The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is a political and paramilitary organization founded in 1964 to represent the Palestinian people and their national aspirations. It has been recognized internationally as the “sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people” and played a central role in Palestinian self-determination and diplomacy.
The PLO was established under the auspices of the Arab League to unify various Palestinian groups and articulate a collective political program. It comprises several factions, including Fatah, the largest and most influential, as well as leftist and nationalist organizations. Its deliberative body, the Palestinian National Council, serves as a quasi-parliament for Palestinians worldwide.
Initially advocating armed struggle against Israel to liberate Palestine, the PLO’s approach evolved toward diplomacy and negotiation. In 1988, it formally accepted United Nations resolutions recognizing Israel’s right to exist and proclaimed the independent State of Palestine. This shift paved the way for direct peace negotiations.
The PLO signed the 1993 Oslo Accords with Israel, which led to mutual recognition and the creation of the Palestinian Authority to administer parts of the West Bank and Gaza. Although the peace process remains stalled, the PLO continues to represent Palestinians in international forums and maintains diplomatic missions worldwide.
Now led by Mahmoud Abbas, the PLO remains the principal international voice of the Palestinian national movement. Despite internal divisions—particularly with Hamas—it retains formal diplomatic recognition and observer status at the United Nations.