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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 PF-CC in
Apr 81; to politburo in Mar 93 (when in admin detention); commander of
West Bank Branch Committee from 1994. Widely seen as a
"hardliner" within PF, strongly opposing compromises with
Israel. Elected as S-G on 3 Oct 01 (press conference here).
Resided in al-Bira with wife and 4 children. Arrested by PA on 15 Jan
02, in response to Israeli demands following the PF's killing of
Ze'evi. Under siege with ‘Arafat in the Ramallah compound in Mar-Apr
02, and convicted there; transferred to Jericho prison under
US/UK guard on 1 May 02.
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-Jan 73 [?]. PFLP politburo member
until Feb 93, wh 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
and Moscow. A Fatah recruit, Israel alleged that he was the leader of
the Black September Organisation. Within the PLO, he founded and
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 (and who inspired a
character in the John Le Carré novel The Little Drummer Girl). Assassinated
by Israel on 22 Jan 79 by a remote-control bomb in Beirut.
Fahmi
al-Salfiti:
Former leader of the JCP. From Salfit, active in
creation of JCP in Jun 51. 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 SCR 242 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-Nov 68; in Khamsin, 7: 21-40). With the West Bank party
turning away from a pro-Hashimite 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 and 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 and leading PNF, and deported by Israel to Jordan
for this on 10 Dec 73. Subsequently served on PLO-EC, wh he frequently
argued with ‘Arafat, until 1981. Author of Israel’s policy of
de-institutionalisation (1987) and headed the Jerusalem Centre for
Development Studies in Amman. Stood for election to PNC, winning highest
no of votes in Ramallah district; seen as leader of the pro-democracy
camp on his election. Was briefly minister of agriculture in the PA, but
became one of ‘Arafat’s sternest critics; remains an independent
member of the PLO-CC. Voted against formation of new PA cabinet in Aug
98, and refused to take a position in it. A leading signatory of
the Nov 99 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 Sept 71 to hold overall responsibility
for Syria and Lebanon (after Walid Nimr’s death). From there, and
seemingly in alliance with ‘Arafat, started coordinating leftist
figures into an independent faction within Fatah; esp in Lebanon from
1972. From Oct 73, strongly promoted view that SU wd have major role,
and promoted the “national authority” slogan for this purpose:
headed the “Soviet group”, and formed alliance with Wazir. Led
anti-Syria position by attacking Maronite strongholds in early 76. Also
backed SU intervention into Afgh in 1979, causing rift with Saudi.
Strongly opposed Fahd and Reagan plans, issuing statement with PF
and PF-GC to condemn latter; and with Syrian support denounced
‘Arafat in Nov 82 for Fez Decl and coop with Jordan. Backed Maragha
rebellion from Jan83; membership in Fatah-CC was frozen (Jan 83) and
was dropped from Fatah list for PNC. Leadership struggle within
dissident movement led to Syria turning against him, placing him under
house arrest (Jun 84) wh he died of a heart attack in Sept 91.
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 and Hawatmah) in al-Hurriya from Aug-Oct
73, signed Yasari Filastini (a Palestinian leftist) wh argued for
a "revolutionary national authority" in the WBG wh wd 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 Jun 74 PNC. After
‘Abd-Rabbu split [?], was appointed deputy S-G of DFLP; and moved to
Ramallah in 1999 [?]. Israel attempted to assassinate him on 30 Aug 01, wh
bomb exploded in his apartment at night; but was out.
‘Isam
Sartawi:
PLO negotiator and physician; founded AOLP.
b.1935, Acre. Trained in medicine in Baghdad (wh built enduring links
with Iraqi elite), specialising in cardiology in the US. Helped
establish the Palestinian Red Crescent Soc; and 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 and European affairs; and 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 Mar 77 PNC),
‘Arafat refused to accept his repeated letters of resignation (though
Sartawi later criticised him for not defending him publicly: Le Monde
interview, 22 Jan 82). Assassinated 12 Apr 83 in Lisbon, Portugal.
Shaykh
‘Abd al-Hamid Sa’ih:
West Bank religious leader. b. Nablus in
1908, lived in E.Jerusalem, wh became member of Jordanian Shari‘a Ct
of Appeals, based in Amman. After 1967, was chosen as head of the
Islamic Board, and thus became Acting Chief Qadi, and head of Higher
Committee for National Guidance. Deported by Israel in Sept 67, and
became Jordanian Minister for Religious Affairs and the Holy Places
(briefly), and later Chief Qadi. Became speaker of PNC in 1984,
resigning in May 93 (reportedly because of opposition to PLO’s
negotiating stance). d. in Jordan in Jan01.
