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{{Short description|Palestinian political faction}}
{{Distinguish|Palestine Liberation Organization}}
{{pp-30-500|small=yes}}
{{pp-30-500|small=yes}}
{{Infobox political party
{{Infobox political party
|name = Palestinian Liberation Front
| name = Palestinian Liberation Front
|native_name = جبهة التحرير الفلسطينية
| native_name = جبهة التحرير الفلسطينية
|native_name_lang = [[Arabic]]
| native_name_lang = [[Arabic]]
|logo = Plf.png
| logo = Plf.png
|logo_size = 150px
| logo_size = 150px
| colorcode = {{party color|Palestinian Liberation Front}}
|colorcode = #FF0000
|leader = Wasel Abu Yousef
| leader = Wasel Abu Yousef
| foundation = {{start date|1959}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/ps%7Dplf.html|title=Palestinian Liberation Front (Palestine)|website=www.crwflags.com}}</ref>
|foundation = {{start date|1961}}
|headquarters = [[Ramallah]], [[Palestine (region)|Palestine]]
| headquarters = [[Ramallah]], [[State of Palestine|Palestine]]
|ideology = [[Arab nationalism]]
| ideology = [[Palestinian nationalism]]
|national=[[Palestine Liberation Organization]]
| national = [[Palestine Liberation Organization|PLO]]
|website =
| website =
|footnotes =
| footnotes =
|country = Palestine}}
| country = Palestine
}}
The '''Palestinian Liberation Front''' ('''PLF''') (جبهة التحرير الفلسطينية) is a [[Palestinian people|Palestinian]] political faction.


The '''Palestinian Liberation Front''' ({{langx|ar|جبهة التحرير الفلسطينية}}, '''PLF''') is a [[Palestinian people|Palestinian]] political faction. Since 1997, the PLF has been a [[United States Department of State list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations|designated terrorist organization]] by the [[United States]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Foreign Terrorist Organizations|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/ct/rls/other/des/123085.htm |publisher=the U.S. State Department |access-date=19 September 2015}}</ref> and by [[Canada]] since 2003.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/ntnl-scrt/cntr-trrrsm/lstd-ntts/crrnt-lstd-ntts-en.aspx#48 | title=Currently listed entities | date=21 December 2018 }}</ref> The PLF has also been banned in [[Japan]].<ref name="Japan_ban">{{Cite web |url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2002/7/0705.html |title= Implementation of the Measures including the Freezing of Assets against Terrorists and the Like (Archived copy) |access-date=2013-11-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406134416/http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2002/7/0705.html |archive-date=2013-04-06 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Origins==
{{Unreferenced section|date=June 2006}}
The PLF was founded by [[Ahmed Jibril]] and [[Shafiq al-Hout]] in 1961, and enjoyed strong [[Syria]]n backing. In 1967 the PLF merged with two other groups, the [[Arab Nationalist Movement]]-affiliated Heroes of the Return (''abtal al-awda'') and the Young Avengers, to form the [[Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine]] (PFLP).


==Terrorist activities==
The PFLP was led by former ANM-leader [[George Habash]], but in April 1968 Jibril split from this group to form the [[Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – General Command]] (PFLP-GC), which returned to the strongly pro-Syrian position of the former PLF.


⚫
=== ''Achille Lauro'' hijacking ===
This eventually led to a reestablishment of the PLF, as the organization broke apart after Jibril's PFLP-GC had followed Syria into battle against the [[Palestine Liberation Organization]] (PLO) in 1976, during the [[Lebanese Civil War]]. Open fighting between the rival factions ensued, and only after mediation by [[Yassir Arafat]] did their relationship stabilize. On April 24, 1977, the PFLP-GC deserters formed the new PLF, under the leadership of [[Muhammad Zaidan]] (''Abu Abbas'') and Tal'at Ya'qub. Sporadic fighting continued between PFLP-GC and PLF, and included an August 1977 bombing of the PLF headquarters, which killed 200 people.
⚫
{{Main|Achille Lauro hijacking}}
⚫
One notorious incident was the hijacking of the Italian cruise ship [[MS Achille Lauro|MS ''Achille Lauro'']] on 7 October 1985. The hijackers' original aim was to use the ship to slip into [[Israel]]. However, crew members discovered them cleaning weapons, and the group then seized control of the ship, murdering an elderly wheelchair-dependent [[Jew]]ish New Yorker, [[Leon Klinghoffer]].<ref>Rubenberg, C.A. (2010) The Encyclopedia Of The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Lynne Rienner, Publishers.</ref>


