Response #6

As we have learned, not all non-violent social movements throughout history have been successful. Specifically in the MENA region, we have seen the Green Party in Iran fail, as well as the first Palestinian Intifada. In his work, Souad Dijani explains the struggles and successes of the Palestinian Intifada against the Israeli occupation. The Palestinian Intifada had two main goals: to eliminate Israeli governance in the Palestinian territories, and create new institutions and “social structures” that would eventually help establish a Palestinian State. 

The first goal of the intifada was proven hard to reach, however. Not only were Palestinian municipalities replaced by Israeli officials, the Israeli military had a large presence in the Palestinian territory and held authority over legislative and administrative processes. Therefore, the intifada had little success in influencing and changing politics in the region. Nevertheless, Palestinians did have success in preaching their struggles and cause for change in Israel. Over 50 Israeli peace groups announced their support for the Palestinian intifada and helped to end the Israeli occupation. The intifada was even successful in rendering support from Zionist groups, because Zionists believed that the Israeli occupation was not beneficial for the growth and reputation of Israel. That being said, the intifada influenced Israeli society by gaining support for their cause and making their struggles more noticeable. Additionally, many Israeli soldiers denounced the occupation in the Palestinian territories, and opted out of being stationed there. 

The first intifada also had a large affect on Palestinian society as well, both beneficial and costly. At first, the intifada was extremely disorganized and failed to create plans for the future for unexpected actions by the Israeli government or military. In addition, because little political progress was being made, fighting and violence began to break out, despite the image of the intifada being a non-violent social movement. Nevertheless, big advancements in the role of women were created through the intifada. Women were able to play a prominent role in the fight against the Israeli occupation, especially in grassroots organizations. This struggle for Palestinian independence also influenced the desire for equal women’s rights, helping feminism flourish in the MENA region. Specific grassroots committees were created during the intifada that gave Palestinians an opportunity to participate in the movement. Grassroots committees were key in the Palestinian intifada to spread support. 

Despite these advances in Palestinian and Israeli societies, the first Palestinian Intifada never met their main goal of eliminating Israeli occupation in the territories, and still struggles today to gain statehood.