The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is the umbrella political body that represents the Palestinian people in international forums and leads their national movement. It was founded in 1964 by the Arab League to bring various Palestinian groups under one organization. (Encyclopedia Britannica)

Why the PLO matters

• International representation: In 1974, Arab states declared the PLO the “sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.” Many global bodies have treated it that way since, giving the PLO a central diplomatic role. (United Nations)
• Peace process actor: In 1993, Israel and the PLO exchanged mutual recognition letters, paving the way for the Oslo Accords and direct negotiations. (Wikipedia)
• Relationship to the PA: The PLO negotiated the creation of the Palestinian Authority (PA) as an interim self-government for parts of the West Bank and Gaza. The PLO represents Palestinians worldwide; the PA handles day-to-day governance in limited areas. (PASSIA)

How the PLO is organized

• Palestinian National Council (PNC): Often called the PLO’s parliament; it sets broad policy and elects the Executive Committee, which runs the organization between sessions. (Wikipedia)
• Executive Committee (EC): The top executive body led by a chairman. Mahmoud Abbas has chaired the EC since 2004 (he is also PA president and Fatah party leader). (Wikipedia)
• Member factions: The largest is Fatah; others include the PFLP and DFLP. (Hamas is not part of the PLO.) (Wikipedia)

What the PLO does (in simple terms)

Think of the PLO as the political voice of Palestinians, especially on the world stage. It:

• Negotiates peace and political agreements.
• Manages diplomatic missions and engages with the UN and states.
• Sets national strategies affecting Palestinians in the diaspora and in the occupied Palestinian territory.
• Coordinates with the PA but remains legally separate from it. (PASSIA)

A quick timeline

1. 1964: PLO founded; early years influenced by regional politics. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
2. Late 1960s–1970s: Guerrilla struggle and high-profile attacks by some factions; global attention grows. (Many of these actions were widely condemned.) (Wikipedia)
3. 1974: Arab League recognizes the PLO as sole legitimate representative. (United Nations)
4. 1988–1993: Political shift toward diplomacy; 1993 mutual recognition with Israel begins Oslo process. (Wikipedia)
5. 1994–present: PA created to run parts of the West Bank and (initially) Gaza; PLO continues international representation and strategy. (PASSIA)

PLO vs. PA: an easy example

• If a UN resolution about Palestinian statehood is on the table, the PLO takes the lead, because it represents Palestinians internationally.
• If a school needs teachers in Ramallah, that’s the PA’s job, because it handles local services and administration in areas under its control. (PASSIA)

Current leadership and debates

Today, Mahmoud Abbas chairs the PLO’s Executive Committee (since 2004). Observers often debate reforms, succession, and how to revitalize representative institutions like the PNC. Recent reporting also notes moves to create a PLO vice president role and broader leadership adjustments. (Wikipedia)

In one line

The PLO is the umbrella political organization that represents Palestinians worldwide, leads diplomacy, and set the stage for the PA—distinct from it—but remains central to Palestinian national strategy. (PASSIA)