This is a set of short biographies of some of the major Palestinian political leaders since 1967.
The index of biographies may be useful for quick reference.
Please see the contact details at the end of the page if you are able to add to or correct any of
this information.
Mahmud ‘Abbas [Abu Mazin]: Fatah founder member and former PA prime minister. b.1935, Safad; a 1948
refugee to Syria. Began activism when based in Syria (where also gained a BA in law); went on to work as
director of personnel in Qatar’s civil service, & from there managed to organise Palestinian groups & came into
contact with nascent Fatah. Joined 1st central committee, but stayed away from the main Palestinian political
arena, eg residing in Damascus whilst PLO base was Beirut; key role in dealing with Fatah finances. Member of
PNC since 1968; also gained a PhD from Moscow Oriental College in History (on Zionism). Led negotiations
with Matityahu Peled that led to the announcement of "principles of peace" based on a 2 State solution (declared
1Jan77). Member of PLO-EC from Apr81; took over OTs portfolio after death of Abu Jihad. Served as PLO
head of international relations from 1984-2000. Commenced secret talks with Israelis through Dutch
intermediaries in 1989; & coordinated overall negotiating strategy during Madrid process. Oversaw negotiations
that led to Oslo Accords, signing DoP on behalf of PLO. Also led negotiations in Cairo that became the GazaJericho agreement & has headed the PLO’s Negotiating Affairs Department from its creation in 1994. His
account of the negotiations is Through Secret Channels: The Road to Oslo (1995). Has risen to position of
‘Arafat’s deputy, is Sec-Gen of the PLO-EC (from Apr96). Returned to Palestine in Jul95. Has also served as
head of the Palestinian Election Committee (1996-2002). His large new residences in Gaza and Ramallah have
led to accusations of corruption. Touted as a potential Prime Minister for Palestine, and held a meeting at his
house to discuss this on 23Sept02 - a prospect disowned in a subsequent Fatah statement. Strongly criticised the
direction of the armed intifada at a meeting of Fatah leaders in Gaza in midNov02, urging instead the cessation
of all military operations. ‘Arafat nominated him as the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority on 7Mar03,
and accepted this appointment on 19Mar03. An intense struggle with ‘Arafat over the composition of his cabinet
was resolved on 23Apr in his favour, after he won the support of the US/UK (and possibly Israel) in appointing
Dahlan to the internal security portfolio, with ‘Abbas himself taking on the position of interior minister. After
repeated disagreements with ‘Arafat, tendered his resignation on 6Sept03. Went on to succeed ‘Arafat as
chairman of PLO-EC after ‘Arafat's death in Nov04, and secured election as PA President in Jan05.
Muhammad ‘Abbas [Abu-l-‘Abbas]: leader of PLF. Different accounts either place him as b.1942 in Galilee or
b.1948, Yarmuk camp, Syria, from parents of al-Tira; refugee to Syria who studied English & Arabic literature at
Damascus Uni. After spell in PFLP, joined PFLP-GC in 1973 becoming its spokesperson. But opposed PF-GC’s
support for Syrian invasion of Lebanon > formed PLF in Apr77; seat on PLO-EC from Nov84. Was arrested
after Achille Lauro affair, after US diverted his plane to Sicily, but released after US failed to provide evidence;
subsequent trial in absentia in Italy convicted him to life imprisonment (Jun86). US also forced him off PLO-EC
in Oct91. Entered PA areas for Apr96 meeting of PNC, & apologised for murder of Leon Klinghoffer. Based in
Baghdad since 1995, he was arrested when US forces took the city on 15Apr03.
‘Issam ‘Abd al-Hadi: long term leader of GUPW. b.1928, Nablus & based there until 1969, active in West
Bank women's movement from 1949 & attended 1st PNC in this capacity, which led to the formal establishment
of GUPW in Jul65, based in Jerusalem with assistance of the PLO's Department of Popular Organizations.
Jordan banned activities of GUPW in 1966. Imprisoned & then deported (in Apr69) by Israel after arranging a
sit-in and hunger strike at the gates of the Holy Sepulchre church to protest Israel's killing of women in Gaza.
After deportation, initially worked through Save Jerusalem Committee in Amman. Then appointed to PLO-CC
where began reestablishing GUPW in Lebanon in 1974. Opposed phased plan in Jul74, & voted against
accepting SCR242 in 1988. Became president of General Union of Arab Women in 1981, & vice-pres of
International Democratic Union of Women (1981-92). Returned to West Bank in mid93.
Hayil ‘Abd al-Hamid [Abu al-Hawl]: former Fatah leader. Refugee from Safad to Yarmuk refugee camp, nr
Damascus; started in a school group, ‘Arab Filastin, which competed in League of Palestinian Students in
mid50s. Then with Hani al-Hasan, coordinated Palestinian activism from W.Germany, & led this group into a
merger with Fatah in 1963/4. Went on to lead Fatah groups in Egypt (which began to build relations with Nasir’s
government) & Syria. Military training in China (Jul-Dec67); & again, after appointed Fatah’s rep to Cairo, in
Egypt in mid69. Became head of security apparatus in Fatah from Apr73, taking over from Najjar, & co-opted
on this basis into Fatah-CC. Assassinated in Jan91, together with Salah Khalaf, by the Abu Nidal faction.
Fu’ad ‘Abd al-Karim [Abu Ahmad Fu’ad]: PFLP military commander. ANM cadre before 1967, then PFLP
sector commander for Jordan Valley (1967-70). A loyalist to Zabri, & promoted by him to military command in
1972. Is cousin of Sa‘id Muragha, whom he helped in plotting a coup in Jordan in mid70. Based in Damascus.
Khalid ‘Abd al-Majid: head of dissident faction of PPSF since Apr92, coordinating with the Damascus 10 in
opposition to Oslo. Based in Damascus.
Bakr ‘Abd al-Munaym: ambassador to Canada. b.1942, Ramleh; a 1948 refugee to Amman. Studied at Cairo
Uni as a Mechanical Engineer (BSc, 1966; MSc, 1975), heading a Jordanian power station in between for 7
years. Also obtained PhDs (Mech Eng in Czechoslovakia, 1983; Economics in Germany, 1985; Political Science
in USA, 1988). Served as representative of GUPS at the International Union of Students (of which he was vicepresident) from 1978-83. Member of the PNC from 1979; of Fatah-RC from 1989. PLO representative to Japan
(1983-95), during which time he wrote several works on Palestine in Japanese (Palestine in My Heart, 1991; The
PLO and the Gulf War, 1992; An Inside Story of the Middle East Peace Conference, 1993) as well as literary
works in Arabic. From Jun95, has been ambassador to Canada, resident in Ottowa. Website here.
As’ad ‘Abd al-Qadir (As’ad Sulayman Hasan ‘Abd al-Qadir: “Salah al-Ta‘mari”): veteran Fatah leader in West
Bank, from Bethlehem. b.1943(ish), son of a police station worker who left for Kuwait when he was young &
died there. Studied English lit at Cairo Uni, a Nasirite, but joined Fatah in 1965, & became S-G of GUPS in
Cairo. After 1967, was a Fatah commander in Jordan, taking control of Karama base. Also married Dina ‘Abd
al-Hamid, King Husayn’s ex-wife. Left Amman only after PLO-CC intervention in 1971; then worked in
S.Lebanon as the head of the PLO’s youth wing. Arrested by IDF in Sidon in 1982; after solitary confinement
for 3 months, was transferred to Ansar prison camp in S.Lebanon, where he became chairman of the internees’
committee (memoirs of this in ASQ7/3, 1985). Won position in PLC as an independent, when not placed on the
official slate, with easily the highest number of votes in the district; member of PLO-CC. Appointed spokesman
of PA's "Emergency committee for the defence of Palestinian lands" (famously meeting British foreign sec
Robin Cook at Jabal Abu Ghnaym in Mar98); and then given PA cabinet position, with new position to combat
settlements, in Aug98. Member of Negotiations Affairs Department, with special responsibility for Israeli
settlements. Headed Palestinian negotiating team to end the siege at the Church of the Nativity in May02. Lost
his position in the PA cabinet in reshuffle of 9Jun02; led support for the no-confidence motion of 11Sept02 that
led to the collective resignation of the PA cabinet. Profiles here and here; also relates his life story in Lynd, ed.,
Homeland, pp.66-70, 106-11, 122-45. Lives in Za'atra, SE of Jerusalem.
Hatim ‘Abd al-Qadir: leading Fatah member in Jerusalem. Started as a journalist before being imprisoned in
the intifada era. Won first place in Fatah's Jerusalem primaries in 1995 to be a candidate on the Fatah list for the
PLC elections. Became the secretary of the Jerusalem Committee in the PLC and member of the Public
Monitoring committee. Critic of corruption (calling for fresh elections in May97 budget scandal) & human rights
abuses, esp by Jibril Rajub’s force. Lives in Bayt Hanina; with election to PLC, opened his house for his
constituents to consult him, which he preserved despite Israeli attempts to force him to stop.
Tayyib ‘Abd al-Rahim (full name: al-Tayyib ‘Abd al-Rahim Mahmud ‘Abd al-Halim)[Abu al-Tayyib]:
Secretary to the PA presidency. Formerly, held a leftist position within the PLO; trained on a leadership course
in China for Fatah members (Jul-Dec67); director of Fatah broadcasting (1969-70), director of Sawt al-Filastin
radio (1973-8); PLO ambassador to China, Egypt, Yugoslavia. PNC member since 1977; Fatah-CC member,
representing Fatah in the PLO-CC since Aug89. PLC member (Fatah) for Tulkarm, with highest votes in district
(though only came 4th in the Fatah 1995 primary to select 4 candidates for the Fatah slate).
Ahmad ‘Abd al-Rahman (“Radwan”): PA cabinet secretary, advisor to ‘Arafat. Formerly, a communist who
started a leftist network in Fatah during the early1970s; became editor-in-chief of Filastin al-Thawra during the
mid70s, taking a strongly anti-Syria line during the Lebanon war. Later became head of Fatah’s information
services; Fatah-CC member from early90s.
As‘ad ‘Abd al-Rahman: Independent PLO-EC member formerly in charge of Refugees Affairs Department;
responsible for this issue in final status talks. b.1945, Jerusalem. Rose through ANM & PFLP, becoming
member of PNC in 1969; then left to become an advisor to PLO-RC from 1970; obtained PhD in polsci from
Uni.Calgary, Canada in 1973; then taught at Unis of Kuwait (1974-84) & Amman. Member of PLO-CC from
1977. Head of PA's High Council for Refugee Camps, established in late97. Resigned from the refugee portfolio
in 2000, at protest at the direction of the Camp David talks.
Hisham ‘Abd al-Raziq: leading Fatah member in Jabalya, which he represents on the PLC. b.1953, Rafah, from
a refugee family from Zarnuqa. Spent 21 years in Israeli jails, where he learnt fluent Hebrew and took a BA in
Israeli politics (also wrote a novel and two poetry collections); released in 1994. Appointed PA minister for
prisoner affairs Aug98-Jun02, and again from 29Oct02. Was one of the participants in the talks that led to the
formulation of the Geneva accord (Oct 03).
‘Umar ‘Abd al-Raziq: professor of economics at al-Najjah University and close to (but not a formal member of)
Hamas. b.1960, trained at Coe College in Iowa for his BA in maths, economics and computer sciences (1982);
then at Iowa State University in economics for his PhD (1986). Imprisoned by Israel until 14Mar06, on
allegations of running Hamas's finances. Appointed as minister of finance in Hamas government from 28Mar06.
Profile here.
Haydar ‘Abd al-Shafi: Gazan physician. b.Gaza, 1919, son of a Waqf custodian in Gaza & Hebron. Graduated
in medicine from AUB in 1943, working briefly in Jaffa hospital & as a medical officer with Jordanian army.
Member of Gazan Executive Council, directing medical services (1957-60); 1st chairman of legislative council
of Gaza (1962-4); when PLO established in 1964, was member of 1st PLO-EC (1964-5) & became a member of
the opposition to Shuqayri on it. Captured by Israel after ‘67, & held in isolated Sinai camp for 3 months in
1969; then deported for 2 months to Lebanon on 12Sept70 in retaliation for PFLP hijacking. Thereafter, was
founder & director of Palestinian Red Crescent soc from 1972, providing free medical care & a forum for
cultural activities. After vocal opposition to Camp David, was prevented from leaving Gaza, & Red Crescent
was threatened with closure. Highly respected non-partisan figure, tho with links to PCP/PPP. Former
Palestinian delegation leader to the Madrid Peace conference; resigned in Apr93, but resumed position under
pressure – only to urge the suspension of Palestinian participation in the talks in May93. Eventually made final
break with the Palestinian negotiating team over Oslo. Elected to PLC in 1996 as member for Gaza, gaining
highest number of votes of any member. Ran for speakership of the PLC, but lost to Qurai‘ by 57-31 votes;
instead took up leadership of the PLC’s political committee. Announced intention to resign from PLC in Oct97
on the grounds that it had been undermined by the PA Executive; came into effect from 30Mar98. Walked out of
Apr96 PNC meeting, after ‘Arafat refused to allow him to present his case for not amending the PN Charter until
Israel gave reciprocal recognition. A founding member of the Palestinian National Initiative, launched in Jun02.
(Adib) Yasir ‘Abd-Rabbu [Abu Bashir]: PA Cabinet Affairs minister from Apr03, previously serving as the
long-time minister of information, culture & the arts. Is S-G of Fida. b.Jaffa, 1944/45; MA in Economics &
Pol.Sci from Am.Uni Cairo. Came into ANM-PFLP around 1967, & was key figure in 1968 breakaway of
P/DFLP, of which he became its deputy S-G & its representative on PLO-EC from 1973, heading Info & Culture
department (1977-94). Has been consistently close to ‘Arafat, & took part in dialogue with Jordan & US 198890. After 1990-1 split & formation of Fida, he was a member of the Palestinian delegation to the Madrid talks &
helped to coordinate secret Oslo talks in 1993. Kept place in PLO-EC, where he heads the Media Department.
Appointed to head the negotiating team to the final status talks; announced his resignation in May00 when secret
talks in Sweden were revealed, but without effect. Mahmud ‘Abbas has sought to demote him in the PA to the
position of minister without portfolio from Apr03. Was the lead Palestinian participant in the talks that led to the
formulation of the Geneva accord (Oct 03).
Walid ‘Abd-Rabbu: Former PA minister of agriculture. Has a PhD in human resource management from the
US; served in Jordan's agriculture ministry, and later as a consultant to the PA's agriculture ministry.
Samir ‘Abdullah: Palestinian economist; serves as economic advisor and head of the Economic Policies
Department at the Palestinian Prime Minister's Office. A leading member of the PPP, chair of the Arab
Economists Association in Ramallah, editor of Palestine Economic Pulse, chief executive of the Palestinian
Trade Development Centre. Was part of the Palestinian delegation to the Madrid talks; but boycotted from
Apr93. Short article (8Jan04) on impediments to Arab economic growth is here.
Na‘im Abu al-Hummus: PA Minister of Education from 9Jun02. Previously served as under-secretary in the
Ministry of Education. b.1955, Bir Zayt, from a refugee family from Lydda. Holds a PhD in Education (San
Francisco State Uni) after originally taking his BA in education from Amman. Is a long-time member of Fatah,
acting as an observer to the Revolutionary Council. Worked as head of the education and psychology
departments at al-Najjah Uni (1982-89). Reportedly had resigned as a minister in May00 in protest at his
inability to raise teachers' salaries; reversed when an increase was secured.
Ziyad Abu Amr: PLC member for Gaza city, PA minister for culture. b.1950; BA in English lit & language
from Damascus Uni; worked as a teacher in Bahrain, Oman, Syria; then MA & PhD (1986) from Georgetown
Uni on comparative politics. Teaches pol sci at BZU; books on Islamist movements & politics in Gaza 1948-67.
Connected to Centre for Policy Analysis on Palestine (Washington) & Centre for Palestine Research & Studies
(Nablus). Chair of PLC Pol committee, member of PLO-CC. Opposed amending the PN Charter at Apr96 PNC,
until Israel gave reciprocal recognition of Palestinian right to statehood; criticised PA for arresting leftist
activists in Dec01 statement. Widely respected, he organised the talks between the 12 major Palestinian factions
within the WBG to determine the direction of the intifada in Jul-Aug02. Highly critical of the PA cabinet formed
on 29Oct02.
Radwan Abu Ayyash: journalist. b.1950, from Askar camp, Nablus. Starting work with al-Sha‘b from 1975, &
became editor of al-Awda (1982-6); headed Arab Journalists Assoc in OTs (1985-91), playing major role in
presenting the intifada to the foreign press. Leading Fatah member in the West Bank, advisor to the Palestinian
delegation at Madrid, & thereafter spokesman for Palestinian NGOs at UN. Appointed the head of the
Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation in 1993, based in Ramallah.
‘Abdullah Abu ‘Azza: former head of the Muslim Brotherhood in Gaza during the Israeli occupation of 195657; arrested in Feb57. Claims he opposed the creation of Fatah, but eventually resigned from the Ikhwan in 1972.
A member of the PNC from late70s/early80s; resigned in protest at the 1988 PNC acceptance of Israel. His book,
Ma‘a al-Haraka al-Islamiyya fi'l-Aqtar al-‘Arabiyya (1992) contains a detailed account of Fatah's formation.
Bahjat Abu Gharbiyya: Co-founder (with ‘Abdullah Rimawi and ‘Abdullah Nawas) of the Ba‘th Arab Party’s
branch in Ramallah in 1952. Member of the Executive Committee of the National Conference, demanding the
return of the Nabulsi government in 1957. Member of the first PLO-EC through his sympathies with PLF-PR,
where he was head of the opposition to Shuqayri; again on PLO-EC in 1971-72, as the rep of the PPSF. Joined
the Rejectionist front in 1974; stood as their candidate for presidency of the PNC in 1977, but beaten 172-69 by
Fahum. Now is head of the Ibrahimiyya college in Jerusalem; & is still active politically, eg addressing major
right of return rally in Amman in Dec01.
Mahmud Abu Hanud: former West Bank commander of Hamas' ‘Izz al-Din al-Qassam brigades. b.1967;
graduated from Islamic College in Jerusalem. Active in 1987 intifada, he was wounded by an Israeli bullet in
1988. Deported to Marj al-Zahur in Dec92, he is believed to have acquired military training whilst there. After
caught firing on settler vehicles near Nablus in 1994, was arrested by PA, though released soon after. Thought to
have been responsible for training those responsible for 4Sept97 attack on Ben Yehuda street. Israel attempted to
assassinate him in Asira al-Shamaliyya in Sept00, when the 3 Israeli soldiers were killed by their own side; he
surrendered to PA police, who held him until 18May01, when Israel bombed his prison in Nablus. Finally killed
on 23Nov01, when an Israeli missile hit his van outside Nablus.
Samir Abu ‘Isha: PA Minister of Planning from Mar06, a businessman from Nablus. Trained in civil
engineering at Pennsylvania State University (MA in 1984, PhD in 1987). Not formally a member of Hamas.
Mitri Abu ‘Ita: PA Minister of Tourism from Apr03; previously as minister of transport from 9Jun02, and as
Minister of Tourism and Archaeology, from Aug98. b.1941, Bethlehem. Trained as a lawyer (BA from
Damascus Uni), and served as chair of the Jordanian Bar Association (1994-98). A PLC member for Bethlehem,
received position to fulfil quota of Christian members; served as second deputy to the Speaker of the PLC until
his appointment as a minister.
Tannus Abu ‘Ita: A Christian from Bethlehem, was widely expected to be appointed PA Minister of Tourism in
the Hamas-led cabinet from Mar06, but dropped at the last moment.
Samih Abu Kuwayk [Qadri]: former Fatah leader. Originally a Ba‘thist, he joined Fatah in 1962-3, & served as
secretary to Fatah’s regional command in Jordan from 1969 (briefly replaced by Hani al-Hasan in early70),
became a member of Fatah-RC in Sept71, & assistant to Khalaf in Fatah’s Jordan Affairs Bureau (& maintained
contacts with Abu Nidal group). Led Fatah’s leftist “Vietnamese” line, & elected onto Fatah-CC in May80. Led
dissidents against ‘Arafat in Jan83; membership in Fatah-CC was frozen. As part of power struggle within the
“corrective movement”, led his faction into a short-lived merger with the Abu Nidal group to take charge of
dissident movement; but Syria seized his office & exiled his supporters.
Ibrahim Abu Lughod: leading Palestinian academic. b.1929, Jaffa, educated at Amariyya school (with Shafiq
al-Hut); settled in US after 1948, achieving his BA from Illinois & PhD from Princeton Uni in 1957. Went on to
work for Unesco in Egypt, & then later in 1980s in Beirut & Paris, leading team to assess the feasibility of a
Palestinian Open Uni in Beirut (abandoned with 1982 invasion). Taught polsci at Northwestern University in
1970s&80s; founded (1968) & led Association of Arab-American Uni Graduates. Elected to PNC in 1977; held
informal consultations with USSecSt George Shultz in 1988. Moved to Ramallah in 1991 (> had to give up PNC
position), & appointed vice-pres of BZU, helping to establish a faculty of graduate studies. Books inc The
Transformation of Palestine (1972) & The Arab Rediscovery of Europe (1963). d.23May01. Obituary here; more
extensively in LRB23/24 (13Dec01).