Mamduh
Sabri Saydam
[Abu Sabri]:
Former Fatah field commander. Refugee from ‘Aqr
(al-Majdal) to Gaza; taught in Algeria and trained in its army in
1964. Recruited through Wazir, and moved to join Fatah field command
in Damascus (1965). Member of first Fatah-CC, heading Fatah forces in
Jordan in 1970. Died in Jul 71 of cancer.
Sa‘d
Sayil [Abu Walid]: Fatah military leader. From Nablus; joined
Jordanian army, wh became an infantry brigade commander. Left during
Sept 70 to join Fatah, wh was made commander of the Yarmuk forces, and
chaired Higher Military Committee from late 70s. 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, 29 Sept 82.
Bassam
Shak‘a:
Mayor of Nablus. b.1931, nephew of Hamdi Kan‘an and
son of Ahmad Shak‘a (a prominent Nashashibi supporter, wh 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 and
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 (11 Nov 79) after allegedly expressing support in a
private conversation for PLO attacks on civilian targets; after 21 West
Bank mayors submitted resignations, general strike and demonstrations,
Israel reversed decision on 5 Dec. On 2 Jun 80, was maimed by bombs
(attributed to Israeli settlers), losing both his legs. Dismissed and
replaced with Israeli official in purge of 18 Mar-30 Apr 82, 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 and Oslo.
Ghassan
Shak‘a (Ghassan Walid Ahmad Shak‘a):
PA-appointed mayor of
Nablus from Oct 94; member of PLO-EC, and PLC member for Nablus
(Fatah). A lawyer (LLB, Beirut, 1971), representing Nablus lawyers union
from 1986. Lost considerable popularity when he doubled the price of
water and electricity in Nablus, and 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. Had been
involved with secular-nationalist organisations, joining Shqaqi-Awda
faction in early 80s. Fled Gaza after Israeli crackdown in early 80s,
studied in UK and then moved to the US where he helped run the World
and Islam Studies Enterprise (estd 1990, based in Florida). Left US in
May 95; took over as Islamic Jihad head in Nov 95 after the assassination
of Fathi Shqaqi in Oct. Now based in Damascus.
‘Abd
al-Rahman al-Sharif:
Governor of the Nablus district under Jordanian
rule.
Nabil
Sha‘th:
Minister for Planning and International cooperation in
PA, coordinating PA negotiating team and 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), and
studied in Alexandria; then PhD in economics from Wharton School,
Pennsylvania Uni. Worked as an industry consultant and management
trainer (heading a company called TEAM) in Alg, Kuwait, Saudi, Lebanon
andc; and 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; and serves as chair
of PNC political committee. Appointed to Fatah-CC in Mar 90 / May 1991
(to replace Abu Iyad - ??). Member of the Madrid delegation, and took
leading role in Oslo process: held meeting with Yossi Sarid in Jul 93
(the 1st meeting between a PLO leader and 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 Oct 93. PLC member for Khan Yunis. Criticised for extensive
corruption by the PLC (1997), with PLC commission of inquiry finding
evidence of criminal corruption (Aug 98); but continued to play a leading
role in Palestinian negotiating team. Heads the committee on national
reconstruction, established after Mar-May 02 onslaught.
Rashad
al-Shawwa:
(1908-88), leading citrus merchant and landowner
appointed mayor of Gaza by Israel in Sept 71 [role from Oct 70?] to quell
disturbances. Articulated support for SCR 242 from Apr72 and UAK plan
from Jul 72, in order to build links with Jordan; seems to have acted as
an intermediary between Jordan and Israel. Dismissed on 23 Oct 72 after
disobeying a military government order to provide services to al-Shati
refugee camp. Reappointed Oct 75, staying in power until his dismissal of
9 Jul 82. 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 and 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 4 Sept 72, wh shots were fired at his car). From 1977, and
his belated support, firstly for an independent Palestinian State (in
signing Sept 77 petition, unlike his earlier rejection of this goal)
and his rejection of Begin's autonomy proposals (esp at public rally
of Oct 78); 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 Nov 82
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 28 Sept 88.
‘Azmi
Shu‘aybi (‘Azmi Salih Muhammad al- Shu‘aybi):
Member of PLC
(Fida) and PLO-CC. A dentist (and long-time leader of Ramallah
Dentists Association); began on al-Bira municipal council (elected in
1976 on a pro-PLO slate), member of NGC and has had an active role in
DFLP as central committee member and PNC delegate, wh deported by
Rabin under Iron Fist policies in 1985. Returned in 1993, became member
of Fida, and led a pro-Fatah section within it; served as PA minister
for youth and sports, and was the only member of Fida to be elected
to PLC (largely due to Fatah support). Also served as chair of PLC
budget committee. Strong proponent of democratisation.
‘Abd
al-Majid Shuman:
Leading Palestinian businessman. From Bayt Hanina
or Nablus [?], the son of the founder of the Arab Bank (wh 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 Sept 69. Since then, set up the
Jerusalem Development and Investment committee, to help finance the
continuation of the Palestinian community in Jerusalem.
