PLO Declares Independent Palestinian State
Palestinian National Council proclaims independence in Algiers, recognizing Israel's right to exist and accepting UN Resolution 242.
The Palestinian National Council today proclaimed the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, in a historic session in Algiers that marks a fundamental shift in Palestinian strategy. PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat read the declaration of independence to thunderous applause from delegates.
In a dramatic policy reversal, the PNC voted to accept UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, implicitly recognizing Israel’s right to exist. The declaration calls for a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip with East Jerusalem as its capital, effectively endorsing a two-state solution.
The move comes after nearly a year of the Intifada uprising in the occupied territories, which has garnered international sympathy for the Palestinian cause while demonstrating the limits of armed resistance. Over 300 Palestinians and 12 Israelis have been killed since the uprising began.
Dozens of countries, primarily from the Arab world, Soviet bloc, and Non-Aligned Movement, have already recognized the Palestinian state. However, the United States and most Western nations have withheld recognition, demanding clearer renunciation of terrorism.
Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir dismissed the declaration as “meaningless,” insisting that the PLO remains a terrorist organization. However, some Israeli peace activists see it as a potential opening for negotiations.
The declaration represents a victory for Palestinian moderates over hardliners who opposed any compromise with Israel, signaling a possible shift from armed struggle to diplomatic engagement.