How Palestinian women led successful non-violent resistance

The Foundations of the First Intifada: 

Elements and Conditions for Grassroots Resistance

The First Intifada, which began in 1987, stands as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and unity of the Palestinian people in the face of occupation. Far from being a spontaneous outburst, the Intifada was the product of years of intellectual, social, and organizational preparation within Palestinian society. This remarkable grassroots movement reshaped global perceptions of the Palestinian struggle and demonstrated the power of collective civil resistance.

1. Intellectual and Civil Society Maturity

During the 1970s and 1980s, Palestinian society in the Occupied Territories of the West Bank and Gaza witnessed a flourishing of intellectual activity. Cities like Birzeit, Jerusalem, Nablus, and Al-Bireh became hubs for debates, discussions, and activism. This intellectual environment nurtured a politically aware and engaged society, which understood the complexities of their struggle and sought innovative solutions to confront Israeli occupation.

This period saw the rise of unions, civil organizations, and grassroots movements that bridged the gaps between different segments of society. Through structured dialogue and collective action, these organizations cultivated a shared vision of resistance that extended beyond armed conflict to encompass education, healthcare, and social solidarity.

2. Organized Networks of Support

The civil society of this era developed trusted networks of support that were critical in building an underground infrastructure. These networks provided resources, disseminated information, and ensured that communities were prepared for long-term resistance. The culture of mutual support created a foundation of trust and collaboration that transcended political and social divides, enabling the Intifada to sustain itself for years.

3. Clear Opposition and Unifying Enemy

Before the Oslo Accords, the Israeli occupation was represented by soldiers in uniform, speaking a different language, and visibly opposing Palestinian aspirations. This stark division galvanized Palestinian society, unifying its members against a common and clearly identifiable adversary. The presence of an external oppressor reinforced solidarity and focused efforts on collective resistance.

4. Grassroots Leadership

Local leadership, deeply embedded within Palestinian society, played a crucial role in organizing the Intifada. These leaders understood the needs and aspirations of their communities and were able to mobilize people effectively. Unlike the corrupt exiled leadership, grassroots leaders prioritized the collective good over personal gain, earning the trust and respect of the population.

5. The Spirit of Innovation

Faced with the limitations of ineffective armed resistance post-1967 and the failures of the exiled leadership, Palestinians turned to innovative methods of resistance. The First Intifada was characterized by widespread civil disobedience, strikes, boycotts, and peaceful protests that captured global attention and garnered international support. This unique form of resistance became a model of how oppressed societies could confront powerful adversaries without resorting to conventional warfare.

The Betrayal of Oslo and Erosion of Achievements

The Oslo Accords of the 1990s marked a turning point, but not the one many had hoped for. The establishment of the Palestinian Authority (PA), born out of secretive deals between Israel and the exiled leadership, betrayed the grassroots achievements of the First Intifada.

Where Israeli oppression had failed to break Palestinian society, the PA succeeded in infiltrating and eroding it from within. Speaking the same language and presenting itself as a liberator, the PA used deceptive rhetoric to mask its authoritarian practices. Over three decades, its actions, coordinated with Israeli intelligence, systematically silenced dissent, cracked down on civil society, and delegitimized Palestinian resistance.

Lessons and the Call to Return to Basics

The First Intifada’s success was rooted in its grassroots nature, intellectual maturity, and collective organization. To regain these strengths, Palestinians must critically assess the role of the PA and its complicity in undermining their struggle. The PA has revealed itself not as a vehicle for liberation, but as an agent of erosion, emboldening Israeli policies and weakening Palestinian society from within.

The current moment demands courage and clarity. By exposing the PA’s real nature and returning to the principles that guided the First Intifada, Palestinians can rebuild their civil society and reclaim their path toward liberation. The global community, especially human rights advocates, must recognize these dynamics to ensure their efforts genuinely support the aspirations of the Palestinian people.

Understanding the Depth of Underground Grassroots Movement

The First Intifada (1987–1993) remains one of the most significant and misunderstood grassroots movements in Palestinian history. Often depicted in the West as merely a wave of stone-throwing protests, this uprising was far deeper, embodying a complex and highly organized civil resistance that engaged nearly all segments of Palestinian society.

Key Aspects of the First Intifada:

1. Grassroots Organization and Parallel Institutions

The First Intifada was not solely a reaction to the Israeli occupation; it was a proactive movement to build autonomy and challenge occupation through the creation of parallel institutions. Palestinian society organized itself to create alternatives to the occupying power's institutions:

• Health and Education: Networks of underground schools and clinics were established to provide services independently of Israeli oversight.

• Agriculture and Economy: Boycotts of Israeli goods were coupled with local food production initiatives to sustain Palestinian communities economically.

• Social Cohesion: Neighborhood committees coordinated community efforts, including dispute resolution, mutual aid, and support for families affected by arrests or raids.

This infrastructure reflected the people's aspiration for self-reliance, preparing the groundwork for an independent state.

