The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a key force in early Palestinian militancy, was significantly shaped by communist ideology and received backing from the Soviet Union. Founded in 1967 by George Habash, the secular Marxist-Leninist organization joined the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1968. As noted by Visegrád 24 in a recent social media post, "With the Soviet back, Palestinian militancy was deeply shaped by communism in the early years. The PFLP, led by George Habash, joined PLO in 1968. Its Marxist ideology was murderous."
The PFLP emerged from the Arab Nationalist Movement, embracing a revolutionary ideology that combined Arab nationalism with Marxist principles. Its core objective was the liberation of all historic Palestine through armed struggle, advocating for a single democratic Palestinian state and rejecting a two-state solution or the existence of Israel. This uncompromising stance positioned it as a radical element within the broader Palestinian resistance.
The Soviet Union played a crucial role in supporting various Palestinian militant groups, including the PFLP, by providing funding, training, and arms. By the early 1970s, the Soviets viewed the Palestinian movement as a vanguard of Arab liberation, with the PLO even establishing an embassy in Moscow in 1974. This support was part of a broader Cold War strategy, where the Soviet Union utilized these groups as proxies.
The PFLP gained notoriety for pioneering armed aircraft hijackings in the late 1960s and early 1970s, targeting both Israeli and non-Israeli interests to draw international attention to the Palestinian cause. The group has been designated a terrorist organization by several nations, including the United States, Japan, Canada, and the European Union. Its actions included the 2001 assassination of Israeli Tourism Minister Rechavam Ze’evi.
While its influence has waned compared to Islamist groups like Hamas, the PFLP remains active and its historical impact on Palestinian militancy, particularly its ideological underpinnings and early tactics, is undeniable. The organization's foundational principles and methods continue to be a subject of historical and political analysis.