Musa Abu Marzuq: Former head of Hamas political bureau & a key figure in Hamas. b.1951, Gaza to a family
from Yabna (nr al-Majdal); studied mechanical engineering at Ayn Shams (Cairo) & worked in UAE industries
until 1981. Gained his MA in industrial science from Colorado State Uni and PhD in engineering from Louisiana
Tech University (1981-91), and he gained residency rights in the US. Became head of political bureau from its
creation in late92, then based in Jordan. Was 1st Hamas leader to publicly accept Israel within 48Ts, in the 1994
'Political Bureau Initiative' (for which he was criticised within Hamas); and is seen to prioritise the notion of
liberating Palestine above the Islamicisation of the struggle. Was 1st expelled from Jordan in Jul95, & arrested at
New York’s JFK airport. US dropped charges (May97) & returned to Jordan, only to be expelled again when
Hamas offices were closed in Aug99. A Yemeni national, he now operates from Damascus, serving as Khalid
Mish'al's deputy..
‘Abd al-Muhsin Abu Mayzar: PNF leader & PLO-EC member. b.1931/3 in Hebron, joined Ba‘th party whilst
studying law in Cairo in 1951; became a Jerusalem lawyer & member of Jerusalem city council from 1955.
Secretary of Ba‘th party in Jerusalem district from 1956, but went underground from 1957, before leaving for
Syria, where he became a leading Ba‘thist. Ed of al-Wahda newspaper from 1958, then ed-in-chief of Lebanese
daily al-Sahafa (1961-2), & ed. of Syrian official newspaper al-Ba‘th (1963-5). In 1964, was member of Syrian
delegation to NAM conference & part of committee drafting Syrian constitution. Returned to Jerusalem in 1965
amnesty, & after occupation was member of Islamic Supreme Council & leader of Higher Committee for
National Guidance. Acted within the PNF until deportation (Dec73); made head of PNF in Mar74 & appointed
to PLO-EC (Jun74) to serve as head of national, pan-Arab & returnee affairs; & then as EC spokesperson (197484). Left PLO-EC in 1984, & became official spokesman of the PNSF.
Furayh Abu Midayn: Former PA Minister for Justice, losing position in 9Jun02 reshuffle. Gaza lawyer (LLB
from Alexandria Uni, 1971). b.1944, Gaza, though family from Beersheba (where grandfather was mayor). Head
of Gaza Bar Assoc from 1989-94; member of Palestinian delegation to the Madrid process; pro-Fatah PLC
member for Dayr al-Balah. Most famous for calling for all Palestinians who sell land to Jews to be killed; for
justification of death sentences; and for denouncing Palestinians' NGO sector. Voted against Hebron
redeployment agreement.
‘Abd al-Karim Abu Salah: PA minister of justice from Apr03. b.1955, Khan Yunis. Trained as a lawyer, with a
BA in law and MA in International Relations (both at Cairo Uni). Independent PLC member for Khan Yunis, he
served as head of the PLC's legal committee; also a member of the PLC budget & financial affairs committee.
PLO-CC member.
Rashid Abu Shabak: Head of the Preventative Security Force in Gaza, from Jun02. Was previously the deputy
commander, under Dahlan. Offered resignation on 16Jul04, but seems to have been retained.
Ismail Abu Shanab: Hamas leader in Gaza. b.1955; trained as a construction engineer at Colorado State Uni
(from which he holds a Masters degree); teaches engineering at Gaza's Islamic Uni. Speaks fluent English.
Served as a deputy to Ahmad Yassin, & was imprisoned for 7 years for this. On release in late 96, led the Hamas
slate that won 8/11 seats on Gaza Engineering Association. Served as Hamas’ observer to the PLO-CC, and is
their rep to the National & Islamic Forces. Seems to accept a two-state settlement in a 1997 interview, and
accepted the Saudi peace plan in Apr02 interview, saying that Hamas would "cease all military activities" if
Israel withdrew to 1967 borders. Was the Hamas representative to the 2002 talks in Gaza of all the major
factions on a united Palestinian programme, and reportedly was involved in the drafting of the 10Aug draft
agreement. Killed in an Israeli attack on Gaza, 21Aug03.
Majid Abu Sharar: former Fatah leftist leader. Began in Muslim Brotherhood. Was Secretary of Fatah-RC from
Sept71 & director of the PLO unified information department from c.1973. Led the “Soviet group” within Fatah
with Nimr Salih. Elected onto Fatah-CC in May80, but was killed by an explosion (prob Mossad, maybe Abu
Nidal) in his hotel room on a visit to Rome in Oct81.
Bassam Abu Sharif (Bassam Tawfiq Abu Sharif) [Abu Umar]: former PFLP leader. b.1946, Old Jerusalem;
father had worked for Palestine Broadcasting Service before moving to Irbid. Studied at AUB (grad.1967) where
he became involved with ANM; founding member of PFLP, in CC from 1968, politburo from 1972. Deputy ed
(Jul69-) & ed (1972-) of al-Hadaf, & served as PF’s spokesman. Partially blinded by Mossad letter bomb
(25Jul72). Became sec to GUPWriters & Journalists (1972-), International Org of Journalists (1974-). Within PF,
favoured closer cooperation with Fatah; but removed from politburo when pro-Syria line under Abu ‘Ali came to
dominate in 1981; demoting to running external relations. In drawing closer to ‘Arafat, he met Husni Mubarak
(1987) > expelled from PF, & became special advisor to ‘Arafat. In a non-partisan role, could float compromise
plans (eg his Jun88 art for a 2 State solution) > preparing Palestinians for Madrid & Oslo compromises.
Returned to Ramallah in 1996, & retains role as ‘Arafat’s special advisor, often writing unofficial statements of
the Palestinian position. Co-authored Best of Enemies with Uzi Mahnaimi, an Israeli intelligence officer (1995).
Ziyad Abu Ziyad (Ziyad ‘Ali Khalil Abu Ziyad): b.1940, Bethany, Jerusalem. PLC member for Jerusalem;
served as PA minister for Jerusalem until position was eliminated on 9Jun02. Grad from Damascus Uni in law
(1965). Former editor of al-Fajr newspaper (from 1977), pro-Fatah; noted for his willingness to make
compromises with Israel; became ed & publisher of Gesher (Bridge, 1986-), a bi-monthly Hebrew-language
Palestinian newspaper. Nevertheless, was still arrested by Israel for “subversive activities” on 13Nov90. Head of
advisory committee to Madrid process. Delegate to ACRS multilateral talks. Remains co-editor of P-I Journal.
Became PA minister without portfolio in Aug98, then made minister for Jerusalem on Faysal al-Husayni’s death.
An in-depth interview on Jerusalem is here.
Ahmad ‘Afana [Abu al-Mu‘tasim]: former assistant chief of staff of al-‘Asifa; took over role from 1982.
Earlier, was a Syrian army officer, & then – after joining PLO – commanded PLO-LNM joint forces in Matn
area in Lebanese civil war. Based in Damascus. Reportedly coopted onto Fatah-CC. Refuses to enter PA area.
Zakariyya al-Agha: Head of Fatah High Command in Gaza since mid-1994 & so coopted as Fatah-CC member,
member of PLO-EC since Apr96 with responsibility for the Arab & IR department, & former PA minister for
housing from 1994. A medical doctor by training, from Gazan notable family. Was a Palestinian delegate to the
Madrid talks. An ‘Arafat loyalist, his nomination as leader in Gaza was strongly opposed by grassroots activists.
Failed in his bid to become a PLC member in Jan96, & left ministerial position. Led Fatah delegation for talks
with Hamas in Nov02, to agree a common strategy.
Albert Aghazarian: most prominent Palestinian Armenian. b.1950, Jerusalem; BA in polsci from AUB (1972).
Editorial board of al-Quds (1973-5), moving to teach & work in public relations at BZU. Headed press centre
during Madrid conference.
‘Abd al-Rahim Ahmad: head of ALF from 1975 (possibly '74) until his death in 1991. Was member of PLOEC from 1977, serving as head of the Department of Popular Organizations & also from 1982 as official
spokesperson.
Azzam al-Ahmad: PA minister of telecommunications and IT from Apr03 (previously minister of public works,
with housing portfolio added on 9Jun02). b.1947, Jenin. BA in Economics from Baghdad Uni. Head of GUPS in
Iraq from 1971-4; deputy head of GUPS' Executive Committee from 1974-80; PLO ambassador to Iraq from
1979-94. Fatah-RC member from 1989. A PLC member, was elected in the Jenin district as a Fatah candidate.
Shaykh Sa‘ad al-Din al-‘Alami: West Bank religious leader. b.1911, Jerusalem; became Shari‘a qadi in
Ramallah (1948-51), Nablus (1951-3); then Mufti of Jerusalem from 1953; also became member of the Shari‘a
appeal court in Jerusalem from Jul67, and went on to become head of the Islamic Board and Chief Qadi in the
West Bank for most of the 1970s & 1980s. Sympathetic towards Fatah, calling for Hafiz al-Asad’s death when
he expelled ‘Arafat & Wazir from Syria in Jun83. Died on 6Feb93.
Naji ‘Allush: Fatah dissenter, academic, poet. b.1935, Birzayt, where also educated. Moved to Kuwait in 1956,
& began publishing works on revolutionaries from 1960; major work inc al-Tariq ila Filastin (Beirut, 1968), and
his history of the 1936-39 revolt. An early recruit to Fatah, but maintained links with covert groups, inc the
nascent Abu Nidal splinter. Was the only Fatah delegate to oppose the "phased programme" in the PNC in
Jun74, & resigned position (in Fatah-RC - ?); and was briefly detained in Aug74, on the grounds of assisting
Abu Nidal. 4 collections of poetry from 1967. Is still on the Board of Trustees of the Centre for Arab Unity
Studies, in Beirut.
Nabil ‘Amr (Nabil Mahmud Yusif ‘Amr): PA minister of information from Apr03-Oct03 and former PA
minister for parliamentary affairs from Aug98. b.1947, from al-Dura. Trained in law at Damascus Uni, also
obtaining a diploma in media and radio broadcasting from Cairo university. Served as director of the PLO's Sawt
Filastin, PLO ambassador to Moscow (from 1988-93; and wrote a book on the fall of the Soviet Union), editorin-chief of al-Hayat al-Jadida & director of the PA radio & TV authority. Is a Fatah-RC member, & is PLC
member (Fatah) for Hebron. Was a member of the Palestinian negotiating team. Resigned his ministry on
3May02, demanding overhaul of PA and changes to the cabinet. Walked out of PLC session on 29Oct02 in
protest at new cabinet; and called for the appointment of a Prime Minister, supporting Mahmud ‘Abbas for this
position. In response, his house was shot at by al-Aqsa members. Mahmud ‘Abbas named him as part of his
cabinet in Apr03, as information minister, but lost his position in Oct03. Stood for position of PLC speaker in
Mar04, but won only 15 votes. On 20Jul04, he was shot and injured in Ramallah by unidentified, presumably
Palestinian, gunmen.
Yasir ‘Amr: former PA minister of education, member of PLO-EC. Was leading Ba‘thist nationalist activist in
Hebron/Bethlehem after 1967. After deportation, served as pro-Sa‘iqa secretary of PLO-EC until 1970/1.
Returned to PLO-EC, where he remains. Was widely criticised for the heavy-handed way he dealt with striking
teachers; resigned his position in the PA in Aug98.
Basil Aql: former director of PLO’s pol department; head of Palestinian delegation to the UN during mid-1970s.
Now a businessman & an independent member of the PLO-CC.
Mamduh ‘Aqr: Physician. b.1943, Nablus; joined ANM & then PFLP (1967-70); trained in Cairo Uni medical
school (grad.1969); worked in Kuwaiti hospitals (1970-3) before further training in Edinburgh & London.
Founded the Mandela Institute for Palestinian pol prisoners. Palestinian delegate to the Madrid talks. A critic of
the PA, he signed the secular-nationalist statement of Dec01 oppg the PA's arrests of activists.
Yasir ‘Arafat [Abu Ammar]: b. Md ‘Abd al-Ra’uf al-Qidwa al-Husayni on 4Aug29 in Cairo (tho are claims that
it was Gaza or Jerusalem), a distant relative of Hajj Amin, & from a Gaza-based family. After his mother died in
1933, lived with uncle & brother Fathi in Jerusalem. Claims to have fought under ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Husayni &
with the Ikhwan in Gaza & Jerusalem in 1948; and to have participated in Ikhwan attacks on British installations
in Suez in early50s, as well as serving with Egyptian army in the Suez war. Rose through the Palestinian
Students Union that he was president of from 1952 (& through it took on an international role, eg at Warsaw
Youth festival, Jul54), whilst studying as an engineer at Fuad I (now Cairo) University, until the formation of
Fatah. After graduating in 1957, left to work in Kuwait public works & construction. Spokesman for Fatah since
Apr68; PLO-EC chairman since Feb69. Married Suha (b.1963, daughter of Raymonda Tawil; a Christian who
nominally converted on marrying) in secret in Tunisia in 1990; has a daughter, Zahwa (b.1995). Closest shave
was probably when his plane crashed in a desert sandstorm nr al-Sarra (Sn Libya) on 7Apr92: 3 crewmen killed,
‘Arafat found 12 hrs later. Awarded Nobel peace prize in Dec94. The official biography is here; various others
are listed here. Extended interview from Sept88 here. Died in Nov04.
Hasan ‘Asfur: Long-term negotiator in the Oslo process. Was secretary to the Palestinian negotiating team that
concluded initial Oslo negotiations; he produced a draft joint declaration of principles. Independent PLC member
for Khan Yunis. Became PA minister without portfolio from Aug98, & then minister of NGO affairs (from
Jul99; his appointment was not presented to the PLC for approval, leading to inclarity of role), and lost position
in the cabinet on 9Jun02. Leading figure in the PPP. Pessimistic interview in MEI583; his review of the flaws in
the Palestinian negotiating strategy is here (Jun02). Was attacked (& hospitalised) by suspected supporters of
Rajub due to his alignment with Dahlan (13May02).
Na'im al-Ashhab (Abu Bashar): JCP/PPP leader. b.1929, Hebron, though family moved to Jerusalem's German
colony in 1934. Worked as a junior official in British mandate administration from 1945 (narrowly escaping
King David Hotel blast). Refugee to Hebron in 1948; & immediately joined NLL & moved back to Jerusalem.
Repeatedly arrested by Jordan from Feb51, &, exc for short period of the Nabulsi government, was underground
from Oct54 to rearrest in Aug66 & solitary confinement at Zarka for 10 months. After occupation, ran West
Bank affairs for JCP, opposing involvement in military activities which he saw as counterproductive (he blamed
the influence of Maoist and Trotskyist ideas for the PLO's stance, in World Marxist Review 17/4, Apr74);
portrayed role of group more as discouraging emigration, non-violent protest. Israel repeatedly arrested him from
Jan68 for distributing leaflets, and in prison he learnt Hebrew but became ill & nearly blind; after an
international campaign, was released & deported in Aug71, moving to Moscow (for treatment) & Prague where
he represented JCP/PCP on international communist boards. Elected onto PNC & PLO-CC in 1987; retired from
PLO & PPP institutions in 1991, though continues to represent PPP to Israeli communist groups. Returned to
West Bank in May93. Is now a regular columnist for al-Ayyam newspaper & speaker on human rights,
democracy and Jerusalem. In Jun01 article, he condemned suicide bombings & shooting from inhabited areas.
Extensive profile here.
Hamdan ‘Ashur: PA minister of housing and public works. b.1940, Gaza City. An early member of Fatah, he
was involved in organising Fatah members in Europe from 1960-67, before moving to Lebanon. A member of
Fatah-RC from 1968, and now its General Secretary (amin al-'amn, with 'Adnan Samara and Sakhr Bsisu as
deputies). A Fatah representative on the PLO-CC.
Hanan ‘Ashrawi (Hanan Mikhail Da’ud Khalil ‘Ashrawi): PLC member for Jerusalem; human rights activist.
b.1946, Nablus (tho family from Tiberias & Ramallah), a Anglican Christian, daughter of Da’ud Mikhail, a
leader of Sulayman al-Nabulsi’s National Soc Party. Family settled in Ramallah after 1948. Worked through
GUPW in Lebanon (1967-72), PLO Information Office (1968-70) whilst studying English lit at AUB; & then at
Uni of Virginia (PhD in medieval lit in 1971) after not being allowed to return to the West Bank from 1967-73
due to being defd as an "absentee". On return to West Bank, became Professor of English Lit at Bir Zayt (197495), which established BZU’s legal aid committee & was dean of the Faculty of Arts (1986-90); married Emile
Ashrawi, a photographer (1975). As a non-partisan figure, has played a strong role in representing Palestinians in
negotiations from late80s when PLO members were excluded from talks. On the advisory council of, &
spokeswoman for, Palestinian delegation at Madrid process from Oct91, tho critical of the Palestinian
leadership’s stance: attempted to resign in Aug93 with Oslo, but resignation refused; finally left the negotiating
team in Dec93 to form & head Miftah, a pro-democracy NGO, of which she remains the Sec-Gen. Then became
PA Minister for Higher Education (Jun96-98); leaving to vote against the PA Cabinet in Aug98, despite being
offered the tourism portfolio. Appointed as spokeswomen of the Arab League on 11Jul01, with special
responsibility for Palestinians. Signatory to 20Jun02 statement in al-Quds appealing for an end to suicide
bombings. Autobiography is This Side of Peace: A Personal Account (1995). Extensive interview here.
‘Atallah ‘Atallah [Abu Za’im]: dissident Fatah leader, based in Amman. From Hebron; served in Jordanian
army until dismissed in 1968. Recruited to Fatah where he was given command of Fatah forces in S.Lebanon
from spring 1971, charged by ‘Arafat with implementing the policy of tajyish (ie turning guerrilla forces into a
conventional army), launched in Jul71. Rivalry with Walid Nimr resulted in competing deployment of forces (set
up a unit, Martyrs of Sept battalion, Shuhada’ Aylul, for this purpose). From early 1972, ‘Arafat appointed him
as head of central operations in Lebanon, and then to Fatah military intelligence. In this role, was head of
Palestinian delegation to Milkart negotiations in 1973. Attempted (unsuccessfully) to coordinate relations with
Falangists before the Israeli invasion; & lead attempts to negotiate with Sharon during the siege of Beirut.
Headed Fatah’s investigation into its conduct during the Lebanon war; but was sacked by Fatah-CC from his
position after he came under wide-ranging criticisms during the Fatah rebellion in 1983 for his role in the PLO
withdrawal from Lebanon. From 1986, was coopted by King Husayn: launched a “corrective movement” in
Jordan within Fatah on 8Apr86; & with Jordanian support convened a conference that “elected” him as caretaker
chairman of the PLO; and allowed to take over PLO offices & funds = took key role in Jord’s attempts to win
back support in West Bank, coordinating with West Bank leaders. Nevertheless, by early87 many of his
supporters had returned to the PLO, and an attempt to assassinate him in Jan87 was not investigated by Jordan.
Hanna Atrash (Hanna Khuri al-Atrash): non-nationalist mayor of Bayt Sahur in mid60s & again from 1976.
Still there.
Ribhi ‘Awad: Fatah’s representative to Cairo in the mid-1970s. Then became PLO representative to Finland in
early80s; now ambassador to Indonesia.
‘Arabi ‘Awwad: From the village of Salfit nr Nablus, a teacher of Arabic literature. Secretary of JCP in West
Bank & active in establishing the PNF. Imprisoned for 11 years under Jordanian rule; deported in Dec73. Went
on to found in 1980 the Palestine Communist Organisation of Lebanon as a branch of the JCP; & when this
collapsed in 1982, formed the Palestinian Revolutionary Communist Party in Lebanon, supporting continued
armed struggle.
Hakam Bal‘awi (Hakam ‘Umar As‘ad Bal‘awi): PA Cabinet Secretary. b.1934, nr Tulkarm. Secretary-General
of the PA Council of Ministers from Apr03. b. Bala, 1939. Served as Fatah's deputy head of its central
information committee (from 1968-78), Palestinian ambassador to Libya (1973-75) and Tunisia (1975-94), also
representing Palestine to the Arab League. Member of Fatah-CC since Aug89; Fatah rep on PLO-CC. Also a
leading member of the Union of Palestinian Writers and Journalists, holding diplomas in education, journalism
and administration; he went on to write various novels and plays. On returning to Palestine, he served as
secretary of the national security council (1994-96). He came only 9th in the 1995 Fatah primary in Tulkarm, to
select the 4 candidates to be on the Fatah slate, but Fatah Central Committee overruled the primary to place him
on the slate. He was subsequently elected PLC member for Tulkarm (Fatah). Has been portrayed in the past as a
possible successor to ‘Arafat, & ran for Head of Intelligence post after Abu Iyad’s death; but historic leadership
opposed this. An ally of Sakhr Habash and Mahmud ‘Abbas, he has clashed with Rajub, eg being forced out of a
Fatah rally in Tulkarm in Jan98. Seems to have been assigned a role in 2001 in taking close control over Fatah
on the West Bank, in order to restrict local autonomous leaders. In Apr03, he was promoted as a compromise
choice for interior minister, a position he reportedly refused to take in favour of PA secretary-general; further
compromise left him in his current position.