⚫
US fighter planes later forced down the [[Egypt]]ian aircraft in which [[Abu Abbas]] was escaping following a negotiated end of the hijacking, and forced it to land at a [[USAF]] base on [[Sigonella]], [[Sicily]]. The Italians let Abbas go, but subsequently sentenced him to five life sentences ''in absentia.'' Abbas was expelled from Tunisia and established his headquarters in [[Baghdad]], [[Iraq]].
⚫
==PLF in recent years==
⚫
The leaders of the PLF were active in the PLO with Abu Abbas acting as PLF representative in the PLO's executive committee. During the years after the PLO signed the 1993 [[Oslo Accords]], which the PLF opposes, Abu Abbas agreed to abandon [[terrorism]] and acknowledged Israel's [[right to exist]]. The movement maintained offices in the [[Palestinian Territories]], Lebanon and Iraq, but its activities dwindled. It has a low level of support in the [[West Bank]] and [[Gaza Strip]], and its main strength lies in the Lebanese [[refugee camp]]s, where it is reported to have coordinated with Fatah against various Syrian-backed factions.

⚫
In November 2001, 15 members of a PLF cell were arrested by Israeli authorities. Some of those captured had received military training in [[Iraq]]. The cell had been planning attacks in [[Jerusalem]], [[Tel Aviv]], and the Ben Gurion airport. The cell had already been involved in other terrorist activities including the murder of Israeli civilian Yuri Gushstein.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.cdi.org/terrorism/plf-pr.cfm|title=Terrorism|publisher=cdi.org|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060413193301/http://www.cdi.org/terrorism/plf-pr.cfm|archivedate=2006-04-13}}</ref>


⚫
The United States could have brought its own charges against Abbas, although a criminal complaint filed against him in 1986 was dropped a short time later without an indictment.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/04/16/sprj.irq.us.abu.abbas/index.html|title= U.S. mulls legal options after Abbas capture |date= April 17, 2003|publisher=CNN.com}}</ref>
⚫
During the US-led Operation Iraqi Freedom, [[Abu Abbas]] was captured in April 2003, by US forces. He died while in US custody in Iraq, reportedly of natural causes, on March 9, 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://library.nps.navy.mil/home/tgp/plf.htm |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2006-01-26 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060219090033/http://library.nps.navy.mil/home/tgp/plf.htm |archivedate=2006-02-19 }}</ref>

⚫
=== The ''Achille Lauro'' hijacking ===
⚫
{{main|Achille Lauro hijacking}}
⚫
One notorious incident was the hijacking of the Italian cruise ship [[MS Achille Lauro|MS ''Achille Lauro'']] on October 7, 1985. The hijackers' original aim was to use the ship to slip into [[Israel]]. However, crew members discovered them cleaning weapons, and the group then seized control of the ship, murdering an elderly wheelchair-dependent [[Jew]]ish New Yorker, [[Leon Klinghoffer]].<ref>Rubenberg, C.A. (2010) The Encyclopedia Of The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Lynne Rienner, Publishers.</ref>

⚫
US fighter planes later forced down the [[Egypt]]ian aircraft in which Abbas was escaping following a negotiated end of the hijacking, and forced it to land at a [[USAF]] base on [[Sigonella]], [[Sicily]]. The Italians let Abbas go, but subsequently sentenced him to five life sentences ''in absentia.'' Abbas was expelled from Tunisia and established his headquarters in [[Baghdad]], [[Iraq]].

⚫
The United States could have brought its own charges against Abbas, although a criminal complaint filed against him in 1986 was dropped a short time later without an indictment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/04/16/sprj.irq.us.abu.abbas/index.html|title= U.S. mulls legal options after Abbas capture |date= April 17, 2003|publisher=CNN.com}}</ref> As of 2015, the PLF is designated as a terrorist organization by the [[United States]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Foreign Terrorist Organizations|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/ct/rls/other/des/123085.htm|publisher=the U.S. State Department|accessdate=19 September 2015}}</ref>


