Peace was negotiated by leaders and states — but the conflict was lived, and fought, by ordinary Palestinians. This lesson examines the conflict from the ground: the rise of Palestinian nationalism and the two uprisings that reshaped it.
The PLO and Palestinian nationalism
The Palestine Liberation Organisation, led for decades by Yasser Arafat, became the principal vehicle of Palestinian nationalism. Its strategy evolved over time — from armed struggle and, in some periods, acts of terrorism that drew international condemnation, toward diplomacy and the mutual recognition of Oslo.
The refugee experience
The Palestinian refugees displaced in 1948 and 1967, and their descendants, lived in camps across the region under UNRWA's care. The unresolved "right of return" remained one of the conflict's hardest issues — a human reality underlying every negotiation.
Two uprisings
- The First Intifada (1987) — a largely grassroots uprising of protests, strikes and stone-throwing against occupation. Its images shifted international opinion and helped push both sides toward Oslo.
- The Second Intifada (2000) — far more violent, erupting after the failure of the Camp David Summit. Suicide bombings and military reprisals hardened positions and badly damaged the peace process.
Let's contrast the two Intifadas and their effects.
| Feature | First Intifada (1987) | Second Intifada (2000) |
|---|---|---|
| Character | Largely grassroots; protests, strikes, stones | More violent; bombings and reprisals |
| Trigger | Frustration with occupation | Failure of the Camp David Summit |
| Effect on peace | Helped push both sides toward Oslo | Hardened positions; damaged the process |
Discuss: why did two uprisings against the same occupation have such opposite effects on the prospects for peace?
Q1. What was the PLO and who led it for most of the period?
Q2. Explain why the Palestinian refugee question was such an obstacle to peace.
Q3. Analyse how the First and Second Intifadas had different effects on the peace process.