Sabri al-Banna (Samir Khalil al-Banna)[Abu Nidal]: b.May 1937, Jaffa, the son of a wealthy fruit merchant and
a Syrian ‘Alawi maid; attended French schools in Jaffa; a 1948 refugee in Gaza al-Bureij camp, later moving to
Nablus (1949). Went to Egypt to study engineering, but found work as an electrician instead, and returned in this
capacity to Jordan. Originally a Ba‘thist (from 1955), but later moved to Saudi where he worked with the
Arabian-American Oil Company; formed own liberation group in mid60s, but joined Fatah (and took on nom de
guerre) in 1967 on returning to Amman (after expulsion from Saudi after taking part in protests). Took over
control for regional security in Jordan (Jun68); became Fatah’s rep to Sudan (1969) & then as rep in Baghdad
(Aug70), & later also as head of PLO office there. Developed close relations with Iraqi intelligence from 1971,
and may have received further training in guerrilla tactics in North Korea and China. Joined with rejectionist
groups to form the "Political Committee for Palestinians in Iraq" in early 1974, which strongly criticised DFLP
& denounced the PLO leadership: this body was not recognised by PLO-EC, leading to Banna taking over Fatah
facilities in Iraq, inc weaponry; expelled from Fatah; was sentenced to death after his involvement was suspected
in assassination attempt on Abu Mazin. Set up an office as the Fatah-Revolutionary Council (see separate notes).
Iraq removed him in 1983, to placate US; commenced work for Syria, but after US pressure, was forced to close
camps in Sept86. Moved to Libya in late80s, when his inactivity was enforced by the government. Was based in
Egypt temporarily forom 1998, possibly working for government in conflict with Islamist groups; various
international rumours about his leukaemia, probably false; other rumours, which turned out to be correct, about
him being based in Baghdad. Sentenced by trial in absentia to death for the murder of the Jordanian embassy in
Lebanon's first secretary, on 3Dec01. Died of gun-shot wounds in unexplained circumstances on 16Aug02.
Obituaries: 1,2,3,4,5.
Bashir Barghuthi (1931-9/9/00): communist leader & newspaper editor, from Dayr Ghassana village, Ramallah
district; studied polsci & economics at AmUniCairo, & was an activist in GUPS there until graduation in 1956.
Owned al-Jamahir (The Masses), a communist paper, from 1956; but was closed down on 25/2/57 & Barghouti
was imprisoned for 8 years at Jaffar detention camp. On release in 1965, was refused a license, so wrote under an
assumed name. After ‘67, became stern critic of Jordan, esp of Husayn’s right to speak for Palestinians. Allowed
to return to West Bank in 1973; but was put on trial in 1974 for ‘spying’, but acquitted. In 1975, took control of
JCP when Suleiman Najjab was deported. Served as editor of al-Fajr from 1975 until Fatah began to oppose his
pol stance in 2/77; went on to found al-Tali‘a in 2/78. Put under house or town arrest from Aug80-2, preventing
him from working. Became member of PLO-EC in 1987, & served to broker agreement between Fatah & PFLP,
& played a leading role in the intifada, creating the 1st popular committee. Remained S-G of PCP/PPP, taking a
key role in Oslo negotiations. Became minister of industry in PA cabinet (from 9May96), but a stroke in 1997
left him without speech; reappointed as minister without portfolio in Aug98. Tribute here.
Marwan Barghuthi (Marwan Hasib Husayn al-Barghuthi): Sec-Gen of Fatah Higher Committee in the West
Bank. b.1959 & raised in Kafr Kubr. Was among founders of Shabiba in the West Bank & headed its faction at
BZU in early80s, as president of student council. Imprisoned for 6 years & deported by Israel in 1987 to Jordan;
became member of Fatah-RC in Aug89, coordinating relations between inside & outside (though reportedly was
not given a major role in coordinating the intifada, in favour of Abbas Zaki); also an independent member of the
PLO-CC. Returned to West Bank in Apr94, & soon established the West Bank Fatah Higher Committee, which
he headed, to develop civil society and develop Fatah as a political party. ‘Arafat ensured that he was not on the
Fatah-PLC slate, but won Ramallah seat as an independent. Has become close to Jibril Rajub after initial
competition over the civil vs military nature of Fatah in the West Bank; and has good relations with Islamist
groups. Critical of centralization of power under ‘Arafat; submitted motion of no-confidence in the executive in
the PLC in May97 budgetary misuse scandal. ‘Arafat attempted to remove him from leading the West Bank
Fatah in 2000 in favour of Husayn al-Shaykh, but this was not recognised by Fatah. Israel demanded his
extradition, and seems to have made an assassination attempt on 4Aug01. Article in Washington Post on
15Jan02 stressed Palestinian acceptance of Israel. Arrested by Israel in Ramallah on 15Apr02. After his
Palestinian lawyer's allegations of Israeli torture and Israeli allegations that he has confessed to attacks, Israel
announced on 11Jul that it would put him on trial in a civil court.
Mustafa Barghuthi (Mustafa Kamil Mustafa Barghuthi): b.1954; physician, president of the Union of
Palestinian Medical Relief Committees, former leader of the PPP, director of the Health, Development,
Information and Policy Institute (HDIP) in Ramallah, Palestine. HDIP produces Palestine Monitor, which
distributes info on behalf of Palestinian NGOs. PNC member (PPP); stood for election to PLC (Ramallah
district), & narrowly missed out, despite a recount. Member of the Steering Committee of the technical
committee that prepared the establishment of various Palestinian ministries. Serves as spokesperson for various
pro-democracy blocs, including the Palestinian National Initiative (launched in Jun02) of which he serves as the
Secretary-General. Reportedly resigned from the PPP in late 2002.
Ibrahim al-Daghma: PA Minister of Justice from 9Jun02-29Oct02. Previously served as head of the Fatwa and
Legislation Department, based at the Ministry of Justice.
Muhammad Dahlan (Muhammad Yusuf Dahlan): Internal Security Affairs minister from Apr03; previously
head of the Preventive Security Force in Gaza, with rank of colonel. Member of Fatah-RC. b.29/9/1961, Khan
Yunis camp, Gaza, from a refugee family from Hammama (now Nitzanim). Father worked in Saudi Arabia, and
sent money. Former leader of Fatah's Shabiba movement on the West Bank, which he helped found in 1981.
Was studying for a BA in business administration at the Islamic University of Gaza when he was arrested by
Israel (1981-late86), before being deported in 1988 to Jordan. He then joined the PLO in Tunis, where he
coordinated with the intifada. Returned to Gaza in 1994. Believed to have drawn up an agreement at the Rome
meeting in Jan94 with senior IDF & Shin Bet officials a plan for containing Hamas (MEI520); frequent member
of negotiating team on security issues for Israeli redeployments during the Oslo process, on the return of those
expelled after 1967, and on prisoner releases; coordinates with US agencies often. Was a negotiator at the Camp
David summit in 2000 (his account is here). Speaks Hebrew fluently. Sharon blamed him for an attack on a
settlers' bus in Gaza in Nov00, launched attacks on his offices & and said that he deserved to die. His car was hit
by Israeli bullets on 16Apr01. Reportedly tendered his resignation on 5Nov01 in opposition to the PA's policy of
arresting PFLP & Jihad members; but refused by ‘Arafat. His article, "Our partners in life in this land", appeared
in Ha'aretz on 31Jan02. Was a central figure in running the PA through the "Gang of 5" that took over during
‘Arafat's captivity (Mar-May02), backed by ‘Asfur, ‘Urayqat, Rashid, Sha‘th, and favouring the creation of a
unitary security apparatus that could return to an Oslo-style process (and opposing Rajub). However, seems to
have been sidelined by ‘Arafat subsequently, resigning on 5Jun02 and claiming to have refused the position of
Interior Minister in the new Cabinet. His attempts to gather support for an electoral challenge to ‘Arafat seem to
have brought to an end when Bush demanded a change in the Palestinian leadership; refused (in article and
interview of 2Jul02) to run in elections in these circumstances. In Apr03, Mahmud ‘Abbas has tried to bring him
back as Interior Minister, though ‘Arafat has resisted this; a compromise of 23Apr settled on him as internal
security minister.
Ahmad Sidqi Dajani: former director of PLO-RC. From the Jerusalem branch of the Dajani family, he has been
a member of PNC from inception in 1964, and served on PLO-EC from 1966-67. In role as director of RC, was
the co-founder of Shu’un Filastiniyya. Served on PLO-EC again from 1977-85, on which he was chair of
education and culture department. Was also representative of the PLO to the Europe-Arab dialogue. Chair of
PNC Cultural, Science & Literature Committee, thus with place on PLO-CC.
Ibrahim Dakkak: Leader of Engineering Union. b.Jerusalem, 1929; studied mathematics & science at the
Am.Uni.Cairo. From 1967-87 led West Bank Engineering Union; was chief engineer on al-Aqsa restoration
project (1969-77). From 1977-91, chaired the Arab Thought Forum, which he co-founded with Mahdi ‘Abd alHadi; & was NGC secretary. Placed under house arrest intermittently from Aug80. Now deputy head of MAS
(Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute), & member of the Board of Governors of PECDAR. Leading
signatory of the Dec01 statement of secular-national critics of the PA's arrests of activists, and a founding
member of the Palestinian National Initiative, launched in Jun02.
Bishara Dawud (Bishara Saliba Sulayman Dawud): nationalist mayor of Bayt Jalla from 1976. Deposed in Sept
1978. Now a PLC member for Bethlehem, as an independent Christian (narrowly elected). Stood for election to
PLC Speaker in Mar00: won 6 votes out of 73, in 3rd (last) place.
Mustafa Dudin: anti-PLO leader on West Bank. An officer in the Mandatory Palestine Police, he served in
Egyptian administration in Gaza Strip after 1948 up to 1965; after 1968, was Jordanian parliamentarian, cabinet
minister & ambassador to Kuwait. After dispute with Jordan (over an offence committed by his brother), he
returned to West Bank in 1975; & formed an anti-PLO armed militia, calling itself a "village league", in Dura
village, Hebron district, in Aug78. His opposition to the PLO ensured substantial Israeli support, thus creating
the Movement of Palestinian Leagues across the West Bank by 1982; Israel accorded municipalities' functions to
the Leagues, eg financing rural development projects in member villages, as it deposed elected mayors &
commenced Menachem Milson's "civil administration" project in competition with the Palestinian-Jordanian
Joint Committees. Called for Palestinian-Israeli talks, with King Husayn representing the Palestinians. Resigned
as head of the Village Leagues in 4Sept83, with leadership passing to Jawdat Su’allah from Nablus.
Aziz Dwayk: Speaker of the PLC from 2006; long-standing Hamas member in the West Bank. b.1948, Hebron,
from a middle-class family; trained in urban planning, receiving an MA in geography at Binghamton, State
University of New York (1983), and a PhD from University of Pennsylvania (1988). Deported to Marj al-Zahhur
in Dec92, where became the spokesman to the English-language media for the deportees. On returning,
abstained from direct engagement w politics, instead founding Dept of Geography at al-Najjah Uni in Nablus
and serving as a professor; only reinvolved himself in run-up to 2006 elections.
Khalid al-Fahum: Former president of the PNC. Was member of 1st PNC & PLO-EC from 1964, serving on
EC from 1964-5, 1967-9. Speaker of PNC from Jul71-84, during which time he chaired also PLO-CC from its
reestablishment in Jan73. Resigned both positions after he refused to participate in the Nov84 PNC, held in
Amman to show the reconciliation with Husayn; became head of PNSF from its establishment in Mar85.
Continues to head opposition coordination mechanisms (PNSF, Damascus 10) based in Syria, but seemed to
coordinate ‘Arafat's rapprochement with Syria in 2001 after supporting dialogue with him from 1999.
Imad Faluji: PA communications minister from 9May96-29Oct02 & PLC member for Jabalya (one of the
youngest members of the PLC); was a Hamas official (editing its newspaper, al-Watan), but left to accept a
senior position within the Oslo-based institutions; may have joined Fatah to run on its list for the PLC elections.
Most prominent PLC member not to condemn the Hamas bombings of Feb96. Remained critical of ‘Arafat: eg
voting against Hebron redeployment agreement.
Salam Fayyad: PA Minister of Finance from 9Jun02. b.1952, Dayr al-Ghassun nr Tulkarm, studied at the AUB
(BSc in Engineering) & then in the US; holds a masters in accountancy and a PhD in economics (both from the
Uni of Texas). Worked as a university economist before moving to work at the World Bank HQ in Washington
from 1987-95. After that, was IMF resident representative in Palestine until 2001(?), based in Jerusalem. With
creation of PA, frequently called for greater financial accountability & helped to arrange a package of financial
reforms with the Finance ministry, including the overturning of monopolies held by the PA. Was briefly the
West Bank head of the Arab Bank before his appointment to the cabinet. Was widely tipped to become prime
minister, after ‘Arafat agreed to create this position (Feb03), but seems to have rejected this possibility.
‘Abdullah Franji: former PLO representative to Germany; coopted onto Fatah-CC in 1991. Author of The PLO
and Palestine (1983).
Ilyas Frayj: Mayor of Bethlehem. b.1918/20 [?], Greek Orthodox Christian from one of Bethlehem’s oldest
families; employed in the Public Works Department of the Mandatory Govt (with a spell in Cyprus); after 1948,
ran his factory in Bethlehem producing olive wood handicrafts, mostly for tourists. Became head of Bethlehem
Chamber of Commerce in 1970; mayor of Bethlehem in 1972, & was the main non-nationalist candidate to win
in the 1976 municipal elections (tho hemmed in by 3 powerful nationalist/leftist councillors). Also headed
Bethlehem Uni board of trustees since 1973. Maintained support for PLO thruout, but also continued his links
with Israel & esp Jordan. The only important mayor not to be dismissed in 1982, staying in post until 1997.
Initially supportive of Sadat's visit in 1977, though maintained rhetorical loyalty to PLO & acceded in its
rejection of Camp David (eg interview in New Outlook 23/1, Jan80). Signed the (unreleased) "Palestinian Peace
Document" of Nov82 which recognised the PLO as the sole legitimate representative, but urged them to
authorise King Husayn to negotiate on Palestinians' behalf and to accept a confederation with Jordan. Also
openly welcomed the Reagan plan due to the urgent need for a 2 State solution before the West Bank was to be
engulfed with Israeli settlements (eg. in interview with Newsweek, 14Mar83; July83 interview in JPS 13/1). Was
a member of Palestinian delegation to Madrid talks; & was minister for tourism & antiquities in the PA. d. in
Amman on 29Mar98, buried in Bethlehem.
Samir Ghawsha: b.1940, Jerusalem, trained as a dentist. Head of PPSF since 1974, and represents it on the
PLO-EC. With splintering after commencement of Madrid process, leads the pro-Oslo faction, taking the
position of Minister of Labour, then (after voting against the Hebron redeployment agreement in Jan97, and
submitting letter of resignation in Jan98) as Minister without portfolio (from Aug98), was not in Cabinet by
Mar99. Acted as an "adviser" to ‘Arafat at Camp David in 2000, although his participation appears to have been
minimal. Reappointed to PA as Minister for Jerusalem on 29Oct02, losing position in Apr03.
Jawid al-Ghusayn: former head of Palestine National Fund, 1984-1996, now accused of large scale corruption.
Early profile here. After abduction in Abu Dhabi in Apr01, he was detained in Gaza; and fled to London from an
East Jerusalem hospital on 16Aug02.
Ibrahim Ghusha: Head of Hamas information service from its creation in late92. b.Jerusalem, Nov1936; trained
as a civil engineer in Cairo, then working as an engineer in Jordan & Kuwait (1962-6, 71-2). As official
spokesman, was based in Amman. Arrested & held by Jordan from Aug99, deported in Nov99 to Qatar.
Returned to Amman international airport on 14Jun01, provoking an international dispute between Qatar &
Jordan, with latter refusing to let him disembark for 2 weeks. Finally permitted into Jordan on the condition that
he freezes his pol work with Hamas.
Muhammad Ghunaym [Abu Mahir]: veteran Fatah leader. A merchant from Jerusalem, former Islamist, left
Muslim Brotherhood in 1957-8, to protest against its lack of criticism of the throne's alignment with the US;
joined Fatah shortly thereafter. Became regional command of Fatah in Jordan (Feb68), but left for a training
course in China (Jun68). After, became 'Arafat's deputy for military admin (Jan69). He ran clandestine
operations from Sept71, the civilian organisation in Lebanon, and at present mobilization and organization. A
member of Fatah-CC since (1974? 1968?), & was then an ‘Arafat loyalist. Opposed Oslo, & has reportedly
refuses to enter the PA areas.
George Habash [al-Hakim, "the Sage"]: Former medical student & paediatrician, from Greek Orthodox
Christian family from Lydda. b. there, Aug26 (1925?); witnessed the mass expulsion from Lydda in Jul48. At
AUB, formed “Organization to Oppose Pol Settlement with Israel”, & then Arab Nationalists Movement in
1951-2; and was its rep on the Executive Committee of the National Conference, demanding the return of the
Nabulsi government in 1957. Estd Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) in 1967. Was imprisoned
by Syria from Mar68 until being sprung from jail in Nov68, from where he escaped to Jordan. From Apr72, is
thought to have had heart trouble, inc a number of heart attacks, and has moved in background, tho was highly
critical of 2nd generation leadership at 5th congress (Feb93). From 1982, was based in Damascus, but moved to
Amman with deteriorating health in 1992. Resigned from post as S-G of the PFLP in Apr00 in order to set up a
research centre. Recent statements are archived here.
Sakhr Habash (Yahya) [Abu Nizar]: Head of Fatah-RC and its Ideological Mobilization Department. b.1939 in
Bayt Dajan, nr Jaffa; a refugee first in Ramallah, then in Balata camp (Nablus). Joined the Ba‘thists in 1952; &
decided to study geology & water resources at Ein Shams Uni (Cairo) from 1958. From 1960, moved from
Ba‘thism to Palestinian nationalism, joining Fatah in 1962 with responsibility for recruitment. He took over
Fatah regional command in Lebanon in Oct72. Member of Fatah-CC since Aug89. Loyal critic of ‘Arafat &
Oslo; now resident in Ramallah. Interview here. Some interpret his role as that of subduing local Fatah structures
(under Marwan Barghuthi, Jibril Rajib) to ‘Arafat's rule; and was appointed as Fatah leader in the PA areas in
early 1997.
Wadi‘ Haddad [Abu Hani]: PFLP leader. b.1927, Safad, into Greek Orthodox family; 1948 refugee. Medical
student at AUB, grad 1952; participated in the establishment of ANM. Estd Amman clinic with Habash &
worked with UNRWA in Jordan Valley in 1956. Arrested by Jordan in 1957; escaped to Syria in 1961. Strongly
favoured taking up commando action from 1963, despite Abd al-Nasir's opposition; and active in formation of
the "struggle apparatus" that led to the earliest ANM missions. Had direct role in planning the first PFLP plane
hijacking in Jul68 of El Al jet; also was key organiser of the Sept70 hijackings. After Black September, was
heavily criticised from within PFLP, and was barred from international acts of violence in future. Continued
operations under the tag of "PFLP External Operations", coordinating with Abu Nidal group; culminated in the
Entebbe operation of Jun76, for which he was expelled from the PFLP (1976). Died in E.Germany of leukaemia
on 28Mar78.
‘Abd al-Rahman Hamad: PA Minister of Natural Resources from 9Jun02-Apr03 & chair of Palestinian Energy
Authority (from Feb95; home page here). b.1944, Bayt Hanun; PhD in electrical engineering from Wisconsin
Uni (1975), going onto to Unis at Baghdad (1976-80) & Birzayt (1980-94), where he became dean of
engineering faculty. Part of Palestinian delegation at Madrid talks; leading role in PECDAR (1994-6), before
won seat to PLC (Jabalya) & ministerial appointment, initially as Minister of Housing.
Said Hamami: PLO diplomat. b.Jaffa, 1941; fled with family to Amman in 1948. Received BA in English lit
from Damascus Uni; then worked as a journalist & teacher. Joined Fatah in 1967 & rose quickly to be elected a
delegate to the PNC in Feb69. Appointed PLO's 1st delegate to the UK (officially as head of the Arab League's
Palestine Information Office) from 1972. Was critical of international violence, esp the Black September
Organization at Munich. Began, seemingly with ‘Arafat's support, to call for a mutual Israeli-Palestinian
recognition in Times articles of 16Nov73 & 17Dec73. Met MK Uri Avineri in 1974, the first meeting between a
MK & a PLO leader; came to explicitly support a State in the 1967 Territories, obtained through negotiations at
Geneva; and became critical of PLO's continued rhetorical allegiance to the idea of a Democratic State in all
Palestine (eg in Trouw, 28Jun75). Assassinated 4Jan78 by the Abu Nidal group; buried in Amman.
