The Right of the Palestinian People to Self-Determination and the Legitimacy of Their Resistance

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the political and legal foundations affirming the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the legitimacy of their resistance against occupation. It also seeks to distinguish between legitimate resistance and terrorism through clear legal criteria, refuting the accusations that equate the two.

The study adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology and a legal approach in examining relevant international texts, such as the United Nations Charter and the 1977 Geneva Conventions.

The research concludes that the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the legitimacy of their resistance are firmly rooted in international law. However, this legitimacy faces significant challenges due to the influence of major powers, which has rendered many international resolutions supporting these rights practically ineffective. The study also confirms that the conflation of resistance with terrorism is a deliberate attempt to delegitimize the Palestinian struggle and justify Israeli military actions.

Based on these findings, the study recommends intensifying Arab and international efforts to raise global legal awareness of the Palestinian people’s right to establish their state and the legitimacy of their resistance. It also calls for refuting the Israeli narrative that equates resistance with terrorism, while exposing the practices of state terrorism against the Palestinian people. Furthermore, it stresses the need to activate international legal mechanisms, such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, to hold Israel accountable for its violations. Finally, it emphasizes supporting peaceful popular resistance, which enjoys broader international sympathy as an effective means of pressure.