PLO's Impact on Peace Process

The Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) played a significant role in the developments of the peace process. Formed in 1964, the PLO aimed to secure the return of the Palestinian homeland. The organisation's creation provided a unified voice for Palestinians and allowed for greater international awareness of their cause.

One significant aspect of the PLO's impact was its ability to recruit Palestinians from refugee camps, thereby giving voice to those who had been displaced as a result of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This increased solidarity within the Palestinian community and highlighted the urgency of addressing the refugee crisis.

Moreover, in 1974, Yasser Arafat, the leader of the PLO, was invited to address the United Nations General Assembly. This platform allowed him to spread awareness of the Palestinian cause and garner international support. The recognition of the PLO as the sole representative of the Palestinian people further legitimized the organisation and its mission.

The PLO's diplomatic efforts were also crucial to the peace process. Arafat worked towards building better relations with the United States and Jordan, which paved the way for future negotiations. In 1993, the Oslo Accords were facilitated by the Declaration of Principles, a document agreed upon between Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. These accords eventually led to the creation of the Palestinian Authority, giving Palestinians some degree of self-governance.

However, it is important to acknowledge the criticisms leveled against the PLO. During the 1970s, extremist factions within the organisation, such as Black September, engaged in acts of terrorism. These incidents caused the PLO to be viewed with suspicion and marginalized its influence during the Lebanese War, forcing its leadership to flee the region.

Additionally, the PLO's support for Saddam Hussein during the Gulf War in the early 1990s further damaged its international standing. This support was seen as a betrayal by some Arab nations and hindered the PLO's ability to garner support for its cause.

Moreover, the expansion of Israeli settlements in Gaza and the West Bank further exacerbated tensions and gave rise to more militant groups, such as Hamas. These developments contributed to a more complex and protracted peace process.

While acknowledging these criticisms and acknowledging the role of other factors, it is clear that the PLO played a significant role in the peace process, particularly in terms of international recognition and diplomacy. The organisation's formation and efforts ultimately contributed to the establishment of the Palestinian Authority and represented a crucial step towards addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.