The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was founded in 1964 with the goal of representing the Palestinian people and their nationalist aspirations. Initially seeking to establish an Arab state over the entire territory of the former Mandatory Palestine, the organization advocated for the elimination of the State of Israel. Over the years, the PLO has been involved in various activities, including guerrilla attacks against Israel, which led to conflicts with the governments of Jordan and Lebanon. The PLO was responsible for numerous acts of terrorism, resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians, including infamous attacks such as the 1972 Munich Olympic Games massacre and the hijacking of the Achille Lauro cruise ship in 1985.
In recent years, the PLO has faced challenges, including the suspension of Palestinian recognition of Israel and the closure of its mission in the United States. Many of its leaders have transitioned to become top officials in the Palestinian Authority, and Fatah-related militia groups associated with the PLO continue to exist. Despite these changes, the PLO remains an important entity in the Palestinian political landscape.
