On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Yasser Arafat's death, Abbas Zaki, a member of the Fatah Central Committee, reflected on the current state of the Fatah movement and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in an interview with Al Jazeera. Zaki expressed concerns that Fatah is not leading the Palestinian cause effectively and that its decision-making power has been diminished, stating that the movement's direction is now largely in the hands of the Palestinian Authority. He noted that the PLO has become intertwined with the Authority, leading to confusion and a lack of clarity in its role due to the absence of its institutional framework and conferences.
Zaki emphasized that the legacy of Arafat continues to resonate, highlighting his ability to unite various factions and his global recognition as a leader of the Palestinian struggle. He argued that the current leadership must not lose sight of Arafat's vision of national unity and the importance of resistance against Israeli occupation, which he described as necessary for the liberation of Palestine. Zaki also pointed out the need for Fatah to redefine itself as a movement focused on liberation rather than political deals, advocating for a return to the principles of armed struggle when beneficial to the Palestinian cause.
Despite the challenges facing Fatah, Zaki believes that the movement has the potential to regain its influence by reconnecting with its roots and mobilizing support from the Palestinian people. He called for a separation between the PLO and the Authority to restore Fatah's political significance and effectiveness. Zaki warned against the marginalization of the PLO, stressing that it cannot be easily replaced and must adapt to the evolving political landscape. He concluded by asserting that the pursuit of full membership in the United Nations could alter the dynamics of Palestinian leadership and the role of the PLO moving forward.