=== 1990 beach raid ===
=== 1990 beach raid ===
In May 1990, the PLF launched an attack on Israel's Nizanim beach, near [[Tel Aviv]], urged on by Iraq to torpedo the moves towards a negotiated solution between the PLO and Israel. The attackers had intended to kill tourists and Israeli civilians, but this was prevented. However, the action was significant, in that the failure of [[Yasser Arafat]] to condemn this attack led to the United States backing out of the American–Palestinian dialogue that had begun in 1988. Despite Arafat's official silence on the issue, the PLF suffered heavy internal criticism within the PLO, and Abu Abbas had to step down from his seat on the executive committee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/irp/threat/terror_90/mideast.html|title=Patterns of Global Terrorism: 1990 – Middle East Overview|publisher=Federation of American Scientists}}</ref>
In May 1990, the PLF launched an attack on Israel's Nizanim beach, near [[Tel Aviv]], urged on by Iraq to torpedo the moves towards a negotiated solution between the PLO and Israel. The attackers had intended to kill tourists and Israeli civilians, but this was prevented. However, the action was significant, in that the failure of [[Yasser Arafat]] to condemn this attack led to the United States backing out of the American–Palestinian dialogue that had begun in 1988. Despite Arafat's official silence on the issue, the PLF suffered heavy internal criticism within the PLO, and Abu Abbas had to step down from his seat on the executive committee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/irp/threat/terror_90/mideast.html|title=Patterns of Global Terrorism: 1990 – Middle East Overview|publisher=Federation of American Scientists}}</ref>


⚫
==PLF in recent years==
==Foreign status==
⚫
PLF leaders were active in the PLO with [[Abu Abbas]] acting as PLF representative in the PLO's executive committee. During the years after the PLO signed the 1993 [[Oslo Accords]], which the PLF opposes, Abu Abbas agreed to abandon [[terrorism]] and acknowledged Israel's [[right to exist]]. The movement maintained offices in the [[Palestinian Territories]], Lebanon and Iraq, but its activities dwindled. It has a low level of support in the [[West Bank]] and [[Gaza Strip]], and its main strength lies in the Lebanese [[refugee camp]]s, where it is reported to have coordinated with Fatah against various Syrian-backed factions.
The Group is banned in [[Japan]].<ref name="Japan_ban">{{Cite web |url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2002/7/0705.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=2013-11-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406134416/http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2002/7/0705.html |archive-date=2013-04-06 |url-status=live }}</ref>

⚫
In November 2001, 15 members of a PLF cell were arrested by Israeli authorities. Some of those captured had received military training in [[Iraq]]. The cell had been planning attacks in [[Jerusalem]], [[Tel Aviv]], and Ben Gurion airport. The cell had already been involved in other terrorist activities including the murder of Israeli civilian Yuri Gushstein.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |url=http://www.cdi.org/terrorism/plf-pr.cfm|title=Terrorism|publisher=cdi.org|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060413193301/http://www.cdi.org/terrorism/plf-pr.cfm|archive-date=2006-04-13}}</ref>

⚫
During the US-led [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]], Abu Abbas was captured in April 2003 by US forces. He died on 9 March 2004 while in US custody in Iraq, reportedly of natural causes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://library.nps.navy.mil/home/tgp/plf.htm |title=Palestine Liberation Front (PLF) |access-date=2006-01-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060219090033/http://library.nps.navy.mil/home/tgp/plf.htm |archive-date=2006-02-19 }}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 53: Line 48:
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

{{Palestinian political parties}}
{{Palestinian political parties}}
{{Israeli-Palestinian conflict |Participants}}
{{Israeli-Palestinian conflict |Participants}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Anti-Israeli sentiment]]
⚫
[[Category:Political parties established in 1961]]
[[Category:Arab nationalism in the Palestinian territories]]
[[Category:Arab nationalism in the Palestinian territories]]
[[Category:Arab nationalist militant groups]]
[[Category:Arab nationalist militant groups]]
Line 63: Line 63:
[[Category:Organisations designated as terrorist by Japan]]
[[Category:Organisations designated as terrorist by Japan]]
[[Category:Organizations designated as terrorist by the United States]]
[[Category:Organizations designated as terrorist by the United States]]
[[Category:Organizations designated as terrorist in Asia]]
[[Category:Organizations based in Asia designated as terrorist]]
[[Category:Palestinian militant groups]]
[[Category:Palestinian militant groups]]
[[Category:Palestinian nationalist parties]]
[[Category:Palestinian nationalist parties]]
⚫
[[Category:Political parties established in 1961]]
[[Category:Socialist parties in the Palestinian territories]]
[[Category:Socialist parties in the Palestinian territories]]
[[Category:Organizations designated as terrorist by Canada]]
[[Category:Organizations designated as terrorist by Israel]]

Latest revision as of 08:53, 22 October 2024

Not to be confused with Palestine Liberation Organization.