Wahid al-Hamdallah: former mayor of Anabta. Placed under house arrest from Aug80, given a suspended
sentence of 5 months in prison by an Israeli military court in Tulkarm (9Sept80), then dismissed & replaced with
Israeli official on 30Apr82. Again under house arrest on 22Jan89. Signed “Call of the Homeland petition”, and
was once again placed under house arrest, this time by the PA, in Nov99, albeit briefly.
Akram Haniya: editor of semi-official al-Ayyam newspaper, & political advisor to ‘Arafat. Member of final
status talks team; held leading role in Camp David talks. Previously was editor of al-Sha‘b, for which he was
placed under house arrest from Aug80; elected to Fatah-RC in 1989 after being deported in 1987; became an
aide to Abu Jihad.
Ismail Haniya (Ismail 'Abd al-Salah Ahmad Haniya): leading figure in Hamas. b.1962, Shati camp, to a family
from Ashqulon. Studied Arabic literature at IUG, graduating in 1987. Was imprisoned by Israel for most of
period 1988-92, before being deported to Marj al-Zuhhur in South Lebanon. Allowed to return in Dec93, serving
as dean of IUG. Was in favour of participation in 1996 PLC elections, putting his name forward initially as an
independent candidate before eventually backing down on 2Jan06. Appointed assistant to Ahmad Yassin on his
release from prison in 1997. Believed to have been appointed to the three-person collective leadership of Hamas
in Palestine in Apr04; led the campaign in the Jan06 elections, and took prime minister's position subsequently.
Hilmi Hanun: Former mayor of Tulkarm. b.1913 [?-WSJ12/10/78 claimed he was 61] in Jaffa, & worked in
international citrus marketing [was co-founder of al-Sha‘b newspaper in Jaffa, 1947 - ?]; a ’48 refugee. Served
on Tulkarm council from 1951, & elected mayor of Tulkarm in 1963 Jordan elections as a National Front
member; retained this position until 1982. A moderate nationalist, supporting PLO from its inception, but
striving to maintain relations with both occupying powers. Returned as Tulkarm mayor until removed by PA in
1998 (?) & replaced by an unelected Fatah official.
Bilal al-Hasan: former PDFLP leader & writer. Was an early ANM activist in Damascus, taking a role in the
local branch after the 1961 break-up of the UAR. Became a member of the 1st command structure of the ANM’s
Palestine Action Committee (established Sept64); then from 1965 acted on the editorial board of al-Hurriyya,
where he pressed for early commencement of attacks on Israel, & for independent Palestinian action. Joined PDF
politburo after breakaway, & was its 1st rep to the PLO-EC (from Sept69), but strongly objected to PDF’s
confrontational stance towards Jordan in early70. Left PDF politburo & PLO-EC in 1971. Went on to become
editor of Shu'un Filastiniyya and a respected journalist.
Hani al-Hasan [Abu Tariq, Abu-l-Hasan]: Fatah leader. b.1937/9, Haifa; refugee in Yarmuk camp, nr
Damascus, where he organised an Islamist slate, Shabab al-Aqsa, to compete in student elections; & joined
Muslim Brotherhood in early50s. Went on to study engineering in the late50-60s in W Germany (Darmstadt &
Munich), where he worked through the Union of Palestinian Students in Europe, and acted as Fatah’s main
Europe link after he merged his own commando group to Fatah in 1963 until 1967; also served as President of
GUPS from 1962. Served as regional head in Jordan briefly in early 1970; then S.Khalaf’s deputy in Rasd. From
1974, acted as political aide to ‘Arafat; then as ambassador to Tehran; then to Amman from 1982. Retains good
ties to the Gulf States. Became a member of Fatah-CC in May80. Criticial of the leadership's stance towards Iraq
after Aug90, & at Oslo; but returned to Gaza Strip in Nov95, and became the chief political adviser to ‘Arafat as
well as PLO-CC member & head of the PNC foreign relations committee. Appointed as Interior Minister on
29Oct02, favouring continued resistance to occupation forces and settlers (unlike Yahya, his predecessor), whilst
opposing attacks on civilians in Israel; Mahmud ‘Abbas attempted to drop him from the PA cabinet, but despite
‘Arafat's resistance, he was replaced in Apr03, and is slated to act as ‘Arafat's national security adviser.
Khalid al-Hasan (Khalid Muhammad al-Hasan) [Abu Sa’id]: Fatah leader. b.1928 in Haifa, the oldest of 6
children; worked for British military in 1948 & evacuated to Sinai. Later joined family who were refugees in
Sidon; then moved to Damascus where he formed a short-lived group, Tahrir Filastin, in 1949. Also had worked
in E.Africa, imprisoned in Egypt; but through his job as a teacher in Damascus in the early 1950s helped found
the Islamic Liberation Party in 1952. After being arrested in late52, left to work as a civil servant in Kuwait,
rising from a position as a typist to General-Secretary of the Municipal Council Board, and was awarded Kuwaiti
citizenship. In parallel, he came into contact with Fatah from 1959; is thought to have become a full member in
1963; was possibly the leader of the first Fatah CC, & opposed the commencement of military actions on Israel
in 1964-5. On PLO-EC from 1968-73 as head of Pol Department, but resigned at Jan73 PNC due to his
opposition to the resolution to overthrow the Jordanian monarchy (claimed to Cobban, PLO, that it was because
PLO-EC did not take his recommendation to consider the WBG State option). After 1973, became head of the
PNC foreign relations committee; also built & maintained Fatah's strong links with Saudi from 1969. Made
argument at Fatah-CC meeting in Shtaura after Oct73 war that Palestinian struggle could only continue with
WBG State, as Arab States were looking to make peace with Israel. Thought to have been the author of the
"Fahd memorandum" of May77, which formed the basis of discussion with US before Sadat's visit. Made
"unofficial" Palestinian 5-point proposal in tour of EEC in Apr-May 1980, for Israel's withdrawal from OTs,
replaced by UN forces which will make arrangements for the creation of a WBG State within 1 yr; followed by
international negotiations at which remaining issues will be dealt with. Was generally opposed to military means,
stressing collective leadership & democratic values. Broke with ‘Arafat due to latter's position in the Gulf War,
but was nonetheless stripped of Kuwaiti citizenship. Moved to Morocco, where he was author of Grasping the
Nettle of Peace (1992) in which he proposed a “Swiss-style confederation” in which citizens would vote
according to their canton. Opposed to Oslo, due to lack of democratic decision-making; but d.10/94 from cancer.
Nayif Hawatmah [Abu al-Nuf]: head of DFLP. b.Nov35 (37?) in Salt, Jordan, a Greek Catholic Christian;
studied pol & economics in Amman, Cairo & Beirut, then returned to Jordan to join the ANM, and became a
leading member of the leftist wing. Brief periods of pol activity in Lebanon (1958), Iraq (1958-63, as head of
ANM) & S.Yemen (1963-7) before he was allowed to return to Jordan. There, he helped found the PFLP, of
which he became one of the left-wing leaders. Went onto found P/DFLP.
George Hazboun: Leading trade unionist, founded Bethlehem General Workers Union in 1964, and its
subsequent chairman; one of the founders of the West Bank General Federation of Trade Unions, & its vicechair from 1978. Served as deputy mayor of Bethlehem from 1976 (stood as independent; narrowly lost to Frayj)
to Jan83. Closely linked to PCP; & established in 1979 & led (with 'Adel Ghanem) the Progressive Workers'
Bloc.
Amin al-Hindi: head of the Palestinian General Intelligence Service, with the rank of General. A Gazan, was
appointed a senior security officer in Fatah from 1970s. Reportedly coordinated the PLO's relations with the CIA
through the 1980s. Through his deputy in the West Bank, Tawfiq Tirawi, he has openly challenged Rajub's
power (reaching the level of small arms battles in Jenin in Aug98). Offered resignation on 16Jul04, but was
retained.
‘Abd al-Fattah Hmud [Abu Salah]: early Fatah leader. Refugee from al-Tin (al-Majdal), orig. in Muslim
Brotherhood. Became a Fatah-CC member, based in Saudi, & appointed to head regional command in Jordan in
Feb68. Died on 28Feb in a car crash, on his way to take up his post.
‘Abd al-Fattah Humayl: PA minister without portfolio and PLC member (Ramallah). b.1950, Kufr Malik.
Trained at military college in Baghdad; imprisoned for 17 years before being released in the 1985 prisoner
exchange. Imprisoned again from 1990; deported to Jordan in 1992. On returning to Ramallah in 1994, he served
as Fatah's S-G for Ramallah district.
Faysal al-Husayni: son of ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Husayni, grandson of Muza Kazim al-Husayni. b.17/7/1940 in
Baghdad where ‘Abd al-Qadir lived after Arab Revolt; grew up mostly in Cairo (and was active in GUPS) &
returned to Iraq to train as a scientist & as a military strategist at Iraq Military Academy. Originally joined ANM
in 1957/1963[?] (reportedly arrested in Iraq for opposition to Qasim in 1959); received commando training in
Egypt in 1963. Went on to work as PLO head of popular organisation in the West Bank from 1964, & received
further training as part of PLA in Aleppo, Syria. From 1967, returned to West Bank, where worked with PPSF &
Fatah, whilst also acting as ANM military commander in West Bank from Aug67 until arrested in Oct67 for
arms possession (imprisoned for 1 yr). On release, worked as an x-ray technician in Jerusalem (1969-77); studied
history in Beirut. Founded Jerusalem-based Arab Studies Society in 1979, whilst resident in Suwana; & joined
Islamic Council in 1982, & held under house arrest 1982-7. Repeatedly imprisoned by Israel from Apr87-Jan89,
but remained active in preparing statements for the intifada. Led preparatory talks for Madrid with James Baker
in 1990, & was part of the Palestinian steering committee from 1991; but Israel prevented him from taking a
direct role in the talks for 2 years; he became head of Palestinian delegation to Madrid talks in 1993. Headed
Fatah High Command in the West Bank from 1994, & so coopted to Fatah-CC; served as PLO representative to
Jerusalem on the PLO-EC (since Apr96), based at Orient House. Then minister without portfolio in PA &
member of final status negotiating team. A Hebrew speaker, he often presented the Palestinian viewpt to Israeli
audiences; also a keen researcher of Arab heritage in Jerusalem. d. of a heart attack on 31May01, whilst acting as
1st PLO leader to visit Kuwait since the Gulf War.
Shafiq al-Hut: Veteran PLO leader. b.1932, Jaffa, fleeing with family in 1948 to Beirut. Obtained a BA in
biology from AUB, then worked as a teacher, before making his way from 1958 as a pro-Nasir journalist for
Beirut newspapers. As a leading figure in a group of intellectuals called the Palestine Liberation Front
(established 1961), he wrote a pamphlet, Tariq al-‘Awda (1963) which was taken into name of group (Palestine
Liberation Front-Path of Return: PLF-PR). Formed alliance with Shuqayri, who made him PLO rep in Beirut
(1965, a position he held until 1993) & onto PLO-EC (Jul66), encouraging the formation of Palestinian
associations in Lebanon, through which to recruit activists. PLF-PR incorporated Palestine National Liberation
Front of Ahmad al-Sa‘di in 1966; and obtained recruits for PLA. West Bank PLF-PR supported Fatah, &
eventually incorporated itself into it by Sept68 after Hut decided to leave. Thought to have been offered position
as PLO spokesman after Kamal Nasir’s death, but refused; but did serve as PLO rep to the UNGA on various
occasions. As the PLO rep in Lebanon, took a key role in managing the Palestinian position in the conflict &
civil war, narrowly avoiding assassination on various occasions, esp by al-Sa‘iqa in Jan76. Opposed Oslo, &
suspended his participation in PLO-EC, removing himself from all positions in PLO. Remains critical of
leadership's stance towards refugee Palestinians & esp those in Lebanon; helps in coordinating Damascus
groups.
Ghazi al-Jabali: PA head of civil police from 1994, based in Gaza, with status of Brigadier-General. Member of
PLO-CC. Israel has been demanding his transfer to Israeli custody since 1998, accusing him of coordinating
Palestinian police attacks on Israel. Is also noted for abuses against Palestinians, eg repeated detention of human
rights activists; and for having threatened physical violence against foreign news correspondents (eg Reuters in
Nov94). Has engaged in regular crackdowns on Hamas, especially the killing of 14 outside Gaza's Filastin
mosque, Nov94. Deeply unpopular, seemingly with all except ‘Arafat who blocked attempts to send him to serve
as ambassador to Russia; his force's shooting of Palestinian demonstrators (inc the killing of a 13-yr old boy) in
Oct01 provoked mass protests for his removal. ‘Arafat gave orders for his removal on 2Jul02; refused to comply
until 4Jul, when he resigned, announcing his intention to stand against ‘Arafat in presidential elections. Was
subsequently reinstated in his position. Kidnapped briefly on 16Jul04, and then dismissed from his position the
following day.
Muhammad al-Ja‘bari: (1900-80): mayor ("king") of Hebron. Studied at al-Azhar, gaining degrees in 1918,
1921 & 1922; & a degree in Islamic law in 1931, then taking up title of Shaykh. Became mayor of Hebron under
Mandatory rule from 1940. President of Dec48 Jericho conference, giving uncritical support to ‘Abdullah.
Subsequently appointed to Jordanian Senate (1950-1, ’59-62, ’63-4) & cabinet (1955, ’58, ’59-60) on numerous
occasions, as well as returning to position as mayor of Hebron from 1964. Owned Sawt al-Khalil & Ulema’s
Conference magazines; President of Muslim Youth Assoc. Set up a public forum in Hebron, Lajnat al-Masalih
al-‘Amma (Public Interests Committee) in 12/69; at 1st, contained 50 notables, expanded to c.150-300 during
1970-1. Intended to boost Ja’bari’s position against his widespread detractors (Jordan & PLO). Concentrated on
local issues (arrests, house demolitions), but opposed strikes & demos. Did attempt to stretch his influence,
requesting a meeting of all West Bank mayors in Apr70, but Israel refused permission. His position went
uncontested in 1972 elections. Constantly shifting his position: after occupation, proposed a Palestinian State in
the West Bank & Gaza (8-9/67), bringing strong criticism from Jordan; also earned vehement ire of PLO for this,
for his negotiations with Israel for ‘autonomy’ in West Bank, & for rejecting the role of the PLO in any future
negotiations; later spoke of sole authority to Jordan. Proposed creating a new pol party, the ‘Land Party’ in West
Bank, independent of PLO. Did not run in 1976, giving his support to ‘independent’ candidates, none of whom
were elected to the council.
Nabil al-Ja‘bari: Dentist, chancellor (from mid80s) & chair of the Board of Trustees at Hebron Uni. Was a
member of the Palestinian delegation to the Madrid process; member of PNC. Clashed with the PA in Nov99
over his wish to keep Hebron Uni independent.
Imil Jarjoui [Imil Musa Basil Jarjoui]: PLO-EC member; PLC member for Jerusalem (Fatah). Deals with
Christian affairs for the PA, inc heading committee welcoming the Pope in Jan00. Owns the Christmas Hotel in
Bethlehem.
Bassam Jarrar: Islamic intellectual. Leading member of Higher Islamic Council in Jerusalem; imam of
Ramallah mosque; director of al-Nun centre for Qur’anic studies in al-Bira. Has harshly criticised the opening of
a casino in Jericho & the model women’s parliament. Thought to be a Hamas supporter.
Ahmad Jibril: head of PFLP-GC. b.1935, Ramle; fled with family to Syria in 1948, and later became an army
cadet, then an officer, rising to the rank of captain. Left army (alternatively: was expelled from army) with
formation of UAR, & established Palestine Liberation Front in 1959, with close ties to Syrian army. Closely
cooperation with Fatah after 1965, but merged group into creating the PFLP in 1967. Held operational leadership
of PFLP whilst Habash was imprisoned, but after disagreements with Marxist turn, left to form PFLP-GC in
Oct68. His eldest son, Muhammad Jihad Jibril, was killed in a car bomb in Beirut on 20May02, which Ahmad
Jibril blamed on Israel.
Wasfi Kabha: Hamas member and PA minister for prisoners from 2006. Trained in civil engineering at the
University of Detroit (BSc in 1984).
Sa‘id Kamal: From ANM background. Was deputy director of PLO’s pol department in mid70s; then PLO
representative in Cairo at time of Sadat's visit to Jerusalem, and was kept there to continue discreet negotiations
with Sadat. From at least mid90s, was assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League, responsible for Palestine
affairs.
Zahira Kamal: Fida & women's leader in the West Bank. b.1945; trained as a physics teacher, after physics
training at Cairo Uni & education diploma in Jordan. Emerged as leading activist at UNRWA's teacher training
centre for women in Ramallah where she worked. Founder (in 1978) & head of the DFLP-affiliated Women's
Work Committee, which became the Union of Palestinian Women’s Action Committees in 1989. WWC acted to
mobilize women in professional, clerical & factory positions; thought to have had 5000 members in 1986
(Hiltermann, p.141). Became member of DFLP's politburo, & was held in administrative detention for 6 months
in 1979; & then placed under town arrest (in Jerusalem) from Jun80-Mar86; though with UNRWA pressure was
allowed to travel to Ramallah for work. Participated in 1st all-female meetings with leading Israeli female
politicians in May89 Brussels conference; & joined ‘Abd-Rabbu as a member of the Madrid delegation in 1991.
Retained UPWAC position until 1992, when joined Fida in the DFLP split; became a member of its Executive
Committee. From 1992, headed technical committee on women's affairs, dealing with interim negotiations.
Appointed head of the PA's Gender Planning & Development Directorate (within Planning & International
Development Ministry) in Nov95. Narrowly missed out on election to PLC in Jerusalem in 1996. Fida
nominated her to take a place on ‘Abbas' first PA cabinet from Apr03; unclear why she was not included in the
eventual cabinet approved on 29Apr03. More full biography here; more recent here.
Hamdi Kan‘an (Hamdi Tahir Kan‘an): mayor of Nablus from 1963. b.1910, and worked as a industrial
entrepreneur, leading Nablus Chamber of Commerce as its S-G from 1950-65. Also a loyalist, also became
critical of Jordan before 1967, eg as first signatory on a Nablus petition calling for the arming of West Bank
frontline villagers after the Samu‘ attack & cooperation with PLO. After 1967, was a frequent contributor to alQuds: he proposed the emergence of a local leadership, chosen through elections & probably leading to a
federation with Jordan (1Jan69). He resigned from mayoral position on numerous occasions when his policy was
opposed by other leading locals (usually over his insistence that elections should be held for municipal office), &
on 12/9/68 (retracted after popular referendum: see SWB); but retracted each time until 12/3/69, when he finally
left after Nablus population ignored his appeals for an end to demonstrations against Israeli occupation. Became
more critical of Hashimites with Black September, but continued to see a role for Jordan in the West Bank’s
future. Accepted UAK plan in 1972, & was intending to stand in 1972 municipal elections, but withdrew under
PLO pressure. d.1981.
Ghassan Kanafani (Ghassan Fayiz Kanafani): writer & PFLP leader. b.9Apr36; from Acre, a 1948 refugee.
Recruited to ANM in 1953. Had worked as an UNRWA teacher in Syria; but expelled from Damascus Uni
(where he studying Arabic lit) in 1955 due to political activities. Thereafter, worked as a teacher in Kuwait 195560, combined with recruiting for ANM & acting as editor of al-Ra‘i; & moved to Beirut from 1960, to edit alHurriyya. Became leading member of PFLP, & was editor of al-Hadaf, its weekly magazine. Stories concern the
trauma of uprooting & refugee life, esp Men in the Sun (1962), on the attempts by 3 Palestinian refugees,
interpreting their present situation through their memories, to smuggle themselves from Lebanon to the Kuwait,
but who die at the border; and Ard al-Burtuqal al-Hazin (Land of Sad Oranges, 1962): on the oranges bought by
a Jaffan family as they flee northwards in 1948, as a memory = oranges as a metonym for the lost homeland.
Return to Haifa (1967; lit: Returnee to Haifa), moves between 1948 & 1967, with a refugee returning to visit his
former home after 1967. Major non-fictional works include: Adab al-muqawama fi Filastin al-muhtallah, 194866 (Beirut: Dar al-Adab, 1966); and his history of the 1936-39 revolt, orig in Shu’un Filastiniyya (1972), but
reproduced in widely circulated Ar & English PFLP booklets. Married to Anni, a Danish activist. Killed by an
Israeli car bomb in Beirut, 8Jul72, together with his niece.
Marwan Kanafani: PLC member for Gaza city; advisor to ‘Arafat. b.1938; brother of Ghassan Kanafani, &
fluent in English & Fr. Grew up as a refugee in Lebanon & Syria; then worked as a football player in Egypt until
mid60s, where joined PLO & studied at an Egyptian uni. Married Egyptian TV broadcaster Najwa Ibrahim; &
lived pre-94 in the US. PLO’s information officer from 1989 until 1996; went on to lead the Palestinian Team on
the Trilateral Anti-Incitement Committee. Says that his aim is to become Palestine’s foreign minister.
