The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (Al-Jabhah al-Dimuqratiyah Li-Tahrir Filastin) is a Marxist-Leninist organization, which was founded in 1969 when it split from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). Member of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Believes Palestinian national goals can be achieved only through revolution of the masses. In early 1980s, occupied political stance midway between Yasser Arafat and the rejectionists. Split into two factions in 1991; Nayif Hawatmah leads the majority and more hard-line faction, which continue to dominate the group. Joined with other rejectionist groups to form the Alliance of Palestinian Forces (APF) to oppose the Declaration of Principals signed in 1993. Broke from the APF - along with the PFLP - over ideological differences. Has made limited moves toward merging with the PFLP since the mid-1990s.
In the 1970s, conducted numerous small bombings and minor assaults and some more spectacular operations in Israel (including the Ma'alot massacre) and the occupied territories, concentrating on Israeli targets. Was involved only in border raids in the years 1988-2000 (during which it continued to oppose the Israel-PLO peace agreement), however since the beginning of the latest intifada carried out several shooting attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers.
Strength
Estimated at 500 (total for both factions).
Location/Area of Operation
Syria, Lebanon, and the Israeli-controlled territories; terrorist attacks have taken place entirely in Israel and the disputed territories. Conducts occasional guerrilla operations in Southern Lebanon.
External Aid
Receives limited financial and military aid from Syria.
The DFLP, which belongs to the PLO, initially had a radical Marxist-Leninist ideology and cooperated with other radical left-wing organizations (some of them underground).
Hawatmeh and other senior members of the DFLP are based in Syria, but the organization has senior political figures in the PA-administered territories and maintains a small operational-terrorist wing in the Gaza Strip.
During the current violent confrontation, the DFLP has confined its activities to a small number of terrorist attacks in the Gaza Strip, but has participated in various internal Palestinian dialogues.
The DFLP condemned attacks outside Israel (such as the aircraft hijackings for which the Habash PFLP gained notoriety) and was essential in making the binational state the goal of the PLO in the 1970s, insisting on the need for cooperation between Arabs and Jews.
The DFLP was subsequently represented in the Palestinian delegation at the unsuccessful Camp David negotiations of July 2000.
The DFLP is primarily active among Palestinians in Syria and Lebanon, with a smaller presence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
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