Understanding the History of Palestinian Resistance, From Displacement to the Fight for Rights and Independence
The Palestinian resistance movement is not merely a response to occupation; it is moreover a way of thinking and a deep ideology that has evolved over decades. The history of Palestinian resistance shows that this spirit is rooted in depth of the life of Palestinians, particularly those displaced from their homeland. Resistance is the story of individuals and groups who have fought against oppression to reclaim their rights and identity, such as the key figures and movements, including the refugees from Jaffa, Palestinian fighters in Jordan, Imam Musa al-Sadr, and the Amal movement.
Following the 1948 war, the refugees faced immense challenges, yet they remained steadfast in their commitment to resistance. Similarly, the Palestinian fighters in Jordan organized themselves into various resistance groups, maintaining their struggle against Israeli occupation despite facing expulsion and violence.
Imam Musa al-Sadr emerged as a key figure, advocating for unity among Lebanese and Palestinian resistance movements. His leadership and ideology inspired many to join the fight against oppression, emphasizing the interconnection among resistance forces across borders. The Amal movement, founded under his guidance, further solidified this alliance, promoting social justice and political reform while supporting Palestinian rights.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of these factors, illustrating how the history of Palestinian resistance is shaped beyond a specific time and place.
The Connection Between the Concept of Resistance and the Factors Shaping the History of Palestinian Resistance
What exactly do we mean when we speak of the history of Palestinian resistance? Resistance is a mindset and ideology that transcend specific times and places. Therefore, when we refer to the history of Palestinian resistance, we must trace the footprints of this ideology across different eras, locations, and individuals. This broad perspective reveals a wide network of individuals, organizations, parties, and nations either aligned with or opposed to the idea of resistance.
On the surface, the history of Palestinian resistance might seem confined to a specific time frame, beginning with the occupation of Palestine and continuing to the present. However, in reality, it is a study of two opposing ideologies: those who support resistance in the pursuit of justice and truth, and those who oppose it. With this context in mind, this article aims to explore the history of resistance through the lens of the first militant groups formed by refugees from Jaffa, Palestinian fighters in Jordan, Imam Musa Sadr, the Amal Movement [1], and the role each of them played in the history of Palestinian resistance.
Following the occupation of Palestine by the illegitimate state of Israel, numerous Palestinian movements emerged with the goal of resistance. Initially, these movements were unorganized, but over time, they adopted a more structured approach as the ideology of resistance gained strength. Two notable examples include the militant groups formed by refugees from Jaffa and the Palestinian fighters in Jordan; these refugees, after being forcibly displaced from their homeland, were compelled to migrate to neighboring countries. The challenges and crises faced by these refugees ultimately led to changes and events that directly influenced the history of Palestinian resistance.
As mentioned earlier, the issue of Palestinian resistance is not confined to the people of Palestine alone. It also encompasses individuals and groups from other parts of the world who are connected to this cause. Examining the thoughts and actions of Imam Musa Sadr and reviewing the activities of the Amal Movement will provide insight into the impact and consequences of the resistance ideology on groups and individuals beyond Palestine’s borders.
The Role of Jaffa’s Palestinian Refugees in the History of Palestinian Resistance
Jaffa [2] was one of the oldest and most historic cities in Palestine, recognized as a commercial gateway and cultural capital for Palestinians. It was often referred to as the “Bride of Palestine” and the “Bride of the Sea” [3]. However, today, Jaffa no longer exists as an independent city, having been merged with Tel Aviv.
Jaffa’s prosperous history in agriculture, culture, trade, and heritage dates back to before the 1948 occupation. With the formal establishment of the Jewish state of Israel in 1948, many cities in Palestine were thrust into turmoil, conflict, and protests against this unjust law. Jaffa became one of the central battlegrounds of this war, which ultimately led to the expulsion and displacement of nearly 95% of its population. These refugees relocated to other parts of Palestine or neighboring countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt, settling in refugee camps. A comparison of Palestine’s past and present reveals that Israel’s policies toward the people of this land remain unchanged. Even today, over 80% of Palestinians face displacement; though the refugees of the past came from Jaffa, while today, we witness widespread displacement of people in Gaza.
Despite facing hardships such as unemployment and a lack of access to essential services, education, and healthcare, Jaffa’s refugees neither lost hope nor abandoned their ideals. Even in exile, they continually sought ways to resist, fight for their Identity, and demand their lost rights. The resistance of these refugees manifested in various forms: social roles, political resistance, and armed struggle.
Before its occupation and the war with Israel, Jaffa thrived in agriculture, industry, trade, and cultural and educational development. This prosperity allowed Jaffa’s refugees, even during exile, to establish cultural, educational, and social organizations to educate and nurture the new generation while preserving and promoting Palestinian culture. They understood that without cultural preservation, a nation cannot effectively fight to maintain its identity. The cultural and social struggles of Jaffa’s refugees not only kept the spirit of hope alive among Palestinians but also laid the essential groundwork for political resistance and armed struggle.
