The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is formed.

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was established in 1964 during a summit of the Arab League in Cairo. Its creation was encouraged by Arab governments, particularly Egypt under Gamal Abdel Nasser, as a way to organize Palestinian nationalism and represent Palestinian interests after the displacement caused by the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Initially led by Ahmad Shukeiri, the organization aimed to unify various Palestinian groups and pursue the liberation of Palestine through political and military means. During its early years, however, the PLO was heavily influenced by surrounding Arab states and lacked independent authority among Palestinians themselves.

The organization changed significantly after the 1967 Six-Day War, when Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, and other territories. Following the defeat of Arab armies, Palestinian guerrilla groups gained greater popularity, especially Fatah led by Yasser Arafat. In 1969, Arafat became chairman of the PLO, transforming it into a more independent and influential movement. During the 1970s, the PLO became internationally recognized as the representative of the Palestinian people. The organization combined diplomatic efforts with armed struggle, carrying out guerrilla operations against Israel while also seeking recognition from the international community. In 1974, the United Nations granted the PLO observer status, marking a major diplomatic achievement.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the PLO operated from several Middle Eastern countries, including Jordan and later Lebanon. Tensions with the Jordanian government led to the violent conflict known as Black September, after which the organization relocated to Lebanon. The PLO became deeply involved in the Lebanese Civil War and faced repeated military confrontations with Israel. In 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon, forcing the PLO leadership to move its headquarters to Tunisia. During this period, the organization gradually shifted from emphasizing armed struggle toward diplomacy and negotiation. In 1988, the PLO formally recognized Israel’s right to exist and declared support for a two-state solution, signaling a major change in strategy.

The most important turning point in the PLO’s history came with the Oslo Accords in the 1990s. Secret negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian representatives resulted in mutual recognition between Israel and the PLO in 1993. The agreements created the Palestinian National Authority (PA), which was given limited self-rule in parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Yasser Arafat returned to Palestinian territories and became president of the PA. Although the Oslo process raised hopes for peace, many issues—including borders, refugees, settlements, and the status of Jerusalem—remained unresolved. In later years, the PLO’s influence declined somewhat due to political divisions among Palestinians, especially the rise of Hamas, but the PLO continues to be internationally recognized as the official representative of the Palestinian people.