Sa‘id al-Karunz: PA minister of transport from Apr03; previously minister for industry from Aug98-Jun02.
b.1958, al-Burayj, from a refugee family from al-Faluja. Trained in maths, achieving a BA at Mansura Uni
Egypt, a MSc in Saskatchewan, Canada and a PhD at Purdue Uni. Worked as head of the maths and statistics
dept at al-Azhar Uni in Gaza, then at Islamic Uni of Gaza. Lives in Nusayrat camp. Elected as a Fatah candidate
to the PLC for Dayr al-Balah.
‘Abd al-Wahhab Kayyali: ALF leader & historian. b.1939/40, Jaffa. Grew up in Lebanon, where joined the
Ba‘th party & was a leading member by 1960[?]. Graduated from AUB in 1968, & elected a member of the PNC
whilst still a student. Leading member of ALF, serving as its Secretary-General from [at least] 1972-74 [not
1970 or 1975]; & in PLO-EC from Jan 1973 as its rep, heading Educational-Cultural Affairs Department. Took
PhD at SOAS in Palestinian history; his history of Palestine (Tarikh Filastin al-hadith, 1970) was publd in Ar, &
v.widely read, going through at least 9 edns; transld into English & Fr. Whilst in UK, participated in founding of
Free Palestine [?]. After doctorate, founded the Arab Institute for Research & Publishing in Beirut; then returned
to London with his American wife & established the Third World Centre in London in 1979. Assassination by
unidentified gunmen in Beirut on 6Dec81.
Husam Khadr: PLC member for Nablus (Fatah independent), from Balata refugee camp & originating from
Jaffa. b.8Dec61 in Kufr Romman, graduating from Nablus Uni in business administration & political sciences.
Claims to have been arrested 23 times before the first intifada, including an 18 month detention and a 1 year
house arrest. Helped create youth & student organisations at the start of the 1987 intifada, but was deported on
13Jan88 to S.Lebanon - the first activist to be deported during the intifada. In exile, represented PLO in Latin
America; and elected representative of international Islamic Youth in Senegal, 1989; & Khartum, 1992. Became
member of PNC's pol committee. Returned to Palestine on 5Apr94. Co-founded Fatah Higher Committee with
Faysal al-Husayni & Marwan Barghuthi in 1994. Even though he came within the top 7 candidates in the Fatah
primaries in Nablus, selecting candidates for the 7-member slate for the 1996 PLC elections, Fatah Central
Committee overruled his membership of the slate; he ran, and was elected, as an independent candidate. After
establishment of PA, took role as director of student & youth organisations at the Ministry of Sport & Youth; but
became one of ‘Arafat’s sternest secular critics, esp re corruption & for refugee rights; has led strikes against the
PA, & has had his membership of Fatah revoked. Opposes ‘Arafat’s reelection (in Jul02 interview); and refused
to attend the reconvening of the PLC in Oct02. Heads the Association for the Defence of Palestinian Refugee
Rights, opposed to abandoning the right of return in a deal with Israel. Israeli forces stormed his house on
17Mar03, and are holding him on the allegation that he is aligned with the al-Aqsa brigade, and is a recipient of
illegal funds from Iran. Supportive website is here.
Karim Khalaf: mayor of Ramallah. b.1935-8[?], a Greek Orthodox Christian, trained at Cairo Law School &
criminal lawyer in Israeli military government (District Attorney for Ramallah, Judge in Jericho). Elected mayor
of Ramallah in 1972. Supported non-cooperation with the military government, and was pivotal in the creation
of the PNF; coordinated contacts with PLO. On 2Jun80, was maimed by bombs, later attributed to Israeli settlers,
losing his R leg. Dismissed & replaced with Israeli official in Mar82, & placed under town arrest in Jericho.
Portrayed the Fez resolutions as the PLO's definitive acceptance of a 2 State solution (eg, in New Outlook,
Feb84). Died of a heart attack on 30Mar85.
Salah Khalaf [Abu Iyad]: Fatah leader & chief ideologue. b.31Aug33, Jaffa, where attended Marwaniyya
school; a refugee in 1948 to Gaza, where he acquired paramilitary youth training through the Muslim
Brotherhood (in the Shabab al-Tha‘r). Left Gaza in 1951 to train in Cairo as a teacher, and came to lead the
Palestinian Students Union with ‘Arafat, firstly as ‘Arafat's deputy (1952-6) & then president (1956-7). After
teaching in Gaza, moved to Kuwait where he was a founder of Fatah. Khalaf attributing the model to the FLN in
Algeria (autobiog, 24); claimed his other personal influences were Lenin, Mao, Fanon (ibid, 34-35). Chief of
PLO ‘Special Services’ (the Revolutionary Surveillance Directorate, Mufawwadiyya al-Rasd al-Thawri) from
1968 until Sept71, & then the Jordan Affairs Bureau (created Mar72) to conduct operations there; widely
credited with Black Sept operations, tho he claimed to know them without participating (ibid, 97-114). 1st Fatah
advocate of the Democratic State from 10Oct68; & of 2 State solution from Feb74. In Apr89, recorded a video
message to Israel appealing for a 2 State solution. A leftist, & critical of the conservative Arab governments, he
maintained close ties with PFLP & DFLP; & opposed ‘Arafat’s reconciliation talks with Mubarak in Dec83.
Strongly critical of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait; he reportedly told Saddam Husayn that he was destroying the
Palestinian movement. This seems to have led to his assassination on 14Jan91 in Tunis by the Abu Nidal faction.
His autobiography is My Home, My Land (1981); a tribute is here.
Taysir Khalid (Mahmud Odeh): DFLP political leader, and its representative on the PLO-EC. Based in Nablus.
Wounded by a rubber bullet to the back of his head when Israeli troops fired on an anti-settlement demonstration
at 'Asira, nr Nablus, on 28Mar98. Acted as an "adviser" to ‘Arafat at Camp David in 2000, although his
participation appears to have been minimal. His short article on the Oslo proposals (Feb97) is here. Was arrested
in late 2002 by Israeli forces, and was released on 2Jun03.
Samiha Khalil: Women's rights activist. b.Anabta, Tulkarm, but lived in Ashqalon before 1948; became refugee
in the Gaza Strip 1948 until she left by boat for Beirut, and then moved to the West Bank, where she worked for
charities. Member of the PNC since 1965; also since 1965, president of the Women's Federation Society of ElBireh, the Union for Voluntary Women's societies, and the General Union of Palestinian Women (GUPW);
founder (in 1967) & president of In'ash al-Usra Society. Was the only person to stand against 'Arafat in the 1996
presidential elections; won 12% of the vote. Died on 26Feb99.
Anwar al-Khatib (b.1911, Hebron; d. Feb93): Jerusalem leader. Brought up in Hebron, he trained first in social
science at the Arab college in Jerusalem, and worked as a teacher in Beersheba and al-Rashidiyya school in
Jerusalem, whilst also training in law (finally achieved his BA in mid-40s). Was a member of Hajj Amin’s AHC,
imprisoned for 6 months and dismissed from his job. Moved to Baghdad, then Muscat, until 1945 when he
returned to Jerusalem & was appointed Sec-Gen of the Waqf administration. Appointed mayor of Jerusalem in
Oct48 until the Jordanian annexation. Elected as a member of the Jordanian parliament from 1951-4, and became
supportive of the Jordanian position in the West Bank: held various positions in the cabinet 1961-5 [?], inc
minister for economics & construction (from 1953[?]), then the first Jordanian ambassador to Egypt with the
resumption of relations (1964), & then governor of Jerusalem district (from 1965). Continued to represent a proEgyptian & pro-Jordanian position in the West Bank after 1967. Israel placed under house arrest in Safad for 2
months in 1967 due to his opposition to the occupation. Continued to represent pro-Jordanian interests in the
West Bank, including through the Supreme Islamic Board (which he helped establish in 1967), and spoke on its
behalf often during the 1987-93 intifada; he was strongly criticised by the PLO throughout for this role.
However, was also privately critical of Jordan, eg writing a series of anonymous articles in al-Quds in Mar72
against Husayn’s UAK plan, & arguing that Palestinians had a distinctive identity. Signed the (unreleased)
"Palestinian Peace Document" of Nov82 which recognised the PLO as the sole legitimate representative, but
urged them to authorise King Husayn to negotiate on Palestinians' behalf and to accept a confederation with
Jordan. Served as member of the Jordanian delegation to the Madrid talks.
Ghassan al-Khatib: PA Minister of Labour, from 9Jun02. Leading member of PPP, director of Jerusalem Media
& Communication Centre. b.1954, Nablus; trained in economics at Manchester Uni, and obtained an MA in
Development Studies. Active in PNF & was in Israeli detention from 1974 to 1977 for this. Also works as
lecturer in cultural studies at BZU; and is head of the non-profit United Agricultural Company, channelling
foreign aid to West Bank farmers. Was member of Palestinian delegation to Madrid process, which he boycotted
from Apr93. Signatory of Dec01 statement criticising PA's arrest of leftist activists. Is the Palestinian editor of
Bitter Lemons; and is in the process of completing a PhD in Middle East politics at Durham University. Mahmud
‘Abbas has sought to demote him to the position of Tourism Minister from Apr03.
Ruhi al-Khatib: b.1914; appointed mayor of Jerusalem in 1957; dismissed & deported on 3Mar68 for his role in
leading the Muslim Council; continued to speak out against Israeli annexation of East Jerusalem, through the
Save Jerusalem Committee. Consistently pro-Jordanian. Returned to West Bank in May93; died 6Jul94.
Jamal Khudari: former president of IUG.
Sami Kilani: director of the Community Service Centre at al-Najjah Uni; was part of the Palestinian delegation
to the Madrid process.
‘Abd al-Raziq al-Majaydah: Major-General; S-G of the PA’s High Security Council, in charge of public
security in PA areas. Was ‘Ayn Jalut forces battalion commander (1967-73), brigade operations officer (1973-6),
commander of brigade units in Lebanon (1977-82). Was head of civil police in Gaza until elevation to his current
post [?]. Member of PLO-CC.
Jamil al-Majdalawi: senior PFLP member: 1 of their 2 reps on the PLO-CC, & rep to the National & Islamic
Forces. Head of the PFLP Political Office; based in Gaza. In detailed Jan01 interview, declared that armed
struggle was not the only way to liberation, but other forms of struggle were equally valid.
‘Abd al-Rahim Malluh [Abu Sharif]: PFLP deputy S-G, non-participating member of the PLO-EC (from 1991).
b.1945, Jaffa; refugee in 1948 to Jiflik. Moved to Kuwait in 1963; & became part of PLA in Baghdad. An early
member of PFLP; claims to have been injured in battle of Karama (Mar68), curiously given PFLP's retreat
before Israel's invasion. Was close to Zabri, & was made military commander by him from 1972; on politburo
from 1973. Imprisoned in Jordan 1977-8; commander of PFLP forces in Beirut in 1982. Requested (& obtained)
permission from Israel to return to the West Bank in 1998; and was wounded by a rubber bullet to his shoulder
when Israeli troops fired on an anti-settlement demonstration at 'Asira, nr Nablus, on 28Mar98. Became head of
PFLP's political department in 2000. Stood for election to the post of PFLP's S-G in Oct01, but defeated by
Sa'dat > became deputy S-G instead. Arrested by Israeli forces on 12Jun02. Official biography here.
Zuhayr al-Manasra: Head of the Preventive Security Force in the West Bank from 4Jul02. b.1943 in Bani
Na'im village, nr Hebron. Attended universities in Syria and Frankfurt, Germany, where he obtained an MA in
Economics (1972). Worked as a professor of economics, before joining the PLO in Tunis. Fatah member, and on
its Revolutionary Council; also a member of the PNC. Returned to the West Bank in 1996, when appointed to
the Governorship of Jenin district. Father of four. Interview from May02 is here. His surprise appointment as
head of the PSF (after the ousting of Rajub) was accompanied by protests, both popular and by other security
force leaders (subsequent interviews from 8Jul from FT and Times).
Jamal al-Mansur (Jamal ‘Abd al-Rahman Mansur): Hamas leader in West Bank, b.1960, Balata camp. Rose to
prominence as an Islamist student leader at al-Najjah; early leader of Hamas, deported to Marj al-Zahur in
Dec92, & became spokesman of Hamas delegation to dialogue with PA & major organiser of Hamas pol
activities in the West Bank. Spent 5 years in Israeli jails, two in PA custody. Released in late 2000; but murdered
31Jul01 from an Israeli helicopter missile strike on his office in Nablus.
Hikmat al-Masri (1905/7 in Nablus; d.Dec94): powerful Nablus notable, active in the Palestinian revolt of
1936-9. Served as deputy for Nablus in the Jordanian Parliament 1950-7, & was a leading member of the
National Socialist Party; pro-royalist & for Arab unity. Was speaker of the Jordanian Parliament from 1952-3,
’56-7; minister of agriculture 1953-4. Was chair of the “National conference” that convened in Nablus out of 200
delegates, inc a majority of deputies, after the dismissal of the Nabulsi government in Mar57, to promote its
reinstatement; with failure, he resigned from Parliament. Moved to Jordanian Senate in 1962-71, sometime its
acting chairman; & again until 1988. PLO vice-president in 1964. His criticism of Husayn for Black September
led to his detention in Amman. When PLO was considering a Govt-in-Exile in mid-70s, was widely touted as its
potential PM. Signed the (unreleased) "Palestinian Peace Document" of Nov82 which recognised the PLO as the
sole legitimate representative, but urged them to authorise King Husayn to negotiate on Palestinians' behalf and
to accept a confederation with Jordan.
Mahir al-Masri (Mahir Nash‘at Tahir al-Masri): PA minister of economy, trade and industry (the portfolio for
industry was added on 9Jun02) from 9May96. PLC member for Nablus (Fatah); won first place in the Fatah
primaries for Nablus in 1995. Said to have run a very flashy campaign. b.25/12/46 in Nablus; MA in economics
from AUB, working as a businessman in Beirut (1973-5), Jordan, Saudi & Nablus (1987-96), where he was the
manager of the Vegetable Oil company. Leads Palestinian negotiators in economic talks with Israel, responsible
for negotiating the 1994 Paris economic protocol. Was a member of the 3-man delegation to Washington in
Aug02. Brother of Tahir al-Masri – senator, former deputy (1973-4, 1984-97), ambassador (to Spain, Belgium,
UK), FM (1984-1988), deputy PM (1989), PM (Jun-Nov91) – of Jordan, who has been nominated for Arab
League general commissioner for civil society.
Hajj Ma‘zuz al-Masri: mayor of Nablus after Hamdi Kan‘an resigned on 12Mar69; officially taking up post on
16Jun69. An entrepreneur, he held extensive financial interests in the EBnk & was consistently pro-Jordan. Was
a long-standing member of Nablus municipal council from 1951. Agreed to run in 1972 elections, after Kan‘an
withdrew, under strong Israeli pressure & despite PLO urging; was elected. Did not run in 1976 elections,
despite Israeli pressure, & became more vocal in his criticism of Israel when the Sebastiyya settlement was
established; gave his support to the successful nationalist bloc. Died in Aug94.
Zafir al-Masri: former mayor of Nablus. b.1942; deputy mayor of Nablus in late70s; appointed mayor by Israel
in Dec85 with PLO approval. Took on role of coordinating ties between Jordan & West Bank leaders.
Assassinated on 2Mar86 by PFLP, which portrayed him as leading the West Bank in the direction of civil
autonomy under Israeli rule. Funeral was attended by 50,000 West Bankers.
Muhammad Milhim (Muhammad Ayyash ‘Abd al-Jawad Milhim): graduate in English literature, teacher &
nationalist. Deputy mayor of Halhul until 1976; mayor thereafter. Deported on 2May80 for allegedly inciting
violence; perpetuated, despite SC condemnation & legal appeals. Appointed to PLO-EC in Nov84. Has returned
& is again mayor of Halhul, as well as PLO-CC member. Stood as independent for election to PLC in Hebron,
but not elected.
Khalid Mish’al: head of Hamas political bureau from 1996. b. 1956, Silwad, Ramallah; displaced from 1967 to
Kuwait, where he remained until 1990. Leader of Islamic bloc at Kuwait uni, where he trained in physics (&
taught this in schools). After 1990, lived in Jordan, rising to leader of the external branch of Hamas in 1996, after
Abu Marzuq's arrest. The target of an attempted Israeli assassination in Jordan in Sept97; expelled from Jordan
in Nov99, and now based in Damascus. Led Hamas delegation for talks with Fatah in Nov02 in Cairo, to agree a
common strategy, denying that it would lead to a cessation of operations.
Zuhayr Muhsin: Sec-Gen of Sa‘iqa from 1971 to 1979. b.1936, from Tulkarm. Trained as a teacher in Amman,
but lost his job in Jordan due to Ba‘thist activism; then moved to Qatar, Kuwait & then Syria in 1967. As an
Asad loyalist & Ba‘th party member, was appointed to head Sa‘iqa when the pro-Jadid leadership was purged. A
member of the PLO-EC throughout his leadership of Sa‘iqa, he served as head of the military department. Was
repeatedly promoted by Syria to become chairman of the PLO-EC whenever dissatisfied with ‘Arafat (esp during
early76 clashes). Famously declared that the assertion of Palestinian identity was just a tactical manoeuvre in the
struggle (Mar77 interview). His family's house in Tulkarm was picketed after gave support to Syria in 1976
Lebanon clashes with Palestinians. Was assassinated in Cannes on 15Jul79.
Hilmi Muhtasib: from Hebron; member of Shari‘a ct of appeals, based in Amman, at the time of occupation;
became Director of Shari‘a Affairs from Jul67, and then head of Islamic Board & chief Qadi when al-Sa’ih was
deported in Sept67.
Sa‘id Musa Muragha [Abu Musa]: head of Fatah's dissident wing in Lebanon. b.1927; served in Jordanian
army & trained at Sandhurst military academy. By 1970, had turned against Jordan & planned unsuccessful coup
there in mid70. Joined PRM that year, rising to the position of colonel within Fatah, commander of PLO forces
in South Lebanon (1972-77) & deputy military head of PLO operations room in Lebanon (1977-82). Syria
attempted his assassination in 1978. On Fatah-RC from 1980-83. Led PLO's defence of Beirut in 1982; but was
deeply critical of the leadership's stance, esp with ‘Arafat's appointment of his loyalists over more capable
officers. Began open criticism in May83, resulting in fracturing of Fatah's forces & open fighting in Oct83; his
faction has been popularly known as Fatah-Uprising, assisted by Syria; has retreated from active role through
1990s.
Ahmad Musa (Ahmad Shawqi Mahmud al-Musa): mayor of Jenin from 1976, dismissed by Israel (6Jul82).
Muhammad al-Musallami: Former PFLP leader. From Gaza, originally a member of the Muslim Brotherhood,
but joined ANM in 1956-7. Became member of PF’s 1st politburo (Feb69), responsible for OTs, esp
coordinating operations in Gaza. Failed to win reelection to PF politburo in Feb93.
Sulayman al-Najjab (Sulayman Rashid al-Najjab) [Abu Firas]: former leader of the JCP. b.1934(?), from Jibya
village; joined JCP soon after its creation. Arrested soon after Apr57 dismissal of Nabulsi's government &
imprisoned for 8 years in al-Jafar camp. Was active in creating the PNF & arrested in 1974. After 9 months in
administrative detention, was deported from West Bank in Feb75. As deputy S-G, was 1st JCP leader to be
appointed to the PLO-EC, in Apr87 & had key role in bringing about the reconciliation of fida'i factions. Acted
as an advisor to ‘Arafat at Camp David talks in 2000. Retained PLO-EC position until his death (from cancer, in
the US) in Aug01; buried in Ramallah. Tribute here.
Muhammad Yusif al-Najjar [Abu Yusif]: Founding member of Fatah. b.1929, refugee from Yibna (al-Majdal);
grew up in Rafah camp, Gaza. A member of the Muslim Brotherhood before 1948, he was arrested by Egypt in
early54 for participation in demos for a Palestinian army; & imprisoned for 2 years from Mar55 for protesting
Egyptian resettlement of Palestinian refugees in N Sinai. With Ikhwan’s decline in Egypt & its refusal to support
a separate armed organisation, left to become a founder of Fatah. Worked as a teacher, & was active in setting up
early Fatah groups in Saudi & Qatar; member of Fatah-CC from creation until his death. Became head of Fatah’s
new security apparatus (in Sept71), & coordinated al-‘Asifa; also thought to have a leading role in Black Sept
Org. Member of first fida’i PLO-EC from Jul68, & became head of Pol Department in Jan73. Also, as chair of
committee coordinating Palestinian affairs in Lebanon, brokered relations with Lebanese government after Cairo
agreement. Killed together with his wife in the Israeli raid on Beirut, 10Apr73.
