PFLP seeks return to prominence in Palestinian affairs
In an unprecedented move in Palestinian politics, the PFLP's leadership has resigned to pave the way for younger activists to rejuvenate the party.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) celebrated its 46th anniversary on Dec. 7 in one of Gaza City’s largest arenas, where, in an unprecedented move in the history of Palestinian factions, it announced that members of its old-guard leadership were relinquishing their posts to give new generations the opportunity to assume leadership roles. According to a statement released by the PFLP that day, this decision was taken “so that democracy may be safeguarded and renewal guaranteed, thus ensuring that the Front and the revolution be maintained and protected from aging, calcification and bureaucracy.”
This move surprised some politicians and even embarrassed others. Yet, it raised a number of questions pertaining to its effectiveness in infusing new blood into the largest leftist Palestinian organization, which reigned supreme among populist Palestinian organizations during the 1970s.
