After the genocide: an end of cycle in the Palestinian National Movement?

Abstract

The Palestinian National Movement (PNM) faces one of the most challenging junctures in its history following the genocide in Gaza, changes in the regional balance of power, and new trends in global politics. During the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) made significant advances on the regional and international political and diplomatic scene. However, after signing the Oslo Accords in 1993, it began a rapid decline by linking its fate to this frustrated process. Since then, the division within the PNM has increased, with two self-governing entities (Fatah in the West Bank and Hamas in the Gaza Strip), both of which have proven equally dependent and weak. Their respective strategic approaches were at odds with and neutralized each other. Both have failed equally, mainly due to the balance of power favoring Israel and the unconditional support of the United States. All trends indicate that the current situation will not change and could even worsen. This is evident from the growing Israeli offensive in the West Bank, parallel to the human and material devastation in Gaza. At this crucial moment in its history, the PNM is entering a new and uncertain political cycle, which requires a critical review of its trajectory, with a renewal and unification of its strategic repertoire.