The Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation that began in 1987, characterized by popular resistance, civil disobedience, and international solidarity. As Edward Said described it, "the most impressive and disciplined anti-colonial insurrection in this century." The uprising fundamentally altered the dynamics of the conflict but ended with the deeply flawed Oslo Accords.
The First Intifada emerged from twenty years of Israeli occupation following the 1967 war. As Ilan Pappé documents, Israel had transformed the occupied territories into "the biggest prison on earth," with systematic oppression, land confiscation, and settlement expansion. The uprising was primarily characterized by civil disobedience, stone-throwing by youth (shabab), and community organization. While it demonstrated Palestinian sumoud (steadfastness) and brought international attention to their struggle, it ultimately ended with the Oslo Accords—what Edward Said called "an instrument of Palestinian surrender" that failed to deliver justice or freedom. The conditions that sparked the First Intifada—occupation, settlement expansion, and denial of rights—continue today.
The Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation that began in 1987, characterized by popular resistance, civil disobedience, and international solidarity. As Edward Said described it, "the most impressive and disciplined anti-colonial insurrection in this century." The uprising fundamentally altered the dynamics of the conflict but ended with the deeply flawed Oslo Accords.
The First Intifada emerged from twenty years of Israeli occupation following the 1967 war. As Ilan Pappé documents, Israel had transformed the occupied territories into "the biggest prison on earth," with systematic oppression, land confiscation, and settlement expansion. The uprising was primarily characterized by civil disobedience, stone-throwing by youth (shabab), and community organization. While it demonstrated Palestinian sumoud (steadfastness) and brought international attention to their struggle, it ultimately ended with the Oslo Accords—what Edward Said called "an instrument of Palestinian surrender" that failed to deliver justice or freedom. The conditions that sparked the First Intifada—occupation, settlement expansion, and denial of rights—continue today.
Over 1,100 Palestinians killed, including 250 children
Approximately 120,000 Palestinians imprisoned (10% of adult male population)
+7 more outcomes & impacts
An Israeli military truck collides with Palestinian vehicles at the Erez checkpoint in Gaza, killing four Palestinians from the Jabalia refugee camp. Palestinians widely believe it was deliberate retaliation for the stabbing of an Israeli businessman in Gaza two days earlier, becoming the immediate trigger for the uprising.
Massive protests erupt in Jabalia refugee camp following the funeral of the four Palestinians killed at Erez. Palestinians throw stones at Israeli military positions. Israeli forces respond with live ammunition, killing several protesters and igniting demonstrations across Gaza. This marks the official beginning of the First Intifada.
Hamas is founded as the Islamic Resistance Movement, emerging as a significant political-religious force advocating Islamic resistance to Israeli occupation. The organization grows out of the Muslim Brotherhood and becomes a major player in Palestinian resistance.
Israeli Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin implements the "broken bones" policy, ordering soldiers to break the arms and legs of Palestinian protesters. This brutal policy, captured on international media, generates global condemnation and exposes the violent nature of Israeli occupation.
Israeli forces assassinate Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad), a key PLO military leader and coordinator of the Intifada, in his home in Tunis. The assassination is part of Israel's strategy to eliminate Palestinian leadership and suppress the uprising.
The Palestine National Council declares an independent Palestinian state in exile and officially recognizes Israel's right to exist. This represents a major diplomatic shift and significant compromise by Palestinians, accepting only 22% of historic Palestine.
The UN Security Council condemns Israel's deportation of Palestinian activists and calls for the application of the Fourth Geneva Convention to the occupied territories. Israel continues its policy of collective punishment despite international condemnation.
The United States suspends dialogue with the PLO following a failed attack on Israeli beaches by the Palestine Liberation Front. This diplomatic setback damages Palestinian international standing during a critical period of the uprising.
The Madrid Peace Conference begins, marking the first direct peace negotiations between Israel and Arab states, including a Palestinian delegation (not officially from the PLO). The conference emerges from international pressure created by the Intifada.
The Oslo Accords are signed on the White House lawn, with Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat shaking hands. The agreement establishes the Palestinian Authority and a framework for limited Palestinian self-governance, officially ending the First Intifada. However, the accords fail to address core issues of occupation, settlements, and refugee rights.