Intifada, originally an Arabic term meaning "uprising" or "shaking off," refers specifically to two Palestinian popular uprisings against Israeli occupation in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. The term gained worldwide recognition following the First Intifada in the late 1980s and the Second Intifada in the early 2000s.
The First Intifada, which lasted from 1987 to 1993, was characterized by mass demonstrations, strikes, civil disobedience, and occasional violent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces. Palestinians protested against Israeli military rule, settlement expansion, and the lack of progress in peace negotiations. The uprising brought global attention to the Palestinian cause, leading to diplomatic efforts culminating in the Oslo Accords.
The Second Intifada, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada, erupted in 2000 after the collapse of peace talks and the provocative visit of then-Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. This uprising witnessed a marked increase in violence, including suicide bombings, guerrilla warfare, and Israeli military operations in response. The Second Intifada led to thousands of casualties and severely affected the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
Beyond its historical context, the term "intifada" has been used to describe other popular uprisings worldwide, highlighting its significance as a symbol of resistance against oppression and the pursuit of self-determination. It represents a manifestation of the Palestinian struggle for independence and the aspirations of a people seeking political, social, and economic justice within their homeland.