Palestinian Liberation Front
جبهة التحرير الفلسطينية
LeaderWasel Abu Yousef
Founded1959 (1959)[1]
HeadquartersRamallah, Palestine
IdeologyPalestinian nationalism
National affiliationPLO

The Palestinian Liberation Front (Arabic: جبهة التحرير الفلسطينية, PLF) is a Palestinian political faction. Since 1997, the PLF has been a designated terrorist organization by the United States[2] and by Canada since 2003.[3] The PLF has also been banned in Japan.[4]

Terrorist activities

Achille Lauro hijacking

Main article: Achille Lauro hijacking

One notorious incident was the hijacking of the Italian cruise ship MS Achille Lauro on 7 October 1985. The hijackers' original aim was to use the ship to slip into Israel. However, crew members discovered them cleaning weapons, and the group then seized control of the ship, murdering an elderly wheelchair-dependent Jewish New Yorker, Leon Klinghoffer.[5]

US fighter planes later forced down the Egyptian aircraft in which Abu Abbas was escaping following a negotiated end of the hijacking, and forced it to land at a USAF base on Sigonella, Sicily. The Italians let Abbas go, but subsequently sentenced him to five life sentences in absentia. Abbas was expelled from Tunisia and established his headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq.

The United States could have brought its own charges against Abbas, although a criminal complaint filed against him in 1986 was dropped a short time later without an indictment.[6]

1990 beach raid

In May 1990, the PLF launched an attack on Israel's Nizanim beach, near Tel Aviv, urged on by Iraq to torpedo the moves towards a negotiated solution between the PLO and Israel. The attackers had intended to kill tourists and Israeli civilians, but this was prevented. However, the action was significant, in that the failure of Yasser Arafat to condemn this attack led to the United States backing out of the American–Palestinian dialogue that had begun in 1988. Despite Arafat's official silence on the issue, the PLF suffered heavy internal criticism within the PLO, and Abu Abbas had to step down from his seat on the executive committee.[7]

PLF in recent years

PLF leaders were active in the PLO with Abu Abbas acting as PLF representative in the PLO's executive committee. During the years after the PLO signed the 1993 Oslo Accords, which the PLF opposes, Abu Abbas agreed to abandon terrorism and acknowledged Israel's right to exist. The movement maintained offices in the Palestinian Territories, Lebanon and Iraq, but its activities dwindled. It has a low level of support in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and its main strength lies in the Lebanese refugee camps, where it is reported to have coordinated with Fatah against various Syrian-backed factions.

In November 2001, 15 members of a PLF cell were arrested by Israeli authorities. Some of those captured had received military training in Iraq. The cell had been planning attacks in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Ben Gurion airport. The cell had already been involved in other terrorist activities including the murder of Israeli civilian Yuri Gushstein.[8]

During the US-led Operation Iraqi Freedom, Abu Abbas was captured in April 2003 by US forces. He died on 9 March 2004 while in US custody in Iraq, reportedly of natural causes.[9]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Palestinian Liberation Front (Palestine)". www.crwflags.com.
  2. ^ "Foreign Terrorist Organizations". the U.S. State Department. Retrieved 19 September 2015.
  3. ^ "Currently listed entities". 21 December 2018.
  4. ^ "Implementation of the Measures including the Freezing of Assets against Terrorists and the Like (Archived copy)". Archived from the original on 2013-04-06. Retrieved 2013-11-21.
  5. ^ Rubenberg, C.A. (2010) The Encyclopedia Of The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Lynne Rienner, Publishers.
  6. ^ "U.S. mulls legal options after Abbas capture". CNN.com. April 17, 2003.
  7. ^ "Patterns of Global Terrorism: 1990 – Middle East Overview". Federation of American Scientists.
  8. ^ "Terrorism". cdi.org. Archived from the original on 2006-04-13.
  9. ^ "Palestine Liberation Front (PLF)". Archived from the original on 2006-02-19. Retrieved 2006-01-26.
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