Hanna
Siniora:
Journal editor and 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 and US citizen, Paul Ajluni;
ed. in chief 1983-93. Also established al-Usbu‘a al-Jadid, a pro-PLO
journal, appearing intermittenly from 31 Mar 78, becoming a weekly from
1982 and a bi-monthly from 23 Nov 88; allowed to circulate in the West
Bank only from 1991. 3rd periodical was al-Mawkef, published weekly from
1 Jan 85 to 1 Apr 87, under joint editorship with Zuhayr al-Rayyes; Israel
only allowed circulation in E.Jerusalem, and 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, and 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 (21 Jun 87). Was also deemed by both Israel and the PLO
to be an acceptable interlocutor as part of a joint
Jordanian-Palestinian delegation in late 80s, thus representing
Palestinian interests to visiting US and UN officials. Has gone on to
found the Jerusalem Times and the New Middle East Magazine
(established mid-1994) and is head of the European-Palestinian Chamber
of Commerce.
Jamal
al-Surani:
PLO’s former representative in Cairo; secretary of
PLO-EC until Apr 96, wh left due to opposition to Oslo and amending the
PN Charter until Israel gave reciprocal recognition of Palestinian
rights.
‘Abd
al-‘Aziz Suwayti:
Nationalist mayor of Jericho from 1976.
Hasan
Tahbub:
Director-General of the Waqf Administration during the
occupation; from 1992, became head of the Supreme Islamic Board; and in
late 94, was appointed head of the Religious Affairs portfolio in the PA
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 PLO-CC. 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 and
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;
PLC member for Ramallah (independent). Fatah member; was deputy mayor of
al-Bira (1976-82), and member of Palestinian delegation to Madrid
talks. Seen as a leader of the business community in Ramallah. PLC
commission of inquiry found evidence of his criminal corruption (Aug98).
Was a member of the safe passage negotiating team. His son, Wissam, was
shot dead by PA forces when protesting against Wye deal in 1998.
Ibrahim
Tawil (Ibrahim ‘Ali Sulayman Tawil):
b.1943. Pharmacist and
mayor of al-Bira from 1976. Narrowly avoided being maimed in May80 car
bombs, instead being placed under house arrest from Aug80. Dismissed
and replaced with Israeli official on 13 Mar 82.
Qadri
Tuqan:
Nablus politician and writer. b.1911, BA in Maths from AUB.
Teacher, later principal, of al-Najah. Deputy in Parliament from early
50s; member of the Executive Committee of the National Conference,
demanding the return of the Nabulsi government, in 1957; and 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 and strength from Arab histy
and 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 and stress the importance of science. Died in Feb 71 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, and was
arrested by Israeli forces. Then worked as a teacher in Qatar (late 50s)
and 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 Sept 71, 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 10 Apr 73.
Sa’ib
‘Urayqat (Sa’ib Muhammad Salih ‘Urayqat):
Political scientist.
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-Najah from 1979 (and
was also director of public and external relations for them 1982-6).
On the editorial board of al-Quds for 12 years from 1982, and
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; and became a member of Fatah-RC and the
PLO-CC. Served as vice-chair of Palestinian delegation to Madrid, then
head of interim negotiations with Israel; has often resigned, eg, on 8
Aug 93 as secret Oslo negotiations were revealed; and 22 Sept 98 to
protest at ‘Arafat’s negotiating style, but always withdrawing his
resignation. Serves as minister for local government and PLC member
(Fatah) for Jericho.
Intizar
al-Wazir [Umm Jihad]:
Long-term leader of Palestinian women's
movement. b.1942, joined Fatah in late 1950s, and was a founding
member of GUPW wh 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 PLO-EC since 1988, Fatah-CC since
Aug 89, and continuing independent member of the PLO-CC. Became PA
minister for social affairs, PLC member for Gaza city.Widow of Khalil
al-Wazir.
Khalil
al-Wazir [Abu Jihad]:
Founding member of Fatah. b.Oct 1935-6, Acre /
Ramla[?]; a 1948 refugee from Ramla. In Gaza, joined Muslim Brotherhood
in 1951 and joined a paramilitary wing, Katibat al-Haq, from wh he
organised independent cells wh launched attacks from Gaza from 1954; was
imprisoned for this by Egypt. Joined Cairo uni from mid-56, linking up
with ‘Arafat to lay basis for Fatah. Worked in the Gulf in early 60s
and acted as Fatah military chief, moving to Algiers to supervise
Fatah training camp in 1964. Devd PLO relations with Jordan, Syria and
Saudi; and was key in devg relations with OTs as the head of the OH
bureau (until 9/71 and again after 4/73). Appointed Fatah’s
commander-in-chief in Sept 71, and offical 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, 16 Apr 88.