Muhammad Zuhdi Nashashibi: Former PA Finance Minister, losing position on 9Jun02. A former Palestinian
Ba‘th leader in Syria after 1960, pro-Nasir in opposition to anti-Nasir stance of Syrian Ba‘th. Long term PLO-EC
member, heading the Economics department; is chair of PNF. Also chairman of the Board of Trustees of al-Quds
University; and a member of the PA's High Council for Refugee Camps.
Hanna Nasir: President of BZU. b.1936, Jaffa. Studied at AUB & received PhD in nuclear physics from Purdue
Uni, US. Founder of BZU, acting as its president until his deportation in Nov74 for tolerating the demonstrations
that accompanied ‘Arafat's speech at UNGA. In exile, was based in Amman, serving on PLO-EC from 1981-84,
with role as head of PNFund from Feb83; later had responsibility for Higher Education on PLO committees.
Returned to West Bank in May93, resuming position at BZU. Remains chair of PNC education committee &
thus on PLO-CC. Is cousin of Kamal Nasir.
Kamal Nasir (Kamal Butros Nasir): Palestinian poet and PLO leader. b. Gaza, 1925, tho family is from Bir
Zayt. Educated at AUB, worked as a teacher whilst studying law in Jerusalem. After 1948 worked as a journalist:
produced al-Ba‘th newspaper from Ramallah, then set up al-Jil al-Jadid, a literary periodical. Elected as Ba‘th
member for Ramallah district in 1956 elections, but expelled from Parliament during the subsequent martial law
period. Expelled from West Bank by Israel in 1967; became editor of PLO newspaper, Filastin al-Thawra, &
member of PLO-EC from Feb69 where served as official spokesman and the head of National Guidance, exc for
late70-Jul71, until his murder in Israel’s Beirut raid of Apr73. Only published one collection of poetry, Jirah Tughanni
(1961), though others collected from his writings after his death. More extensive description of writings is here.
Amin Nasr (Amin Ibrahim al-Nasr: "Muhammad Samih"): nationalist mayor of Qalqilya from 1976; arrested on
22Sept80 for publishing a leaflet that condemned the "burden of the Israeli occupation". Altho retained his
position after 1982, was placed under town arrest in 1983. Stood as independent for election to PLC in Qalqilya,
but not elected.
Fu’ad Nassar: JCP leader. b.1914 in Nazareth, & became part of anti-colonial movement from 1929.
Commanded an insurgent detachment in 1936-9 revolt. Imprisoned in Iraq. Returned to Palestine in 1943 to take
leadership of NLL; also became secretary of Arab Workers Congress (from 1945). Became 1st leader of JCP in
1951; was jailed by Jordan until 1956 when released by Nabulsi government. After Husayn’s counter-revolution,
was exiled & supported (in opposition to JCP acting leadership) fida’iyyun & opposed SCR242; creator of alAnsar. Was 1st JCP member to be accepted into PNC in 1/73. d.1976.
Mustafa Natsha (Mustafa ‘Abd al-Nabi Natshah): mayor of Hebron. b.1930; chairman of Arab Cement
Company; deputy mayor of Hebron 1976-Jul83, when deposed. Member of Palestinian delegation to the Madrid
process. Appointed as mayor by PA in 1994.
Rafiq al-Natsha [Abu Shakir]: PA Minister of Agriculture from 9Jun02. Formerly served as PA Minister of
Labour, from Aug98. b.1934, Hebron, and trained in political science (MA from Cairo Uni, PhD from Moscow
Uni). Worked in the Qatari ministry of education from 1956 to 1970, rising to head of the minister's office.
Served as Fatah's rep to Saudi Arabia; elected to Fatah-CC in May80. PLC member for Hebron. The author of a
number of books on Palestinian history.
Mamduh Nawfal: DFLP & Fida leader. Military commander of DFLP & politburo member (up to 1990); may
have had a role in the Ma’alot operation (15May74); member of DF’s Nov74 delegation to SU. Took a role in
mediating between the Fatah factions in Lebanon in mid80s. Then left to help establish Fida, of which he
became a politburo member. Also member of PLO Higher Military Committee, & PNC. An ally of ‘Arafat, he
took on roles within the PA: was made a member of the Palestinian National Security Council, and the
Presidential Advisor for Internal Affairs. Signatory to 20Jun02 statement in al-Quds appealing for an end to
suicide bombings.
Muhammad Nazzal: Hamas rep in Jordan from 1992; b.1963, Amman to a family from Qalqilya; trained in
Kuwait & Pakistan as a chemist.
Walid Nimr (Walid Ahmad Nimr) [Abu ‘Ali Iyad]: early Fatah leader. From Qalqilya; taught in Algeria &
trained in its army in 1964. Recruited through Wazir, & moved to join Fatah field command in Damascus
(1965), and briefly assumed control of Fatah when ‘Arafat was arrested (1966), until he too was arrested;
thought to have negotiated with Asad to determine Fatah’s role in Syria. Ran the influential training camp for
recruits at al-Hama in Syria in 1968. Became member of Fatah-CC with overall responsibility for Syria &
Lebanon. Strongly urged PRM to pull back from Amman before Black Sept, but to no avail. Killed by Jordanian
forces at ‘Ajlun in Jul71.
Anwar Nusaybah: (Anwar Zaki Nusyabah, 1913-11/86). Leading pro-Jordanian notable in West Bank. b. in
Jerusalem, from family that is the historic custodians of the key to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre; studied at
al-Rawda college (old Jerusalem) & Arab College; & then Perse school & read law at Queens College
(grad.1934), both in Cambridge, UK. Married Nuzha, refugee from Ramle (& later president of the World
Muslim Women's Organisation). Became a district judge in Jerusalem & joined the Husayni faction; became
secretary of the Jerusalem National Committee in 1948, to administer the city; & then secretary of the cabinet of
the All-Palestine Government. Wrote memoirs in 1949 on the defeat in the 1948 war, highly critical of the
British. Had also lost a leg in the 1948 war, after stepping on a landmine. Was coopted by Jordan; became
deputy for Jerusalem in Apr50, & served as the Chief Arab delegate to the Israel-Jordan Mixed Armistice
Commission in 1951; then was inter alia Jordanian defence minister (from 1952-5, intermittently), minister for
construction & development (1952-4, intermittently), minister of education; appointed to the Senate in Mar53
(resigning when returned to Parliament in 1954) & again from Nov63, when also served as Governor of
Jerusalem; & then ambassador to London (1965). Was a founder member of the Arab Constitutional Party
(established 1956 under Tawfiq Abu al-Huda). After occupation, was a leading West Bank supporter of Jordan,
living in Jerusalem; and argued from 1967 for a Palestinian acceptance of the 1947 Partition Plan (eg in New
Outlook, 11/2, Feb68). Chairman of Jerusalem Electric Company in 1980s. Buried within Haram al-Sharif.
Another profile is here.
Sari Nusaybah (Sari Anwar Nusaybah): former PLO representative in Jerusalem. b.1949[?], Shaykh Jarrar in
E.Jerusalem, son of Anwar. Studied PPE at Oxford (1971), received a PhD in Islamic Philosophy from Harvard
(1978); became professor of philosophy at BZU (1978-90). Married to Lucy Austin, daughter of J.L.Austin; 4
children; resident in Bayt Hanina, but awaiting permission to build on purchased land in Abu Tor. Founder &
head of the Palestinian Consultancy Group, undertaking research projects on the management of Palestinian
infrastructure. Was the first prominent Palestinian to hold talks with a senior Likud politician, Moshe Amirav, in
1987; was assaulted by Palestinian activists for this. Later in 1987, became a prominent advocate for Palestinian
enfranchisement within a democratic Israeli-Palestinian state, arguing that Palestinians could not overcome
Israeli hegemony given that their own consciousness is shaped by Israel (Jun87 al-Fajr seminar; reprinted in alFajr 9Aug87); seemed to support Israeli de jure annexation of West Bank. Arrested in 1991 & charged with
betraying military information to Iraq. Became member of the Palestinian steering committee to the Madrid talks
& co-authored No Trumpets, No Drums (1991) with Mark Heller, calling for a 2 State solution in Palestine; has
written dozens of other articles on Jerusalem & the prospects for agreement with Israel. Often coordinates with
Meretz & Yossi Beilin in Israel. President of al-Quds University from 1995. Appointed to Jerusalem position in
early Oct01; since then, has strongly criticised the direction of the intifada, calls for the Palestinian refugees to
give up their rights to return to their homes in the 1948 Territories, says that he would have accepted Barak's
offer at Camp David. Arrested briefly in Dec01 for arranging an Id al-Fitr celebration under the auspices of the
PLO in Jerusalem; and his offices at al-Quds University were raided and sealed, and his files taken away, when
the Israeli police shut the university down in early Jul02. On 2Sept02, he released the final draft of a joint peace
initiative with Ami Ayalon, former head of Shin Bet, to end the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis, based
on return to the 1967 lines and with no Palestinian right of return; aims to obtain 1 million signatories to the
initiative (under the title of "the People's Voice"; website here). On 19Dec02, he both announced his intention to
cease cooperation with Israel after a colleague from Nablus was arrested by Israeli troops; and that ‘Arafat had
taken over the Jerusalem portfolio from him.
Faruq al-Qaddumi [Abu Lutf]: head of PLO’s Political Department in Tunis (PLO’s ‘Foreign Minister’), &
Fatah central committee member. b.1931, Jinsafut in Qalqilya district (SW of Nablus), but grew up in Haifa;
with 1948 war, returned to Nablus. Left for Saudi to work as a personnel officer for ARAMCO in 1952-4; then
trained in economics & polsci in Cairo (grad. 1958), where worked through GUPS; became a Ba‘thist, but left
after break-up of UAR & joined Fatah. Moved between Libya, Saudi & Kuwait (where he worked for the Health
Ministry until expelled) until 1965/6. Settled in Damascus. Joined PLO-EC in 1969 to lead Department of Pop
Orgs; then headed the pol department from 1973 → extensively devd contacts with Arab States through 70s, tho
remained close to Syria & Iraq. Thought to have been close to Sa‘id al-Muragha’s Fatah Uprising movement,
and rumours that he nearly joined it in 1983. Instead, became S-G of Fatah-CC. Rejected the Oslo process,
refused to sign DoP (replaced by ‘Abbas), become a minister in PA or even enter PA areas (eg for 1996 PNC, for
which he said he was too busy), but continued to serve as FM, & accepted appointment as director of Palestinian
Economic Council for Development & Reconstruction (PECDAR), although leaving its operation to Qurai‘. Is
seen by many members of Fatah-CC who reject Oslo as a potential successor or replacement of ‘Arafat, but has
little popularity in West Bank & his role has largely been taken over by Abu Mazin and Nabil Sha‘th.
‘Isam al-Qadi: S-G of al-Sa‘iqa forces from 1979, taking over after Zuhayr Muhsin's assassination. Rose
through the Palestinian Ba‘th party, of which he was S-G from 1972, and was a politburo member of the panArab command from 1975. Joined PNC & PLO-CC in the same year. Served briefly as head of the military dept
on the PLO-EC from Sept79-80.
Walid Qamhawi: PNF leader. b.1924, grew up in Nablus, & trained as a physician at AUB; grad in 1947, then
specialised in surgery at Cairo Uni; returned to Nablus to work with Iraqi Red Crescent in May48 & ran their
hospital there until May49; then set up a maternity hospital, & promoted family planning (further training in
Ireland & Sweden in early60s). Briefly joined ANM in early 1950s. Established the Cooperative Cultural Club in
Nablus, which served to promote Palestinian artists, in 1956-7, closed due to its closeness to Nabulsi
government; & was arrested intermittently over the next few years, esp when became head of Nablus branch of
the Ba‘th (after Bassam Shak‘a left for Syria). Also was council member of Jordanian Medical Association
(1957-) & its chair 1963-9 (honorary from 1967). ANM member of the 1st PLO-EC, when became strongly
opposed Shuqayri & denounced Bourguiba in Tunis (Apr65); resigned from EC (May65). After occupation,
helped establish al-Maqassad hospital in Jerusalem; was deported for 2 months to Lebanon on 12Sept70 in
retaliation for PF hijacking. In West Bank, became a leader of PNF & deported again on 10Dec73, this time to
Jordan & permanently. Resumed position on the PLO-EC from 1974, as head of PNFund (also building links
with UN agencies & development NGOs) & frequently clashed with ‘Arafat (offered resignation in ’77 & ’79);
finally resigned in Apr81. Retired to Rabieh, Amman, where he sought & failed to establish al-Quds Open
University (project terminated in 1989), finally won permission to reenter West Bank in 1993. Author of
“Catastrophe & Construction” (al-Nakba wa al-Bina’a, 1956; blaming backwardness of Arab civilisation for the
Palestinian situation, and calling for unconditional unity), and memoirs (2000).
Nabil Qassis: PA Minister of Planning (from Apr03), previous minister of tourism from 9Jun02; and as Minister
without portfolio and as Coordinator-General for "Bethlehem 2000" project from 1998. b.1945, the son of a
soldier in the Arab Legion. Left to study in Germany in 1963, training in Physics in Mainz. Obtained his PhD in
nuclear physics from AUB in 1972, and worked in France and Italy. Returned to Palestine in 1980, and was
appointed professor of theoretical physics at Bir Zayt University in 1982, chairing department from 1982 until
his appointment as the university's vice-president for academic affairs (1984-89). Was a member of the
Palestinian negotiating team at Madrid (1991-3). Served as a senior figure in delegations to negotiations until
1998, including as deputy head of the delegation to the Washington talks from 1993-4, occasional head of
delegations, and as a member of the permanent status negotiating team (from Sept99). Co-founder (in 1996) and
head of the Palestine Economic Research and Policy Institute (MAS) until 1998. Proponent of a secular state. A
frequent participant in unofficial negotiations with Israeli leaders, such as those at Harvard University's Joint
Working Group on the right of return (1998), in South Africa (Jan02) and in Stafford, UK (May02). Lives in
Ramallah.
Ahmad Qatamish (Ahmad Sulayman Musa Qatamish): PFLP activist & writer from Ramallah. Held in
administrative detention from Sept92 for 5yrs8months, the longest single continuous period Israel has used.
Wrote 3 bks in detention, on the nature of the occupation. Released on 15Apr98, after extensive Palestinian
campaign. In a subsequent interview, he opposed PF's dialogue with 'Arafat, & spoke of the crisis within the
organization. After signing the "Call of the Homeland" petition in Nov99, was arrested by PA forces & held for
3 wks without charge. Was reported to have rejected the post of deputy S-G at the Jul00 conference; has not
taken on the high profile leadership role that many in PFLP expected him to take.
Fahd Qawasma: b.1939, agronomist (serving in agriculture department of Israeli military government in the
West Bank) & mayor of Hebron from 1976 - only decided to stand after Natsha was deported just prior to the
elections. Moderate nationalist, a key figure in competition between PLO, Jordan & Israel for support, &
gradually swung to more pro-PLO position in late70s. Deported 2May80 for allegedly inciting violence;
appointed to PLO-EC in Nov84, but was assassinated in Amman by unidentified gunmen on 29Dec84.
‘Ali Ibrahim al-Qawasmi: PA Minister of Youth and Sports from 9Jun02-29Oct02. Previously served as
Minister of Transport. Narrowly elected as PLC member for Hebron. Holds a PhD. Voted against Hebron
redeployment protocol in the Cabinet in Jan97.
Nasir al-Qidwa: Palestinian ambassador to the UN. A nephew of Yasir 'Arafat, he joined Fatah in 1969, became
member of GUPS Executive Committee in 1974, later becoming GUPS president. Completed training in
dentistry at Cairo Uni in 1979. Became executive member of Palestinian Red Crescent around this time. PNC
member from 1975; PLO-CC member from 1981, Fatah-RC member from 1989. Appointed alternate Palestinian
observer at UN from 1986; permanent observer from 1991.
Taysir Quba‘a: PFLP leader. b.1938, from Qalqilya, a former leader of GUPS. Became part of ANM command
in Jordan post67, but captured infiltrating into the West Bank in Dec67. Was PF’s first rep to the PLO-EC from
Jul71-Jan73; then put in charge of opposing the 1974 interim programme in Lebanon after the formation of the
Rejectionist Front, but came to argue for the mini-State option in 1976-7 as a first step towards liberating all
Palestine. Politburo member until 1993. Deputy head of PNC. Obtained permission from Israel to return to the
West Bank.
Ahmad Qurai‘ (Ahmad ‘Ali Muhammad Qurai‘) [Abu Ala’]: Prime Minister designate of the PA; former longterm speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council & PLC member for Jerusalem. b.1937 in Abu Dis, from a
wealthy family. Joined Fatah in 1968. Had been director of PLO’s foreign investment arm, director-general of
PLO’s economic department & member of financial subcommittee; elected to Fatah-CC in Aug89. Had a key
role in negotiating Oslo accords as chief of delegation, & headed negotiations which led to the Apr94 Paris
agreement & Sept95 Oslo II agreement. Is chief negotiator in the final status talks. Minister of Economy &
Trade, then Minister for Industry, in the first PA cabinets, before the PLC elections (1994-6); prepared the
PLO’s development strategy for the OTs in “Programme for Development of the Palestinian national economy,
1994-2000”, & became Managing-Director of PECDAR since its creation in 1993. Obtained the highest no of
votes in Jerusalem in the PNC elections. Has good relations with West Bank NGOs, & is generally seen as “prodemocracy”; won 60/73 votes in PLC re-election for Speaker in Mar00. Also owns a company that produce
cement for settlement-building, including Jabal Abu Ghunaym (Har Homa). Has had persistent heart problems,
including a heart attack in Sept95. Had surgery to unblock a coronary artery in 2002, and taken to hospital with
chest pains in Jun02. Was approached to be the prime minister on the resignation of Mahmud 'Abbas in Sept03,
and was sworn in as PM designate of an emergency cabinet on 7Oct03.
Salih Ra’fat: S-G of Fida; former leader of DFLP. A member of ANM pre67, took leading role in the PFLP
committee for the OTs in 1968. As a strong leftist, he joined the breakaway PDF in Feb69, & became member of
politburo. Captured by Jordan at ‘Ajlun in Jul71, interred in Jafar prison camp, & only released in general
amnesty for PDF members in mid73 [was also made an honorary member of PLO-EC until Jan73 - ?]. Stayed in
Jordan & re-arrested in Jul74. Supported ‘Abd-Rabbu's break from DFLP; nominal head of Fida. Stood for
election to PLC in Jenin district in 1996, but not successful. Signatory to 20Jun02 statement in al-Quds
appealing for an end to suicide bombings.
Jibril Rajub: Former head of Preventive Security Force in the West Bank, with the rank of Colonel; Fatah-RC
member. b.1953, Dura. Spent 17 years in Israeli prison (1968-85) for throwing a grenade at a military vehicle;
learnt to speak fluent Hebrew & English in prison, entailing frequent appearances on Israeli TV (where the
Hebraization of his name, Gavriel Regev, has taken hold). Released as part of a prisoner exchange, but expelled
from West Bank to Lebanon in 1988. Then based in Tunis, acting as deputy to Khalil al-Wazir & acting as the
advisor on the intifada. Returned to West Bank in 1994. Has aimed to turn Fatah in the West Bank into a much
more loyal pro-PA organisation. Was subject of rumours in Nov97 that he was planning to take control of the
West Bank in the event of ‘Arafat’s health worsening; and was suspended from Fatah-CC from Dec97 for 8
months, ostensibly for denouncing the nationalist credentials of Sakhr Habash (who had accused him of
attempting to militarize Fatah). Is strongly opposed to any Jordanian role in West Bank's future. Reportedly
accused by ‘Arafat of insubordination during a heated row over Rajub's failure to prevent the storming of
Hebron jail by Palestinian activists (11Feb02). After Israel bombed his headquarters (3Apr02), he surrendered 50
activists sheltering there to Israel in a CIA-brokered deal > strongly criticised, including by Dahlan's Gang of 5.
Was sidelined in Cabinet reorganisation of Jun02, and failed to win support from Egypt for his position. ‘Arafat
ordered his removal on 2Jul02, reportedly offering him the post of Governor of Jenin; refused to comply until
4Jul.
Nayif Rajub: A religious cleric, brother of Jibril, appointed PA minister of religious affairs in Mar06.
‘Abd al-Aziz Rantisi: former Hamas spokesman in Gaza, leader in Gaza for 25 days before his death in 2004.
b.Oct 1947, Jibna (nr Jaffa); refugee in Khan Yunis. Trained as a medical doctor & paediatrician in Alexandria
Uni (-1972, 1974-6), when he first came into contact with the Ikhwan; on that basis, founded Islamic Centre in
Gaza in 1973 & joined Ikhwan as a member on his return to Gaza in 1976. From then, worked in Khan Yunis &
at Islamic Uni Gaza from its opening in 1978; but dismissed as head of paediatrics at Khan Yunis hospital by
Israel in 1983 & was variously imprisoned (esp Mar88-Sept90). Led Hamas (with Zahhar) after Apr89, & was
deported by Israel to Marj al-Zuhur in Dec92, where he acted as spokesman for the deportees. On return, was rearrested (Dec93) & held until Apr97. Again held by PA in detention without trial for 21 months until Feb00,
accused of involvement in the killing of Mohieddin Sharif. Arrested again in Jul00 after calling the Palestinian
participation in the Camp David talks an act of treason; released in Dec00; intermittently rearrested, esp in
Dec01. Based in Shaykh Radwan area of Gaza City. Interview here. Killed in an Israeli missile strike on
17Apr04. Obituary here.
