The Evolution of Palestinian Resistance: From Armed Struggle to Popular Resistance

The Palestinian resistance movement has undergone significant evolution over the decades, transforming from primarily armed struggle in its early phases to a diverse range of resistance strategies that include nonviolent protest, economic boycotts, legal challenges, and international advocacy.

This evolution reflects both changing global political contexts and strategic reassessments within the Palestinian liberation movement itself. Understanding this history provides important context for current resistance efforts and possible future directions.

Early Armed Resistance (1960s-1980s)

Following the Nakba (catastrophe) of 1948 and the further occupation of Palestinian territories in 1967, armed resistance emerged as the dominant strategy. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and various factions conducted armed operations, viewing military resistance as the only viable path to liberation in an era when many colonized peoples were engaging in armed struggles for independence.

"The international community had failed to uphold Palestinian rights through diplomatic channels," explains historian Dr. Rashid Khalidi. "In this context, armed resistance was seen as the only option for a people facing military occupation and dispossession."

The First Intifada (1987-1993)

The First Intifada marked a significant shift toward mass popular resistance. While not entirely nonviolent, it was characterized by widespread civil disobedience, general strikes, tax resistance, and stone-throwing rather than armed operations.

This uprising demonstrated the power of popular mobilization and brought international attention to the Palestinian cause. It also led to the Madrid Conference and eventually the Oslo Accords, though many Palestinians view these diplomatic outcomes as having failed to deliver justice or end the occupation.

Post-Oslo Period and Second Intifada

The failure of the Oslo process and continued expansion of settlements led to the Second Intifada (2000-2005), which was more militarized than the first. However, this period also saw the growth of nonviolent resistance strategies, particularly in villages affected by the construction of the separation wall.

Weekly protests in villages like Bil'in and Ni'lin brought together Palestinians, Israeli activists, and international supporters in nonviolent demonstrations against land confiscation. These protests, while focused on specific local issues, represented a strategic shift toward resistance methods that could garner international support.

Rise of the BDS Movement

In 2005, Palestinian civil society organizations launched the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, explicitly modeling their approach on the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. This strategy focuses on applying economic, cultural, and academic pressure rather than direct confrontation.

"BDS represents a strategic choice to engage global civil society in the Palestinian struggle," says Omar Barghouti, co-founder of the movement. "It's a rights-based approach that appeals to international law and universal principles of human rights."

The movement has gained significant traction internationally, with numerous companies, artists, and academic institutions joining various forms of boycott or divestment.

Legal Resistance

Another evolving form of resistance involves legal challenges in international forums. The Palestinian Authority's accession to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and various UN bodies has opened new avenues for challenging the occupation through legal mechanisms.

Palestinian and international human rights organizations have documented violations of international law and filed cases in various courts, including domestic courts in third countries under universal jurisdiction principles.

Cultural and Academic Resistance

Cultural resistance has become increasingly prominent, with Palestinian artists, writers, filmmakers, and academics using their work to preserve Palestinian identity and challenge dominant narratives. Universities in Palestine have become important centers of knowledge production and resistance to intellectual colonization.

"Sumud" (steadfastness) – the determination to remain on the land despite hardship – has also emerged as a form of everyday resistance. Farmers continuing to cultivate their land despite restrictions, families rebuilding homes after demolitions, and students persisting in their education despite checkpoints all embody this principle.

Current Landscape

Today's Palestinian resistance landscape is diverse and multifaceted. Different strategies coexist, sometimes in tension with each other but often complementary. Armed resistance continues primarily in Gaza, while popular resistance, BDS campaigns, legal challenges, and cultural resistance are prominent in the West Bank and among Palestinian citizens of Israel and the diaspora.

This diversity reflects both tactical considerations and philosophical differences within the Palestinian movement. Some argue that a diversity of resistance methods strengthens the overall struggle, while others advocate for more unified strategic direction.

As the occupation continues and diplomatic solutions appear increasingly remote, Palestinians continue to adapt their resistance strategies to changing circumstances while maintaining their fundamental demands for freedom, justice, and equality.