The first fighters among Jaffa’s refugees became a significant part of the Palestinian resistance movement and a symbol of freedom and defiance for Palestinians. They had a profound influence on the resistance efforts against Zionist occupiers, with many later joining the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) [4], one of the earliest resistance groups. A closer look at the origins of resistance groups like the PLO, Hamas [5], and Palestinian Islamic Jihad [6] highlights the critical role of Palestinian refugees and their struggles in founding and shaping these organizations. The formation of these resistance groups and their use of political and diplomatic tools gradually raised global awareness of the Palestinian cause, the plight of Palestinian refugees, and the oppressive actions of the Zionist occupiers.
One of the most important objectives pursued by Palestinian resistance groups was armed confrontation with Israel, the liberation of all occupied territories, and the establishment of a Palestinian state. These goals remain unchanged even after several decades, and the bloody struggle to achieve them continues.
Although the first militant groups formed by Jaffa’s refugees were eventually replaced by other resistance organizations, their establishment of methods of resistance left a profound impact on the history of Palestinian resistance and on subsequent generations. Decades after the displacement of Palestinians began, the fight against Zionist forces persists. Even today, young Palestinian children raise their fists and chant slogans of resistance and freedom, embodying the enduring spirit of defiance.
The Connection Between Palestinian Fighters in Jordan and the History of Palestinian Resistance
The history of Palestinian resistance is marked by the presence of various militant and resistant groups, many of which were not geographically based within Palestine itself but fought with the aim of liberating the land from Zionist control. One such group consisted of Palestinian fighters in Jordan. The 1948 Nakba [7] in Palestine led to the displacement of thousands of Palestinians, many of whom fled to neighboring countries like Jordan. As one of Palestine’s neighboring states, Jordan has a history intertwined with the activities of Palestinian resistance groups [8].
Despite being exiled from their homeland, Palestinian fighters and refugees in Jordan remained steadfast in their struggle against Israeli occupation. In the early years of their presence in host countries, these militant refugees often worked to form and organize resistance groups. In Jordan, Palestinian fighters maintained connections with several resistance organizations, including the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the Fatah movement, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP). All these groups had active bases in Jordan.
By the early 1970s, the military activities of Palestinian fighters in Jordan had reached their peak. However, Israel, working behind the scenes to prevent the fighters from gaining strength in a base like Jordan, given its shared borders with occupied Palestine, intervened. It ultimately persuaded Jordanian authorities to expel Palestinian fighters. The pretext for this action was the claim that the fighters were causing disorder in Jordan, leading to clashes between Palestinian fighters and Jordanian officials. These tensions culminated in the events of “Black September,” a tragic incident that had devastating consequences for Palestinian fighters in Jordan.
After the Black September [9], which inflicted heavy losses on Palestinians and resulted in the massacre of thousands, Palestinian fighters and members of resistance groups, including Fatah and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), were expelled from Jordan and relocated to Syria and Lebanon. According to a ceasefire and peace agreement signed between Yasser Arafat, the leader of the PLO, and King Hussein of Jordan, Palestinian militants and fighters were no longer permitted to carry weapons or conduct operations on Jordanian territory.
The expulsion of Palestinian fighters from Jordan and their entry into Lebanon became a pivotal factor in heightening Israel’s sensitivity toward Lebanon and its subsequent interference in the country’s internal affairs. The presence and expansion of Palestinian resistance organizations in Lebanon [10] raised concerns for the illegitimate Israeli regime. Consequently, Israel initiated a project to foment a civil war by creating tensions between local Lebanese populations and Palestinian refugees. The assassination of a local church leader, falsely attributed to Palestinian fighters, further fueled conflict between the Palestinian militants and Lebanese authorities.
Two incidents, Sidon and Ain el-Remmaneh, are considered the first sparks of the Lebanese Civil War. These events involved clashes between the Kataeb Party (Phalange) and Palestinian and Lebanese forces. Key incidents that serve as milestones in understanding the civil war include: the fishermen’s protests in Sidon [11] led by Maarouf Saad, his injury and subsequent martyrdom, the assassination of Pierre Gemayel [12], leader of the Kataeb Party, and the killing of four of his bodyguards, as well as the attack by Kataeb members [13] on a bus carrying Palestinians and Lebanese, resulting in a massacre.
The Lebanese Civil War and Its aftermath hold significant importance in the history of Palestinian resistance. The war involved groups, movements, and individuals for whom the Palestinian cause and resistance were central. Notable among them were the Amal Movement and Imam Musa Sadr, who played crucial roles during this tumultuous period.
The Connection Between Imam Musa Sadr and the History of Palestinian Resistance
Sayyed Musa Sadr, widely known as Imam Musa Sadr, was one of the most prominent Shia figures in Lebanon, a pioneer of resistance ideology, and one of the most influential individuals in the history of Palestinian resistance. Through the establishment of various social and religious institutions, as well as his political efforts, he had a profound impact on the formation of resistance movements in Lebanon and beyond.
