The Palestinian Issue Flashcards
What became a real possibility at the end of the 1970s?
Peace between Egypt and Israel.
What seemed very unlikely as the focus shifted to Lebanon?
Peace between Israel and the PLO.
When was Arafat’s speech to the UN?
1974
What happened in October 1974 regarding the PLO?
The Arab League formally recognized the PLO and its chairman (Arafat) as the sole representative of Palestinians.
What did Arafat declare in his speech to the UN in 1974?
Arafat declared his desire for peace and justice for Palestinians while warning of continuing violence.
What status did the UN grant to the PLO?
The UN gave the PLO ‘observer status,’ allowing them to participate in UN discussions about Palestinians.
How did Israelis generally react to the recognition of the PLO?
Many Israelis were furious, viewing the PLO and Arafat as terrorists not interested in peace.
Why was the recognition of the PLO by the Arab League significant?
It gave the PLO a presence on the world stage and a single Palestinian leader for negotiations.
What did the UN gain by giving the PLO ‘observer status’?
The UN gained a designated representative to participate in discussions about Palestinians.
Where did the PLO move to after being expelled from Jordan?
Lebanon.
What did the PLO launch from Lebanon after their arrival?
Raids on Israel
What hope did the PLO’s arrival give to the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon?
Hope for a better future
What services did the PLO provide in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon?
Schools, health clinics, repaired roads, and provided electricity and fresh water
What did the PLO do to reinforce Palestinian identity in Lebanon?
Flew the Palestinian flag, taught Palestinian songs, and ran Palestinian youth groups
What term was used to describe South Lebanon after it became a stronghold for the PLO?
Fatahland.
Why did Lebanese Christians feel threatened by the PLO?
The PLO posed a challenge to the authority of the Lebanese government, and there were fears of PLO influence.
What did Lebanese Christians do in response to the PLO’s presence, leading to the involvement of Israel and Syria?
Set up paramilitary forces to fight against the PLO; Israel supplied weapons, and Syria sent troops to support the Christians.
What event in March 1978 led to a significant Israeli military operation in Lebanon?
Coastal Road Massacre
What happened during the Coastal Road Massacre?
PLO militants hijacked a bus, and 38 Israeli civilians (including 13 children) were killed, and 71 were injured.
What was the name of the Israeli military operation in Lebanon that followed the Coastal Road Massacre?
Operation Litani (15th March 1978)
What was the PLO’s response to the Israeli invasion during Operation Litani?
The PLO became a stronger fighting force, receiving Soviet weapons and launching anti-aircraft missiles on Israeli settlements.
What event on June 3, 1982, triggered Israel’s invasion of Lebanon?
Palestinians attempted to assassinate the Israeli ambassador to London.
What was the name of the massive invasion of Lebanon launched by Israel on June 6, 1982?
Operation Peace for Galilee
Why did Israel bomb towns as they moved north during Operation Peace for Galilee?
Israel wanted the complete removal of the PLO from Lebanon.
What did Israel do after surrounding Beirut, the PLO headquarters?
Bombarded it for two months, cutting off food, water, and electricity.