'It is now time for the Palestinians to speak as one'

Dr. Reneva Fourie

Sixty-one years after the founding of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, the vision of unity among the nation’s political forces remains painfully out of reach. Deep internal divisions weaken the struggle for freedom.

Fatah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the smaller parties, independents, and youth formations all claim to serve the same cause, yet seldom act in unison. At a time of immense suffering, when more than 67000 Palestinians have been killed since 7 October 2023, and as the global movement for Palestinian freedom gathers unprecedented momentum, this disunity has become the Achilles heel of their national struggle.

The eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly placed the Palestinian question firmly at the centre of global debate. A significant resolution enabled Palestine to address the Assembly despite attempts by the United States to obstruct its participation. The Secretary-General condemned the killing of civilians and the blocking of humanitarian aid.

There were powerful calls for a ceasefire, for relief to reach the besieged, for an end to the devastation in Gaza, and for a just political settlement. Many member states reaffirmed their support for a two-state solution and extended recognition to the state of Palestine.

These developments reflect the growing international solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Yet this solidarity cannot be fully harnessed while there is no unified Palestinian leadership capable of channelling global support into political power.

The Palestinian Authority continues to advocate for a diplomatic path, though its legitimacy is questioned by many Palestinians who feel that decades of negotiation have produced little change.

Hamas and other movements embrace an entirely different strategy, demanding the withdrawal of the occupation troops, the entry of aid, and the release of political prisoners. This is not a mere difference of approach but a profound geographical and ideological divide that splits the Palestinian body politic between the West Bank and Gaza, and between those who prefer collaboration and those who see armed resistance as indispensable.

Recent developments have brought both tragedy and a glimmer of hope. Israel’s relentless bombardment has inflicted immense suffering upon the Palestinian people. Yet, following sustained diplomatic pressure, progress has been made towards another attempt at a ceasefire.

On 8 October, the first phase of a peace plan aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza was signed. It includes a pause in fighting and the exchange of hostages and prisoners. While fragile, this represents a crucial step toward alleviating human suffering and laying the groundwork for broader negotiations.

Still, the fractured landscape weakens the Palestinian cause. When the world observes political infighting, it undermines the moral authority of the struggle, however just it may be. International pressure can only be effective if there is a unified Palestinian voice. Without such a voice, external efforts dissipate, unable to find a credible partner for lasting solutions.

South Africa’s liberation struggle offers a powerful lesson. Though it included many organisations, the African National Congress, supported by the Mass Democratic Movement, forged a broad united front. That unity mobilised the masses, strengthened negotiations, and presented a relatively coherent voice to the world. Palestine lacks such a united strategy and suffers as a result.

The time has come for Palestinian leaders to rise above rivalry and historical grievances. The suffering of the people demands that they seek common ground. There is already a consensus on core objectives. The demand to end occupation, to secure statehood, to uphold the rights of refugees, to protect civilians, and to pursue social justice are shared aspirations. Agreement on these principles could form the foundation for united action even if ideological differences remain.

Regional powers must also alter their conduct. For decades, neighbouring states have used the Palestinian cause to advance their own political or strategic agendas, backing rival factions and fuelling divisions. If they are sincere in supporting a free Palestine, they should invest in efforts that foster unity and inclusivity rather than rivalry.

The Palestinian people themselves must reclaim the Palestinian struggle, and the region should champion this right. Concrete political and economic measures against the occupation must accompany the mediation efforts if justice is to be achieved.

Practical steps towards unity are both possible and urgent. A representative national forum bringing together all political and civil society actors could guide collective decision-making. A jointly drafted charter that affirms common objectives would give clarity and direction.

A single diplomatic team representing all Palestinians could speak with one voice to the world. Shared Palestinian leadership in governing war-torn areas and rebuilding Gaza would help prevent the recurrence of fragmentation. Coordinated mobilisation within Palestine and across the diaspora would strengthen the sense of common purpose and enhance political legitimacy.

International solidarity is indispensable, but it cannot substitute Palestinian cohesion. Without unity, external powers will continue to exploit divisions, impose partial solutions, and weaken the resistance. A united front would place the Palestinian people in a stronger position to negotiate fair terms, resist coercive pressures, and transform global support into tangible gains.

Achieving unity will not be easy. The divisions are deep, grievances are bitter, and trust is fragile. Yet moments of great crisis sometimes compel bold choices. The devastation of Gaza and the suffering of its civilians present precisely such a moment. Preventing yet another collapse of the ceasefire agreement requires that Palestinian leaders choose humility over rivalry. The Palestinian society must insist on that choice.

The people of Palestine have endured decades of hardship with courage and dignity. They deserve leadership that mirrors their resilience and their longing for freedom.

The arduous path to liberation can be shortened if that leadership stands together in service of the common good rather than narrow factional interest. The political formations must recognise that their continued division serves only the interests of the occupation.

A united Palestinian front would give substance to international solidarity, converting sympathy into strength and transforming the grief of generations into the hope of a just and lasting peace. The world stands ready to listen. It is now time for the Palestinians to speak as one.

* Dr Reneva Fourie is a policy analyst specialising in governance, development, and security.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.