLO: The Palestine Liberation Organization, founded in 1964, aimed to establish an independent Palestinian state and became the recognized representative of the Palestinian people.

Hamas: An Islamic resistance movement founded in 1987 during the first intifada, which advocates for armed struggle against Israel and has significant political and social influence in Palestinian territories.

Oslo Accords: A set of agreements between Israel and the PLO that aimed to achieve peace and establish a framework for Palestinian self-governance following the first intifada.