‘Abd
al-Razzaq Yahya:
General. b. Tantura, nr Haifa, 1929. Trained as a
military strategist; served as chief operations officer and then
deputy chief-of-staff of the PLA brigade in Syria pre-67. From Aug 68,
led attempt to make PLA Syria brigades more independent of Syrian
control, and was made PLA chief-of-staff by PLO-EC. But with Syria
opposed, he resigned to become military advisor to PLO-EC from 1969
and chief-of-staff of PASC (Feb 69). Reappointed to PLA as
commander-in-chief by PLO-EC in Jun 69; and with 'Arafat taking this
role in Sept 70, became chief-of-staff of all Palestinian forces. Due to
Syrian pressure, was replaced in 1971. Became director of PLO's pol
department (1971-6); member of PLO-EC (1984-91). Has headed security
committees in talks with Israel from 1993, inc final status talks; also
headed negotiations on Hebron security arrangements and Safe Passage.
Ahmad
al-Yamani:
Veteran PFLP leader. A Palestinian teacher in Lebanon, he
joined the early ANM, and was a member of its 1st Palestine Committee
(established 1959). Arrested with Habash in Syria in Mar 68, held for 8
months. Member of PF’s 1st politburo (Feb 69), 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 Jan 73, acting as the head of the
Department of Popular Orgs, resigning in Sept 74 with formation of
Rejectionist Front. Retook position in Apr 81 with PF’s return to the
PLO, until boycott of Nov 84. Retired from active politics in 1991.
Ahmad
Yassin (Shaykh Ahmad Ismail Yassin):
Religious leader of Hamas.
b.1936-8 in al-Jura village (al-Majdal district); became paralysed from
neck down as a result of an accident in childhood. Was a refugee in Gaza
from ‘48 and influenced by Ikhwan teachers in his youth, tho no
formal religious education. After working in Gaza restaurants, trained
as a teacher in Cairo. Predominant efforts in 60s were to encourage
religiosity and ritual observances among Gaza youth. Briefly
imprisoned by Egypt in 1966, but left pol 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 1983/4 and given a 13-yr sentence, but released in the
PF-GC prisoner exchange in May 85. Arrested again in May 89, sentenced in
Oct 91 to life + 15 years imprisonment, and released in prisoner
exchange in Oct 97. In Spring 94, his letter from prison offered a
ceasefire (hudna) if Israeli forces withdraw from OTs, settlements
dismantled, prisoners released. PA tried to place him under house arrest
from 5 Dec 01, leading to widespread clashes.
Nasr
Yusif:
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. Fatah recruit, trained
through a leadership course for Fatah members in China, Jul-Dec 67. Went
on to become Fatah's commander of the Central Sector in Jordan
(1968-71); a brigade commander in Lebanon, and as general in
Palestinian National Lib Army. Member of Fatah-CC since Aug 89.
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, and an early proponent of fida’i attacks
on Israel. Received military training in Egypt in 1965, and 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 Sept 67, evading
crackdown of Jan 68, and heading PF's operations. Became PF's military
commander in late 68, after Jibril’s split; held responsibility for
military affairs from first PF politburo (Feb 69). A PF “rightist”,
oppg leftist mobilisation within the ranks. Took control at "hijack
airport" (Sept 70); and 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 Apr 72, with control
over PF in Jordan and 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 Sept 91, purportedly to take effective
control of PF. 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 Aug 99; and resided
in Ramallah until his murder by an Israeli missile strike on his office
on 27 Aug 01.
Mahmud
Zahhar:
Hamas Gaza spokesperson. Surgeon; lecturer at Isl Uni in
Gaza Medical Department. Led Hamas (w Rantisi) after Apr 89, and held
private meeting with Rabin. Served as Hamas' unofficial rep to the PLO
from Jan 90. Was deported to Marj al-Zahhur in Dec 92.
Abbas
Zaki (Sharif Mash’al):
Head of Fatah operations, Fatah-CC (since
Aug 89) and 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 and IR; headed the PLO's
"Lebanon Committee" and Palestine National Lib Army's pol
commissariat from Aug 89. With Abu Jihad's assassination, became
secretary to Fatah's committee on OTs - all positions were relatively
powerless, due to ‘Arafat’s perception of him as a possible
leadership threat. Opposed to Oslo, but continues to co-operate with
‘Arafat, and stood (and won) a PLC seat for Hebron, wh he has
strong local support. Also a strong critic of PA security forces, esp
those of Rajub.
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, and built support for it in Kuwait. In Fatah CC from 1968, wh
after BS 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, and 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, and
was Minister of Transport Aug 72-4; allowed back into West Bank in 1981.
Signed the (unreleased) "Palestinian Peace Document" of Nov 82
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.
Ziyadh
Ya’kub Ziyadeh:
Nationalist mayor of Bir Zayt from at least
1973[?].
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