Muhammad Rashid (Khalid Salam): economic advisor to ‘Arafat; deals with PA’s business affairs. Was editor
of Sawt al-Bilad, a weekly magazine in West Bank that was 1stly under direct sponsorship of Wazir, from 1986
under ‘Arafat. Was part of 3-man delegation that held talks with Sharon in Jan02, and was unofficially in charge
of negotiating with Israel during the Mar-May02 onslaught, and heads committee on reform of the PA
established subsequently.
Ahmad Sa‘adat [Abu Ghassan]: secretary-general of the PFLP. b.1953, al-Bira, the son of refugees from Dayr
Tarif (nr al-Ramleh). Began as a student activist in 1967, joined the PFLP in 1969. Trained as a maths teacher at
the Ramallah Institute for Teachers (diploma in 1975). Has spent a total of 10yrs in Israeli prisons from 1969
(esp 4 years from 1976); also arrested by PA three times in 1995-6. Elected to PFLP-CC in Apr81; to politburo
in Mar93 (when in administrative detention); commander of West Bank Branch Committee from 1994. Widely
seen as a "hardliner" within PFLP, strongly opposing compromises with Israel. Elected as S-G on 3Oct01 (press
conference here). Resided in al-Bira with wife, Abla, & 4 children. Arrested by PA on 15Jan02, in response to
Israeli demands following the PFLP's killing of Ze'evi. Under siege with ‘Arafat in the Ramallah compound in
Mar-Apr02, and convicted there; transferred to Jericho prison under US/UK guard on 1May02. The High Court
in Gaza ordered his release; the PA ignored, spurring protests for his release. His younger brother, Muhammad,
was killed by Israeli soldiers on 20Aug02. A letter from prison (14Jan03) opposed the Quartet's Road Map.
Salah Salah: former PFLP leader. Early ANM activist in Damascus, taking major role in local branch after 1961
break-up of UAR. Served as an independent member of PLO-EC in 1971-Jan73 [?]. PFLP politburo member
until Feb93, when he refused to stand for re-election having been strongly criticised for compromises with the
PLO. Chair of PNC Returnees Committee, thus with place on PLO-CC.
‘Ali Hassan Salameh [Abu Hassan, the "Red Prince"]: PLO's chief of intelligence. b.1943?, son of Shaykh
Hassan Salameh, he was educated in Germany and is thought to have received military training in Cairo &
Moscow. A Fatah recruit, Israel alleged that he was the leader of the Black September Organisation. Within the
PLO, he founded & headed the elite Force 17 (taking its name from his Beirut telephone extension). He served
as the PLO's contact with the CIA from 1969, and is alleged (also here) to have passed them information on non-
mainstream fida’i groups. Is also remembered for his wife, Georgina Rizak, a Lebanese Christian beauty queen
who was crowned Miss Universe (& who inspired a character in the John Le Carré novel The Little Drummer
Girl). Assassinated by Israel on 22Jan79 by a remote-control bomb in Beirut.
Fahmi al-Salfiti: former leader of the JCP. From Salfit, active in creation of JCP in Jun51. In general, sought
accommodation with the Jordanian monarchy. When parliamentary leaders were imprisoned in 1957, and Fu'ad
Nassar in exile, he served as acting secretary-general; in opposition to Nassar's strategy, he opposed the West
Bank strikes of 1966, leading to internal splits. After 1967, he ran the JCP headquarters from Amman, accepted
SCR242 and argued against commencing guerrilla activities. He also promoted loyalty to the monarchy as a
means of liberating the territories, denying the Palestinian character of the struggle in the West Bank (Nouvelle
Revue Internationale, Oct-Nov68; in Khamsin, 7: 21-40). With the West Bank party turning away from a proHashimite position, his supporters split to form the Palestine Communist Youth in 1975 (became PC
Organisation in 1977).
‘Abd al-Jawad Salih: mayor of al-Bira from Jordanian rule era. b.3/12/1931, al-Bira; graduated in economics
from AmUni Cairo, taught in Jerusalem & then in Libya; returned to West Bank in 1962/5?, in business. Elected
to mayor of al-Bira in 1967 before the war. Strong role in creating & leading PNF, & deported by Israel to
Jordan for this on 10Dec73. Subsequently served on PLO-EC, where he frequently argued with ‘Arafat, until
1981. Author of Israel’s policy of de-institutionalisation (1987) & headed the Jerusalem Centre for Development
Studies in Amman. Stood for election to PNC, winning highest number of votes in Ramallah district; seen as
leader of the pro-democracy camp on his election. Was briefly minister of agriculture in the PA (from 9May96),
but became one of ‘Arafat’s sternest critics; remains an independent member of the PLO-CC. Voted against
Hebron redeployment agreement (Jan97) & formation of new PA cabinet in Aug98, & refused to take a position
as a minister without portfolio in it. A leading signatory of the Nov99 Cry of the Homeland petition; assaulted by
PA intelligence officers for this.
Nimr Salih [Abu Salih]: leading Fatah leftist. A refugee from Qulia, al-Lid. Headed pol guidance within Fatah
general command, but was warned in 1968 for leading dissent within Jordan; allowed to head the Fatah militia in
Jordan, but dismissed after seen to be creating a personal power base. Elected to Fatah-CC in Sept71 to hold
overall responsibility for Syria & Lebanon (after Walid Nimr’s death). From there, & seemingly in alliance with
‘Arafat, started coordinating leftist figures into an independent faction within Fatah; esp in Lebanon from 1972.
From Oct73, strongly promoted view that SU would have major role, & promoted the “national authority”
slogan for this purpose: headed the “Soviet group”, & formed alliance with Wazir. Led anti-Syria position by
attacking Maronite strongholds in early76. Also backed SU intervention into Afgh in 1979, causing rift with
Saudi. Strongly opposed Fahd & Reagan plans, issuing statement with PF & PF-GC to condemn latter; and with
Syrian support denounced ‘Arafat in Nov82 for Fez Decl & coop with Jordan. Backed Maragha rebellion from
Jan83; membership in Fatah-CC was frozen (Jan83) & was dropped from Fatah list for PNC. Leadership struggle
within dissident movement led to Syria turning against him, placing him under house arrest (Jun84) where he
died of a heart attack in Sept91.
Qays Samarra’i (Qays ‘Abd al-Karim) [Abu Layla]: Founder member of DFLP; member of DFLP-CC since
1969. Background is as an Iraqi Ba‘thist activist. Thought to have written the seven major articles (in
consultation with ‘Abd-Rabbu & Hawatmah) in al-Hurriya from Aug-Oct73, signed Yasari Filastini (a
Palestinian leftist) which argued for a "revolutionary national authority" in the WBG which would serve to allow
the Palestinian struggle to continue until the Arab-wide democratic revolution changed the international balance
of forces; present struggle must shift to driving out the occupying force = formed the basis of the "phased
programme" of Jun74 PNC. After ‘Abd-Rabbu split [?], was appointed deputy S-G of DFLP; & moved to
Ramallah in 1999 [?]. Israel attempted to assassinate him on 30Aug01, when a bomb exploded in his apartment
at night; but was out.
‘Isam Sartawi: PLO negotiator & physician; founded AOLP. b.1935, Acre. Trained in medicine in Baghdad
(where he built enduring links with Iraqi elite), specialising in cardiology in the US. Helped establish the
Palestinian Red Crescent Soc; & went on to create AOLP initially to act as medical relief personnel for PRM,
later firearms specialists. After its reincorporation into Fatah in 1971, was advisor to ‘Arafat on US & European
affairs; & was charged with devg contacts with moderate Israelis. Began meetings with Israeli members of the
Israel-Palestinian Peace Council in Autumn 1976. Frequently criticised at the PNC (though his mandate came
from the Mar77 PNC), ‘Arafat refused to accept his repeated letters of resignation (though Sartawi later
criticised him for not defending him publicly: Le Monde interview, 22Jan82). Assassinated 12Apr83 in Lisbon,
Portugal.
Shaykh ‘Abd al-Hamid Sa’ih: West Bank religious leader. b.Nablus in 1908, lived in E.Jerusalem, where he
became a member of Jordanian Shari‘a Court of Appeals, based in Amman. Attended the ceremony that founded
the Muslim Brotherhood's central office in Jerusalem in May46, and claimed he declined the offer to be the
Brotherhood's leader. After 1967, was chosen as head of the Islamic Board, and thus became Acting Chief Qadi,
& head of Higher Committee for National Guidance. Deported by Israel in Sept67, & became Jordanian Minister
for Religious Affairs and the Holy Places (briefly), & later Chief Qadi. Became speaker of PNC in 1984,
resigning in May93 (reportedly because of opposition to PLO’s negotiating stance). d. in Jordan in Jan01.
Mamduh Sabri Saidam [Abu Sabri]: Former Fatah field commander. Refugee from ‘Aqr (al-Majdal) to Gaza;
taught in Algeria & trained in its army in 1964. Recruited through Wazir, & moved to join Fatah field command
in Damascus (1965). Member of first Fatah-CC, heading Fatah forces in Jordan in 1970. Died in Jul71 of cancer.
Sabri Saidam: Former PA minister of telecommunications (2005-06). b.1971, son of Mamdouh Sabri Saidam.
Holds a doctorate in electrical engineering from Imperial College London (1999).
Sa‘d Sayil [Abu Walid]: Fatah military leader. From Nablus; joined Jordanian army, in which he became an
infantry brigade commander. Left during Sept70 to join Fatah, where was made commander of the Yarmuk
forces, & chaired Higher Military Committee from late70s. An ‘Arafat loyalist, he became a senior aide.
Coordinated direct consultations with US ambassador in Lebanon to protect the US embassy in 1976. Killed in
Lebanon’s Bekaa valley, 29Sept82.
Salah Shahada: Hamas leader and founding member; status of Shaykh. b.24Feb54, Bayt Hanun, from a refugee
family from Jaffa. Studied social science at Cairo Uni after having to refuse places at Russian and Turkish
universities in engineering and medicine, due to inability to pay fees; joined the Ikhwan as a student in Egypt.
Acted as a social worker, and jailed for 2 years from 1984. One of the 7 founders of Hamas; had initial
responsibility for the creation of the ‘Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades; spent a total of 12 years in prison from
1988, firstly after being convicted by an Israeli court and later (from late 1998) in administrative detention. After
his release on 14May00 (Hamas statement here), he headed the ‘Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, and Israel
reportedly considered him as having primary responsibility for Hamas attacks on settlements in the Gaza Strip;
at least 3 assassination attempts upon him, and PA forces attempted (unsuccessfully) to arrest him in Jun01. His
house in Bayt Hanun was partially destroyed by Israeli tanks in Dec01 (& reoccupied on 12Feb02). His nephew,
Bilal Shahada, was killed in an attack on Netzarim in Mar02. Gave an interview to the Jordanian weekly al-Sabil
on the organising of suicide bombers in May02. Killed on 22Jul02, in an Israeli missile strike on his residence in
the Daraj neighbourhood of Gaza city, an attack which killed his wife, Layla, and one of his daughters, Iman;
and 12 others.
‘Abd al-Aziz Shahin [Abu ‘Ali Shaheen]: PA Minister of Supply from 1996 to Apr03 & PLC member for
Rafah (Fatah). b.1941(?), expelled from Gaza in 1986. Most famous for his sit-in at the checkpoint from Rafah
to Gaza city in Jul98, which launched a series of Palestinian blockades on settlements in the Strip. A proponent
of mass action, he also organised the mass resignation of PA ministers in 1997 in response to the corruption
allegations. His house was damaged when Israeli tanks fired shells at it on 23Jan02. Served as Fatah's
representative to the Gaza talks of the major factions up to Aug02, when he blamed Hamas' external leadership
for vetoing the agreed draft and quit as Fatah representative.
Nasir al-Sha'ir: a prominent academic from al-Najjah University in Nablus, and Hamas member. b. 1961,
Nablus, training at al-Najjah and securing a PhD in Manchester Uni, UK, in Middle Eastern studies. Later
worked as a research scholar on religion & democracy at New York Uni, focusing on US history (1998). Took
position of dean of Islamic Studies & Law at al-Najjah in 2001. Appointed education minister and deputy prime
minister in March 2006.
Bassam Shak‘a: mayor of Nablus. b.1931, nephew of Hamdi Kan‘an & son of Ahmad Shak‘a (a prominent
Nashashibi supporter, who led the ‘peace bands’ into conflict with the Husaynis). A graduate, becoming a senior
Ba‘thist on the Jordanian West Bank, heading the Nablus branch; after persecution, fled to Syria (‘58), but left
party & then moved to Egypt. Returned with amnesty of 1965. Elected as mayor of Nablus in 1976, the most
notable of the triumphs of the nationalist bloc; supported non-cooperation with the military government.
Imprisoned pending deportations (11Nov79) after allegedly expressing support in a private conversation for PLO
attacks on civilian targets; after 21 West Bank mayors submitted resignations, general strike & demonstrations,
Israel reversed decision on 5Dec. On 2Jun80, was maimed by bombs (attributed to Israeli settlers), losing both
his legs. Dismissed & replaced with Israeli official in purge of 18Mar-30Apr82, whilst the individual convicted
for his maiming became the mayor of the nearby settlement. Continues to live in Nablus, where his cousin is
now mayor; critical of PA & Oslo.
Ghassan Shak‘a (Ghassan Walid Ahmad Shak‘a): PA-appointed mayor of Nablus from Oct94; member of
PLO-EC, & PLC member for Nablus (Fatah). Was placed on the 7-member Fatah slate for Nablus in the 1996
elections on 'Arafat's insistence even though he only came 14th in the Fatah primaries held in late 1995. A
lawyer (LLB, Beirut, 1971), representing Nablus lawyers union from 1986. Lost considerable popularity when
he doubled the price of water & electricity in Nablus, & cut off families who couldn’t pay. Member of PA's High
Council for Refugee Camps (established 1997). Cousin of Bassam.
Ramadan Shallah (Ramadan ‘Abdullah Shallah): head of Islamic Jihad. b. in Saja'iyah refugee camp. Had been
involved with secular-nationalist organisations, joining Shqaqi-Awda faction in early80s. Fled Gaza after Israeli
crackdown in early80s, studied at Durham University UK where he gained a PhD in Islamic economics; & then
moved to the US where he helped run the World & Islam Studies Enterprise (estd 1990, based in Florida). Left
US in May95; took over as Islamic Jihad head in Nov95 after the assassination of Fathi Shqaqi in Oct. Now
based in Damascus.
Kamal al-Sharafi: PA minister of health from Apr03. b.1955, Jabalya camp. Trained as a teacher in Ramallah
before his medical degree at the University of Bulgaria. He went onto work as a surgeon, and was a prominent
member of the PFLP. Elected to PLC (Jabalya), where he briefly served as chair of the committee on human
rights and public freedoms.
‘Abd al-Rahman al-Sharif: governor of the Nablus district under Jordanian rule.
Nabil Sha‘th: External Affairs minister in the PA from Apr03, previously serving as Minister for Planning &
International Cooperation from 1994, coordinating PA negotiating team & member of final status negotiating
team. b.1938, Safad, of a Gazan father and a Lebanese mother. Refugee into Egypt (became an Egyptian citizen
in 1965), & studied in Alexandria; then PhD in economics from Wharton School, Pennsylvania Uni. Worked as
an industry consultant & management trainer (heading a company called TEAM) in Alg, Kuwait, Saudi,
Lebanon &c; & taught at AUB. Member of PLO-CC since 1970; an adviser to Fatah from 1971, then head of
PLO planning centre (1971-81); credited (eg by Abu Mazin) as being the founder of the Democratic State
approach. Was head of 1st Palestinian delegation to the UN; & serves as chair of PNC political committee.
Appointed to Fatah-CC in Mar90 / May 1991 (to replace Abu Iyad - ??). Member of the Madrid delegation, &
took leading role in Oslo process: held meeting with Yossi Sarid in Jul93 (the 1st meeting between a PLO leader
& an authorised Israeli cabinet member) to agree the Gaza-Jericho formula; wrote a Palestinian draft DoP for the
Oslo agreement. PLO's chief negotiator at Taba talks from Oct93. PLC member for Khan Yunis. Criticised for
extensive corruption by the PLC (1997), with PLC commission of inquiry finding evidence of criminal
corruption (Aug98); but continued to play a leading role in Palestinian negotiating team. Heads the committee on
national reconstruction, established after Mar-May02 onslaught.
‘Azzam al-Shawwa: PA minister of energy and prominent banker. b.1963, Kuwait, obtaining a BSc in Maths at
the University of Memphis. Worked as head of the Bank of Palestine in the Gaza Strip, and then as the Gaza
Branch coordinator of the Arab Bank. Has also served as the Treasurer of the Palestine Investment Fund; the
Secretary-General of the Palestine Banking Association; President of the Gaza Sporting Club; President of
Atfaluna (the Society for Deaf Children in Gaza); and a member of the Board of Directors of the SpanishPalestinian Training Institute.
Rashad al-Shawwa: (1908-88), leading citrus merchant & landowner appointed mayor of Gaza by Israel in
Sept71 [role from Oct70?] to quell disturbances. Articulated support for SCR242 from Apr72 & UAK plan from
Jul72, in order to build links with Jordan; seems to have acted as an intermediary between Jordan & Israel.
Dismissed on 23Oct72 after disobeying a military government order to provide services to al-Shati refugee
camp. Reappointed Oct75, staying in power until his dismissal of 9Jul82. Conservative, maintaining close
relations with Jordan, supporting Gaza’s integration into a United Arab Kingdom. Set up a Benevolent Society
(al-Kharaiyya) in Gaza, to provide services to Gazans & ensure his continued control; also established the
Shawwa Cultural Centre. The permit system for leaving the Gaza Strip ("Shawwa passports") were widely
resented due to the personal controls he had over their allocation. Though pledged support to the PLO, was
persistently criticised by them, with numerous assassination attempts (esp 4Sept72, when shots were fired at his
car). From 1977, and his belated support, firstly for an independent Palestinian State (in signing Sept77 petition,
unlike his earlier rejection of this goal) & his rejection of Begin's autonomy proposals (esp at public rally of
Oct78); came into an alliance with Fatah leadership, who tried (unsuccessfully) to install him as the head of the
NGC (1979) and placed him on the Council of Higher Education (1980). After his dismissal, he signed the
(unreleased) "Palestinian Peace Document" of Nov82 which recognised the PLO as the sole legitimate
representative, but urged them to authorise King Husayn to negotiate on Palestinians' behalf and to accept a
confederation with Jordan. Eventually died of a heart attack on 28Sept88.
Ahmad al-Shaybi: b.1945. Fatah member of PLC for Khan Yunis. A physician and former health consultant at
the Health Ministry, he was appointed as minister for health on 29Oct02. Lost position in the Apr03 reshuffle.
Husayn al-Shaykh: Sec-Gen of Fatah Higher Committee in the West Bank since Marwan Barghuthi's capture in
Apr02. A veteran of the 1st intifada, spending almost 10 years in Israeli prisons. In Fatah's series of internal
election in the late 1990s to select delegates to a Fatah General Conference (which never occurred), he received
the highest number of votes in Ramallah in March 1999 (defeating Barghuthi). Was installed as leader of Fatah
Higher Committee in 2000 to replace Barghuthi, a move that went unrecognised in most of Fatah until
Barghuthi's capture. Has strongly supported Fatah remaining with the resistance organisations; and strongly
criticised the May02 deal that deported Palestinians from the Church of the Nativity. His house in Ramallah was
raided by Israeli forces in Jun02. Pioneered the projected unilateral ceasefire statement that was aborted when
Israel bombed Gaza on 22Jul02. Extensive interview on reform of Fatah of 27Jun02 is here.
Muhammad Eid Shbayr: former president of IUG. b.1946. Studied microbiology at West Virginia University,
gaining his PhD in 1990 for his thesis "Gardnerella vaginalis hemolysin: isolation, characterization and in vitro
effects on polymorphonuclear leukocytes". Went onto head IUG for 15 years, retiring in 2005. Close to Hamas,
but claims not to be a member. Suggested by Hamas as a compromise between Hamas & Fatah for the prime
ministerial position of a national unity government in November 2006.
‘Azmi Shu‘aybi (‘Azmi Salih Muhammad al- Shu‘aybi): member of PLC (Fida) & PLO-CC. A dentist (& longtime leader of Ramallah Dentists Association); began on al-Bira municipal council (elected in 1976 on a proPLO slate), member of NGC & has had an active role in DFLP as central committee member & PNC delegate
after he was deported by Rabin under Iron Fist policies in 1985. Returned in 1993, became member of Fida, &
led a pro-Fatah section within it; served as PA minister for youth & sports until May96, & was the only member
of Fida to be elected to PLC (largely due to Fatah support: he was placed on the Fatah list in Ramallah). Has
since served as chair of PLC budget committee. Strong proponent of democratisation.
