Yaqeen Blog

The history of the Palestinian struggle is not just a list of names; it is a story of a people refusing to be forgotten. Since the Nakba of 1948, when hundreds of thousands were forced from their homes, a long line of resistance fighters and leaders has emerged. These individuals have come from all walks of life—doctors, poets, and military strategists—each playing a part in the effort to reclaim their land and national identity.

To understand the resistance is to see the different ways Palestinians have fought back. In the early years, it was about small groups trying to return home. Later, it became a global political movement, and eventually, it transformed into the organized military resistance we see today. This post looks at ten of the most significant figures who have led this struggle over the last 75 years. Their lives show the diverse and deep-rooted nature of the Palestinian desire for freedom.

This list highlights key leaders and fighters who have played major roles in the various factions and eras of the Palestinian resistance movement.

1. Yasser Arafat (1929–2004)

Arafat is the most iconic face of the Palestinian struggle. As the chairman of the PLO and the founder of the Fatah party, he led the movement from the early days of armed resistance in the 1960s through the diplomatic era of the Oslo Accords. He remains a symbol of national identity for Palestinians everywhere.

• More Info: Wikipedia: Yasser Arafat

2. Sheikh Ahmed Yassin (1937–2004)

Sheikh Yassin was the spiritual leader and founder of Hamas. Despite being quadriplegic from a young age, he built a massive social and military network in Gaza. He was a central figure in the First and Second Intifadas, emphasizing the link between religious identity and national resistance.

• More Info: Wikipedia: Ahmed Yassin

3. George Habash (1926–2008)

Known as "Al-Hakim" (The Doctor), Habash was the founder of the PFLP (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine). He represented the secular, Marxist-Leninist wing of the resistance and was famous for his uncompromising stance on the "right of return" and his opposition to the peace process.

• More Info: Wikipedia: George Habash

4. Khalil al-Wazir "Abu Jihad" (1935–1988)

Abu Jihad was the military mastermind behind Fatah. He was responsible for organizing the armed wings of the PLO and was a key architect of the First Intifada from his base in Tunisia. He is remembered as a unifying figure who focused heavily on internal mobilization.

• More Info: Wikipedia: Khalil al-Wazir

5. Yahya Sinwar (1962–2024)

As the leader of Hamas in Gaza, Sinwar became a global household name. Having spent over two decades in Israeli prisons, he returned to Gaza to lead a significant shift in military strategy. He is widely cited as the architect of the October 7 operations that reshaped the region's geopolitics.

• More Info: Wikipedia: Yahya Sinwar

6. Ghassan Kanafani (1936–1972)

Kanafani was a unique figure who fought with his pen as much as his politics. A leading member of the PFLP, he was a world-renowned novelist and journalist. His literature defined the Palestinian "refugee identity" and remains a core part of the resistance's cultural foundation.

• More Info: Wikipedia: Ghassan Kanafani

7. Marwan Barghouti (1959–Present)

Often called the "Palestinian Nelson Mandela," Barghouti was a leader during both Intifadas. Currently serving several life sentences in an Israeli prison, he remains a highly popular figure across all political factions, often seen as a potential future president who could unite the movement.

• More Info: Wikipedia: Marwan Barghouti

8. Dalal Mughrabi (1959–1978)

Mughrabi was a member of the Fatah faction and led one of the most significant commando operations in 1978. She has become a major symbol of female participation in the armed resistance and is commemorated by many Palestinians as a national heroine.

• More Info: Wikipedia: Dalal Mughrabi

9. Mohammed Deif (1965–2024)

As the long-time commander of the Al-Qassam Brigades, Deif was a shadowy figure who survived numerous assassination attempts. He was credited with building Gaza's tunnel network and developing the military capabilities of the resistance over thirty years.

• More Info: Wikipedia: Mohammed Deif

10. Salah Khalaf "Abu Iyad" (1933–1991)

Abu Iyad was the chief of intelligence for the PLO and a co-founder of Fatah. He was a strategic thinker who managed the complex internal security and external relations of the movement during its most volatile years in Jordan and Lebanon.

• More Info: Wikipedia: Salah Khalaf

▫️ Key Eras of Resistance

▫️ Why This History Matters

As we look back at the lives of these ten figures, it becomes clear that the Palestinian resistance is more than just a political or military movement; it is a profound testament to the human spirit's refusal to accept injustice. These individuals, regardless of their methods or ideologies, were driven by a singular, unshakeable dream: to see their people live in dignity on their ancestral land. Their stories remind us that as long as there is dispossession, there will be a voice that rises to meet it. In the face of overwhelming odds and decades of struggle, these leaders and fighters have ensured that the Palestinian cause remains a central pillar of global consciousness.

Remembering this history is a vital act of human solidarity. It allows us to look past the headlines and see the deep-rooted convictions that have fueled this journey since 1948. For those watching from the outside, understanding these figures is the only way to grasp the depth of the Palestinian identity. For those living within the struggle, these lives serve as a bridge between the generations that came before and those that will lead the future. As we move into 2026, the legacy of these ten individuals continues to shape the world, teaching us that the pursuit of freedom is a long, difficult road, but it is one that can never be fully blocked. Let us hold onto these stories as a way to honor the truth and remain committed to a future where peace is built on a foundation of genuine justice for all.