Lebanon in the 1960s and 1970s was a multicultural country rife with ethnic and religious tensions. Almost every community and sect had its own organizations and parties working to secure their respective interests. During this time, however, the Shia population faced significant economic and social hardships.
Imam Musa Sadr viewed Israel as an occupying regime and the primary cause of unrest and crises in the region. He firmly believed that silence in the face of aggression, occupation, injustice, and Israeli oppression was unacceptable. One of the most prominent topics associated with his name is the mystery of his abduction, which occurred in 1978 during his visit to Libya. This event remains shrouded in uncertainty, with occasional reports surfacing about his martyrdom or possible survival.
Imam Musa Sadr’s presence and ideas were so influential that his enemies saw eliminating him as the only way to counter his ideology. However, their mistake lay in failing to recognize that while they might succeed in removing his physical presence, his legacy, his ideology of resistance and the fight against the enemies of freedom and humanity could not be erased. The continued growth and expansion of resistance fronts and their spread beyond the borders of Palestine demonstrate that Imam Musa Sadr and other leaders of resistance carried out their mission and responsibilities with utmost effectiveness.
Amal Movement and the Link Between Lebanese and Palestinian Resistance
The Amal Movement [14] is one of Lebanon’s most significant political and social movements, founded in 1975 under the leadership of Imam Musa Sadr. This movement has had a profound impact on Lebanon’s political, social, and religious developments.
The primary goals of the Amal Movement included combating oppression against Lebanese Shia communities, strengthening religious and national identity, and implementing social and economic reforms. As the founder of this movement, Imam Musa Sadr consistently emphasized national unity and the collaboration of diverse Lebanese groups. He advocated for solidarity between Muslims, both Shia and Sunni, and other minorities to address Lebanon’s crises and challenges.
On the cultural and social front, the Amal Movement established schools, hospitals, and various social institutions. These services were not exclusive to the Shia community, demonstrating that the movement sought the development and resolution of crises for all segments of Lebanese society. In addition to its founding objectives, the Amal Movement adopted other approaches and stances in response to the prevailing conditions in Lebanon, the region, and the world. As a symbol of Lebanese resistance against occupation and a supporter of Palestinian struggles, the Amal Movement played a pivotal role in the history of Palestinian resistance.
From its inception, the Shia Amal Movement consistently supported Palestinian resistance efforts and maintained close cooperation with Palestinian resistance groups. These groups, all committed to defending the cause of resistance, frequently engaged in joint planning and shared military and operational experiences. This collaboration extended beyond strategy sharing to include the exchange of human resources and military equipment. Such cooperation highlights the shared objectives of resistance movements and organizations across different regions.
One of Amal Movement’s core beliefs was that the Palestinian cause was not merely a national issue confined to one country, nor solely an Arab matter. Instead, they regarded it as an Islamic and humanity issue. From this perspective, the Amal Movement argued that the Palestinian cause should become a shared concern for Muslims and all people worldwide. A key point about the Amal Movement is its connection to the formation of Hezbollah in Lebanon. After Imam Musa Sadr’s trip to Libya and his subsequent disappearance, the Amal Movement experienced internal disagreements among its members. These disputes led to the emergence of new factions, including “Islamic Amal,” “The Islamic Dawa Party,” and “The Gathering of Muslim Scholars (Islamic Group in Lebanon).” Eventually, these factions merged to form Hezbollah.
Despite differing viewpoints, the Amal Movement and Hezbollah remain aligned in their support for Palestinian resistance. Both groups continue to engage in various political, diplomatic, military, economic, cultural, and social activities to bolster the resistance front, each according to their unique capacities. When the spirit of resistance lives within a person, it transcends nationality, religion, country, or continent. This shared ideology and spirit unite individuals from across the globe to engage in common struggles, an event we are witnessing today: a global wave of human awakening in defense of Palestine. Today, people of diverse races, religions, languages, and nationalities are playing pivotal roles in the history of Palestinian resistance. These individuals resemble pieces of a puzzle, working collectively to complete a larger, final design for the world. How familiar are we with this ultimate vision? Have we discovered our role in shaping it?
Conclusion
The history of Palestinian resistance is a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals and groups who have faced immense challenges in their quest for justice. From the early fighters in Jaffa to the influential role of Imam Musa al-Sadr and the Amal movement, the narrative of resistance is full of stories of struggle, sacrifice, and solidarity. This study highlights the importance of understanding the ideological underpinnings of resistance, as well as the socio-political contexts that have shaped these movements.
The ongoing fight for Palestinian rights is not merely a local issue; it is rather a global issue, inspiring unity among diverse communities, which is a need to stand against oppression. The spirit of resistance reminds that the quest for justice is a collective endeavor, transcending borders and identities. The history of Palestinian resistance will undoubtedly influence future generations, promoting hope and willpower in the face of adversity.
References
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[9]. Najem, Tom, and Roy Amore. Historical Dictionary of Lebanon. 2nd edition, p. 57.
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