2. Leadership by Women

Women played a pivotal role in the First Intifada. They led much of the underground resistance. Women’s committees managed food distribution, ran underground schools, and facilitated communication between different parts of the movement. Their leadership was integral to maintaining the movement’s cohesion and success.

Unfortunately, as the Oslo Accords emerged, the formalization of leadership roles largely sidelined women, marking a departure from the inclusive leadership of the grassroots movement. This marginalization had long-term implications for Palestinian society, as it removed a key source of organizational strength and innovation.

3. Nonviolent Resistance and Strategic Coordination

Although the image of stone-throwing youth became emblematic, the First Intifada's core strategy was nonviolent resistance:

• General strikes, boycotts, and mass protests disrupted the occupation's economic and administrative machinery.

• Leaflets distributed by underground networks provided clear guidance for coordinated actions.

• Symbolic actions, like refusing to pay taxes, underscored the movement's defiance of Israeli control.

4. Global Recognition of "Intifada"

The term "Intifada" was not translated into equivalent terms like "uprising" because its meaning transcends these descriptors. It conveys a profound act of collective self-assertion and resistance. The global retention of the Arabic term reflects its specificity and the unique model of resistance it represented, far more than mere rebellion, it was a cultural and political reawakening.

Challenges and Misrepresentation

• Post-Intifada Politics: The grassroots leadership and infrastructure of the First Intifada were dismantled as external actors and the formalized Palestinian Authority (PA) emerged post-Oslo. This transition marked a significant rupture with the movement's ideals and methods.

• Misunderstanding of Depth: Much of the world, including Palestinians in the diaspora, remains unaware of the organizational depth of the First Intifada. This misunderstanding reduces it to a symbolic moment rather than appreciating it as a sophisticated model of resistance.

The First Intifada is a testament to the power of organized, collective action in the face of systemic oppression. Its emphasis on grassroots mobilization, inclusivity, and resilience serves as a valuable model for resistance movements worldwide. Recognizing and understanding its complexity is crucial not only for Palestinians but also for global solidarity movements, as it offers lessons in how to sustain meaningful resistance and build a foundation for future self-determination.

Beyond the Dichotomy of Armed Conflict: 

Highlighting the Power of Unarmed Resistance

Palestinians often fall into the trap of simplifying the conflict as a dichotomy between two opposing military forces: the Israeli military state and the armed resistance. This narrative overlooks the vital, unarmed resistance led by Palestinian civil society, which has historically played a pivotal role in the struggle for freedom. This form of resistance, rich in its grassroots infrastructure and collective participation, is often lost in translation and ignored by mainstream Western media.  

To counter this, Palestinians in the diaspora must shift the focus to what is overlooked, the resilience and efforts of indigenous unarmed civilians. Advocacy should prioritize highlighting these stories while communicating in a responsible and welcoming manner. By understanding that many people lack knowledge due to media censorship, Palestinians can engage constructively, using their voices to inform and inspire solidarity. Such an approach not only conveys the message effectively but also builds bridges with global audiences, ensuring the broader struggle for justice is not overshadowed by narrow, militarized narratives.

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Unarmed

The First Intifada leadership embraced non-violent resistance, mobilizing the Palestinian population without relying on armed tactics.

Accountable

Leaders of the First Intifada were more accountable for their actions, as the movement was rooted in the community and had to maintain credibility.

Knows the Ground

The leadership was intimately connected to the local realities and challenges, being directly present in the occupied territories.

Not Involved in Regional Interests

The focus of the First Intifada leadership was on the Palestinian cause and the rights of the people, without being entangled in broader regional interests.

Humble

Humility characterized the leaders of the First Intifada, as they sought to represent the genuine aspirations and struggles of the Palestinian people.

Culture of Values and Rights

The leadership of the First Intifada was driven by a culture that emphasized human rights, dignity, and fundamental values.

Grassroot Activity

The movement originated from the grassroots, involving ordinary Palestinians in civil disobedience and protest activities.

Looking After the Poor

The leaders of the First Intifada were attentive to the needs of the impoverished segments of society, reflecting a commitment to social justice.

Depth and Strength

The strength of the First Intifada lay in its depth, drawing from the genuine sentiments of the Palestinian people.

Clear

The goals and objectives of the First Intifada were clear, focused on ending the Israeli occupation and achieving self-determination.

Honest

The leadership maintained honesty in its communication and actions, earning trust from the Palestinian population.

Avoiding Armed Clashes

The First Intifada leadership deliberately avoided armed clashes, recognising that such confrontations could strengthen the Israeli narrative.

The success of the First Intifada, rooted in its cultural alignment with the aspirations of the Palestinian people, contrasts with the shortcomings of a leadership that relied on outdated strategies and external dependencies.
The fundamental differences in mindset, approach, and impact between the First Intifada leadership and the traditional leadership in exile will be exposed in next sections.

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