INTEFADA Meaning and
Definition
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Intifada, derived from the Arabic word "intifāḍa," meaning "shaking off" or "uprising," is a term used to describe a specific type of violent uprising, predominantly associated with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It refers to a sustained and often widespread popular revolt against an occupying power, such as the Israelis in the Palestinian territories. The intifada is characterized by various forms of resistance, including protests, strikes, civil disobedience, acts of violence, and guerrilla warfare.
The term intifada gained prominence in the late 20th century with the emergence of two significant Palestinian uprisings. The first Intifada erupted in 1987, largely driven by frustration over Israeli occupation policies. It involved mostly grassroots mobilization and resistance tactics by the Palestinian population, such as stone-throwing and boycotts. The second Intifada, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada, began in 2000, following a breakdown in Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. This phase witnessed a higher level of violence, including suicide bombings, shootings, and military operations.
Intifada is not limited to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has been used to describe other uprisings. However, its usage is predominantly associated with the specific context of the Palestinian struggle. The term conveys a sense of resistance and defiance against perceived injustice and occupation, calling for the liberation and self-determination of the affected population. It underscores the challenges faced by occupied territories and the complex socio-political dynamics within them.
Etymology of INTEFADA
The word "intefada" (intifāḍah in Arabic) is derived from a root verb in Arabic, nafaḍa, which means "to shake off" or "to shake violently". In Palestinian context, it is commonly translated as "uprising" or "resistance". The term gained widespread recognition during the First Palestinian Intifada, which occurred from 1987 to 1993, and the Second Palestinian Intifada, which took place from 2000 to 2005.
The First Intifada began in December 1987 as a mass civil uprising against Israeli occupation in the Palestinian territories. The term was used to describe the people's uprising against Israeli control, as they sought to shake off the oppressive circumstances they were living in and fight for their rights and independence.
Similar spelling words for INTEFADA