Jamal al-Shubaki : PA minister; PLC member for Hebron (Fatah); head of PLC economic committee; member
of PLO-CC. b.1952, Ithna, from a refugee family from Bayt Jibrin. BA in geography from AUB. A prisoner
from 10 years, he is on the PA committee for political prisoners. Member of Fatah-RC. Key ally of Marwan
Barghuthi in Hebron; joined criticism of PA reforms in Aug98 & criticised ‘Arafat's autocratic tendencies in
1999. Was appointed minister for local government in Apr03, retaining his position in the emergency
government from Oct03.
‘Abd al-Majid Shuman: leading Palestinian businessman. From Bayt Hanina, the son of the founder of the
Arab Bank (which was established in 1930 in Jerusalem), and has gone on to be the chair of its board of
directors. Member of the first PLO-EC, heading its financial department and the PNF until Sept69. Became a
vocal critic of Ahmad Shuqayri's leadership of the PLO, and who is credited by some with forcing Shuqayri's
resignation. Since then, set up the Jerusalem Development & Investment committee, to help finance the
continuation of the Palestinian community in Jerusalem.
Hanna Siniora: journal editor & Jerusalem leader. b.1937, Jerusalem. Trained as a pharmacist in India, grad
1969. Editor of al-Fajr from 1974, taking over after Yusuf (Joe) Nasr disappeared, due to his familial
connections with the publisher & US citizen, Paul Ajluni; ed. in chief 1983-93. Also established al-Usbu‘a alJadid, a pro-PLO journal, appearing intermittently from 31Mar78, becoming a weekly from 1982 & a bi-monthly
from 23Nov88; allowed to circulate in the West Bank only from 1991. 3rd periodical was al-Mawkef, published
weekly from 1Jan85 to 1Apr87, under joint editorship with Zuhayr al-Rayyes; Israel only allowed circulation in
E.Jerusalem, & pol disagreement between editors led to its demise. An advocate of cooperation with Israelis to
improve Palestinian wellbeing, he pushed for the extension of Israeli rights to Palestinians, culminating in his
call for Palestinian participation in Jerusalem elections, & his announcement that he was standing in the
Jerusalem municipal council elections in 1988. Withdrew under strong pressure from the PRM, including the
firebombing of his cars by the PFLP (21Jun87). Was also deemed by both Israel & the PLO to be an acceptable
interlocutor as part of a joint Jordanian-Palestinian delegation in late80s, thus representing Palestinian interests
to visiting US & UN officials. Has gone on to found the Jerusalem Times & the New Middle East Magazine
(established mid 1994) and is head of the European-Palestinian Chamber of Commerce. Signatory to 20Jun02
statement in al-Quds appealing for an end to suicide bombings.
Sa‘id Siyam: a teacher and leading Hamas official in the Gaza Strip, believed to be on the 3-person leadership
council in Palestine from Apr04.
Muhammad Subayh: Palestinian representative to the Arab League, and Secretary-General of the PNC from at
least 1994 (and so co-opted on the PLO-CC). Takes a role in coordinating negotiations between Palestinian
factions held under Egyptian auspices.
Mazin Sunqrat: leading businessman from Ramallah, a non-aligned Islamist. Studied at Nottingham Uni, UK,
graduating in Production Engineering and Industrial Management in 1980. Has been CEO of Sinokrot Global
Group since 1982. Believed to have liberal economic views. Full list of past positions here.
Jamal al-Surani: PLO’s former representative in Cairo; secretary of PLO-EC until Apr96, when left due to
opposition to Oslo & amending the PN Charter until Israel gave reciprocal recognition of Palestinian rights.
Zuhair al-Surani: former PA minister of justice. b.1935, Gaza, studied law in Egypt before going on to work as
an attorney and judge in the Gaza Strip. A veteran independent lawyer, he became attorney-general and a
member of the Palestinian higher judiciary council before being appointed PA minister for Justice on 29Oct02.
Lost position in Apr03.
‘Abd al-‘Aziz Suwayti: nationalist mayor of Jericho from 1976.
Hasan Tahbub: Director-General of the Waqf Administration prior to 1992; from 1992, became head of the
Supreme Islamic Board; and in late94, was appointed head of the Religious Affairs portfolio in the PA. Died on
27Apr98.
Salah al-Ta‘mari: see ‘Abd al-Qadir, As’ad.
Zuhdi Tarazi: former PLO representative to the UN in the 1970s; critic of Oslo. Independent member of PLOCC. An Orthodox Christian, he was famously allowed to attend a Christian conference in the US on the
condition that he didn’t speak. A brief consultation between him & Andrew Young, the US ambassador to the
UN under Carter, also led to the latter’s sacking.
Jamil Tarifi (Jamil Yusif Muslih al-Tarifi): PA Minister of Civil Affairs from 9May96-29Oct02; PLC member
for Ramallah (independent). Fatah member; was deputy mayor of al-Bira (1976-82), & member of Palestinian
delegation to Madrid talks. Seen as a leader of the business community in Ramallah; his family own a
construction company that builds Israeli settlements. Before his ministerial appointment, served as was the head
of the PA's Civil Affairs Department in the West Bank. PLC commission of inquiry found evidence of his
criminal corruption (Aug98). Was a member of the safe passage negotiating team. A nephew, Wasim, was shot
dead by PA forces when protesting against the seizure of Fatah's weapons in the aftermath of the Wye deal in
Oct98. His reputation for corruption was a major point for criticism of the PA cabinet in Sept02, and he was
removed on 29Oct02, but kept role as head of a "bureau" of civil affairs.
Ibrahim Tawil (Ibrahim ‘Ali Sulayman Tawil). b.1943. Pharmacist & mayor of al-Bira from 1976. Narrowly
avoided being maimed in May80 car bombs, instead being placed under house arrest from Aug80. Dismissed &
replaced with Israeli official on 13Mar82.
Jawad al-Tibi: b. 1959, Khan Yunis. Trained as a surgeon. Member of Fatah, imprisoned by Israel for 8 years.
Elected as PLC member for Khan Yunis, and brought into emergency cabinet of Oct03 as PA minister for health.
Cousin of Ahmad Tibi, formerly a member of the Israeli Knesset.
Qadri Tuqan: Nablus politician & writer. b.1911, BA in Maths from AUB. Teacher, later principal, of alNajjah. Deputy in Parliament from early50s; member of the Executive Committee of the National Conference,
demanding the return of the Nabulsi government, in 1957; & served as a minister in the Jordanian government in
1964 as foreign minister. Author of noted books: Ba‘d al-Nakba (After the catastrophe; Beirut: Dar al-Ilm
Lilmalayeen, 1950), on how must encourage present generation to revive past glories; reform of Arab society
through educational system: need reform of curricula in Arab schools to reflect a “philosophy which derives its
content & strength from Arab history & the Arab present” (p.26); Wa’y al-Mushtakbal (Comprehending the
future), which was more critical of Arab inaction in the face of the problem of Palestine = both books addressed
to all Arab people & stress the importance of science. Died in Feb71 whilst on a visit to Beirut.
Kamal ‘Udwan [Abu Hisham]: founding member of Fatah. b.1925, refugee from Barbara village, he played an
active role in the Pop Resistance Front that emerged in Gaza after Israeli occupation in 1956-7, & was arrested
by Israeli forces. Then worked as a teacher in Qatar (late50s) & then trained as a petroleum engineer in Cairo.
Attended PNC in 1964, calling for popular liberation war. Took over Fatah’s leadership of the occupied
homeland bureau in Sept71, and became a member of Fatah-CC; also thought to have a key role in establishing
the Black Sept Org. Was killed in the Israeli raid on Beirut on 10Apr73.
Sa’ib ‘Urayqat (Sa’ib Muhammad Salih ‘Urayqat): Political scientist, head of PLO negotiations department and
PA minister. b.1955 in Abu Dis, but grew up in Jericho. BA,MA in polsci from San Francisco Uni; PhD in peace
studies from Bradford Uni, UK, on the role of Opec in the Arab-Israel conflict; taught at al-Najjah from 1979 (&
was also director of public & external relations for them 1982-6). On the editorial board of al-Quds for 12 years
from 1982, & convicted for “incitement” in an Israeli military court when an article of his urged resistance to the
occupation (16Jul87). Was also S-G of Arab Studies Society; & became a member of Fatah-RC & the PLO-CC.
Served as vice-chair of Palestinian delegation to Madrid, then head of interim negotiations with Israel; has often
resigned, eg, on 8Aug93 as secret Oslo negotiations were revealed; and 22Sept98 to protest at ‘Arafat’s
negotiating style, but always withdrawing his resignation. Served as minister for local government from 1994 to
Apr03 & PLC member (Fatah) for Jericho. Mahmud ‘Abbas has sought to demote him to the position of minister
without portfolio from Apr03, before a compromise was reached to keep him as "negotiations minister". He
resigned this position on 16May03 after being sidelined by ‘Abbas, although retained his PLO position.
Reappointed to the emergency cabinet under Ahmad Qurai', Oct03.
‘Abd al-Aziz al-Wajih: former PLA commander. b.1927, Iksal nr Nazareth; educated there and at Khaduri
Agricultural College nr Tulkarm, from which he graduated as an agricultural engineer in 1946. Trained in the
military academy at Aleppo, Syria; graduated as a first lieutenant in 1949, and served in the Syrian Army until
1959. Had a key role in establishing the Palestinian Liberation Army which he commanded until 1968, also
commanding the Popular Liberation Forces until 1970. From 1970, he trained at the Soviet Military Academy,
graduating in 1971 with the rank of Colonel in the general staff; returned to resume command of the PLA.
Elected member of the PLO-EC in Jun74, serving at the Department of Popular Organizations until his death on
6May76.
Intisar al-Wazir [Umm Jihad]: long-term leader of Palestinian women's movement. b.1941/42 in Gaza City, BA
in history from Damascus Uni. Joined Fatah in late 1950s, & was in 1965 a founding member of GUPW which
she continued to take a leading role in. Served as head of the PLO's soc welfare institute, the Families of Martyrs
foundation, for many years. Member of PNC since 1974, PLO-EC since 1988, Fatah-CC since Aug89, &
continuing independent member of the PLO-CC. Became PA minister for social affairs (and gaining
responsibility for prisoner affairs in Jun02), PLC member for Gaza city. Widow of Khalil al-Wazir.
Khalil al-Wazir [Abu Jihad]: Founding member of Fatah. b.Oct1935-6, Acre / Ramla[?]; a 1948 refugee from
Ramla. In Gaza, joined Muslim Brotherhood in 1951 & joined a paramilitary wing, Katibat al-Haq, from which
he organised independent cells which launched attacks from Gaza from 1954; was imprisoned for this by Egypt.
Joined Cairo uni from mid56, linking up with ‘Arafat to lay basis for Fatah. Worked in the Gulf in early60s &
acted as Fatah military chief, moving to Algiers to supervise Fatah training camp in 1964. Developed PLO
relations with Jordan, Syria & Saudi; & was key in developing relations with OTs as the head of the OH bureau
(until 9/71 & again after 4/73). Appointed Fatah’s commander-in-chief in Sept71, and official deputy leader at
Fatah’s 1980 congress. From 1979, was head of PLO's side of the Jordanian-Palestinian joint committee.
Assassinated in his Tunis home, 16Apr88.
‘Abd al-Razzaq Yahya: General. b. Tantura, nr Haifa, 1929. Trained as a military strategist; served as chief
operations officer & then deputy chief-of-staff of the PLA brigade in Syria pre-67. From Aug68, led attempt to
make PLA Syria brigades more independent of Syrian control, & was made PLA chief-of-staff by PLO-EC. But
with Syria opposed, he resigned to become military advisor to PLO-EC from 1969 & chief-of-staff of PASC
(Feb69). Reappointed to PLA as commander-in-chief by PLO-EC in Jun69; & with 'Arafat taking this role in
Sept70, became chief-of-staff of all Palestinian forces. Due to Syrian pressure, was replaced in 1971. Became
director of PLO's political department (1971-6); member of PLO-EC (1984-91). Headed security committees in
talks with Israel from 1993, including in final status talks; also headed negotiations on Hebron security
arrangements & Safe Passage. Appointed as Interior Minister on 9Jun02, charged with overhauling Palestinian
security forces. Was a member of the 3-man delegation to Washington in Aug02; has been a strong critic in
interviews with the Arabic and Hebrew press of suicide bombing. Replaced on 29Oct02, after strong criticism
for his stance on security issues.
Ahmad al-Yamani: veteran PFLP leader. A Palestinian teacher in Lebanon, he joined the early ANM, & was a
member of its 1st Palestine Committee (established 1959). Arrested with Habash in Syria in Mar68, held for 8
months. Member of PF’s 1st politburo (Feb69), responsible for finance, but largely took over control of PF’s
position in Lebanon from 1972. Became PF’s rep to the PLO-EC from Jan73, acting as the head of the
Department of Popular Orgs, resigning in Sept74 with formation of Rejectionist Front. Retook position in Apr81
with PF’s return to the PLO, until boycott of Nov84. Retired from active politics in 1991.
Ahmad Yassin (Shaykh Ahmad Ismail Yassin): religious leader of Hamas. b.1936-8 in al-Jura village (alMajdal district); became paralysed from neck down as a result of an accident playing football when 12. Was a
refugee in Gaza from '48 & influenced by Ikhwan teachers in his youth, though no formal religious education.
After working in Gaza restaurants, trained as a teacher; studied English at Ain Shams, Cairo, from 1964, where
he associated with the Muslim Brotherhood. His predominant efforts in 1960s were to encourage religiosity &
ritual observances among Gazan youth. Briefly imprisoned by Egypt in 1966, but left political sphere after
Israeli occupation. Decision to revive Ikhwan in 1969-70, with Yassin as head; with increased cultural activities
in 1972-3, formed a welfare charity Mujama‘ (Islamic Congress) in 1973. Imprisoned after an arms cache was
discovered in Jaurat in 1983/4 & given a 13yr sentence, but released in the PFLP-GC prisoner exchange in
May85. Arrested again in May89, sentenced in Oct91 to life + 15 years imprisonment, & released in prisoner
exchange (after Israeli agents were captured in Jordan) in Oct97. In Spring94, his letter from prison offered a
ceasefire (hudna) if Israeli forces withdrew from the Occupied Territories, settlements dismantled, and prisoners
released (repeated, seemingly with errors, in a 1997 interview with CNN). PA tried to place him under house
arrest from 5Dec01, leading to widespread clashes; again from 24Jun02. Israel forces fired missiles at his
apartment, in an apparent assassination attempt, on 6Sept03; lightly injured. Killed in an Israeli missile strike on
22Mar04. Obituary here.
Nasr Yusif: Interior minister from Oct03. b.1943, in Jisr al-Majama', near Bisan in the Jordan valley. A Fatah
recruit, trained through a leadership course for Fatah members in China, Jul-Dec67. Went on to become Fatah's
commander of the Central Sector in Jordan (1968-71); a brigade commander in Lebanon, & as a general in
Palestinian National Liberation Army. Member of Fatah-CC since Aug89. After the creation of the PA, served as
the public security commander of the police force / head of National Security Forces [?] in the PA areas, with the
rank of Major-General; based at Lasarya, Gaza City. Was slated by Mahmud ‘Abbas for a new post of Minister
for Administrative Reform in the new cabinet of Apr03; due to ‘Arafat's opposition, he was removed from the
line-up announced on 29Apr.
Mustafa al-Zabri [Abu Ali Mustafa]: former head of PFLP. b.1938, from Arraba, Jenin district. Joined the
ANM in 1955, and imprisoned by Jordan for 5 years in al-Jafar prison from Apr57. Re-emerged as a pro-military
leader in Jordan in 1963, responsible for popular and military operations in Nn Palestine, & an early proponent
of fida’i attacks on Israel. Received military training in Egypt in 1965, & went on to head the ANM in Jordan
from 1966, until re-arrested that yr. Played key role in re-establishing ANM-PFLP's position in Jordan after 1967
war; infiltrated into West Bank to lead supporters there from Sept67, evading crackdown of Jan68, & heading
PF's operations. Became PF's military commander in late68, after Jibril’s split; held responsibility for military
affairs from first PF politburo (Feb69). A PF "rightist", oppg leftist mobilisation within the ranks. Took control
at "hijack airport" (Sept70); & only escaped from ‘Ajlun in Jul71 because Jordan's intelligence chief Kaylani
escorted him to the Syrian border. Adopted a more clear leadership role after Apr72, with control over PF in
Jordan & West Bank. Appointed deputy S-G in 1981; led the PF's delegation at the Aden-Algiers talks in 1984 to
reunify the PLO; PF's rep to EC from 1987; was strongly supportive of Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait; but taken off
PLO-EC in Sept91, purportedly to take effective control of the PFLP. Elected S-G of PFLP in Jul00; detailed
interview prior to election on al-Jazira here. Israel gave permission for him to enter West Bank in Aug99; and
resided in Ramallah until his murder by an Israeli missile strike on his office on 27Aug01. PFLP's obituary is
here.
Mahmud Zahhar: Hamas Gaza spokesperson. b.1945, Zaytun district of Gaza City. Studied at Cairo's Ayn
Shams university, graduated in 1971. Returned to Gaza in 1976, where he worked as a thyroid surgeon and
lecturer at Islamic University in Gaza Medical Department. Led Hamas (with Rantisi) after Apr89, & held
private meeting with Rabin. Served as Hamas' unofficial rep to the PLO from Jan90. Was deported with his
brother Fadil to Marj al-Zahhur in Dec92. Repeatedly arrested after his subsequent return. His 29 yr old son
Khalid was killed by an Israeli missile strike on his home on 10Sept03, a strike which also badly injured his
wife. Believed to be part of Hamas' 3-person leadership after Rantisi's assassination in 2004, and became foreign
minister after election of Hamas govt in 2006.
Abbas Zaki (Sharif Mash’al): Head of Fatah operations, Fatah-CC (since Aug89) & PLO-CC member. Joined
Fatah in early60s, through his connections as a Jordanian student with GUPS. Formerly worked with Abu Mazin
at the PLO Department of Arab & IR; headed the PLO's "Lebanon Committee" & Palestine National Lib Army's
political commissariat from Aug89. With Abu Jihad's assassination, became secretary to Fatah's committee on
OTs; remained based in Amman. Some argue that all his positions were relatively powerless, due to ‘Arafat’s
perception of him as a possible leadership threat; others argue that he was used as a loyalist to prevent the rise of
local activists. Opposed to Oslo, but continues to co-operate with ‘Arafat, & stood (& won) a PLC seat for
Hebron, where he has strong local support. Also a strong critic of PA security forces, esp those of Rajub. Was
attacked and injured by settlers from Gilo on 23Jul97. Has been highly critical of the PA cabinet, esp in Oct02
when he announced that he longer cared about the continuation of the PA.
Riyad al-Za‘nun: PA Minister of Health from May96-29Oct02. PLC member for Gaza City (Fatah). Threatened
to resign as minister in Jun97 over doctors' salaries; and again in 2000 over funding of his ministry. Trained as a
medical doctor.
Salim Za‘nun [Abu al-Adib]: Speaker of the PNC since 1993. An early recruit to the Muslim Brotherhood, a
refugee to Gaza in 1948; had a leading role in organising the Popular Resistance Front to oppose Israeli
occupation of Gaza in 1956-7. Left Brotherhood to join Fatah in late50s, & built support for it in Kuwait. In
Fatah-CC from 1968, where after Black September he argued for scaling down the Palestinian military presence
in favour of smaller units > lost his position on CC in 1971. Took over as senior Fatah rep in the Gulf. Has
remained within Fatah despite his often strongly disagreements with ‘Arafat; appointed PNC deputy speaker in
the 1980s.
Nadim Zaru: mayor of Ramallah. b.1929, Christian, from the notable ‘Awwad family; trained as a pharmacist
in Houston, Texas; wife was a US citizen. Became a city councillor of Ramallah in 1964, & mayor shortly after.
Was deported 6Oct69 after he protested at the IDF demolition of a house. Replaced as mayor by Khalil Musa
(tho Jordan continued to view him as deputy mayor). Remained pro-Jordanian, & was Minister of Transport
Aug72-4; allowed back into West Bank in 1981. Signed the (unreleased) "Palestinian Peace Document" of
Nov82 which recognised the PLO as the sole legitimate representative, but urged them to authorise King Husayn
to negotiate on Palestinians' behalf and to accept a confederation with Jordan.
'Abd al-Rahman Zaydan: Hamas member and PA minister for transport from 2006. Trained in civil
engineering at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (BA in 1985).
Ziyadh Ya’kub Ziyadeh: nationalist mayor of Bir Zayt from at least 1973[?].
Ahmad Zughayr: merchant and farmer from Hebron. Was placed on Fatah's Jerusalem slate for the 1996 PLC
elections, even though he did not take part in the Jerusalem Fatah primaries to select that slate. Won a place in
the PLC, as a result of the votes of Jerusalem's Hebronite community.
See also the institutional biographies of the major Palestinian political groupings since
1967.
To the index of biographies.
Back to the Main Index.
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