Les mutations du leadership palestinien (1993-2007)

This paper analyzes the evolution of the Palestinian leadership since Oslo against the backdrop of long-term institutional changes within the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) since 1964. It argues that the current clashes between Hamas and Fatah can be in part understood as a continuation of the tension that arose after Oslo between the so-called « PLO-returnees » and the « insider » leadership. In this respect, the second Intifada needs to be considered as an internal Palestinian revolt against part of its leadership. To understand the current stalemates around key institutions (Prime Minister, Palestinian Legislative Council, Ministry of the Interior, Security Forces, etc.), this paper proposes a sociological analysis of these key ruling institutions and offers insights into the rise of a new generation of politicians, both within Hamas and Fatah.