What is Al Thawabet?
Written by Shafika H. and Diala B.
Al Thawabet, meaning "constants," are the core, uncompromising principles of the Palestinian liberation struggle. Established by the Palestinian National Council in 1968, these red lines represent the demands on which no sacrifice can be made. They have been upheld for decades as the foundation of Palestinian resistance and national identity.
These principles are central to Palestinian liberation and must not be compromised.
1.) The right of return for all Palestinian refugees.
2.) Restitution and compensation for the dispossession endured.
3.) The right to resistance in all its forms.
4.) Full self-determination over Palestine from the river to the sea.
5.) Rejecting all forms of colonialism, normalization, and occupation
Why are they important?
Al Thawabet is essential for the Palestinian liberation movement because it embodies the core, non-negotiable principles that unify Palestinians in their pursuit of justice, self-determination, and freedom from occupation. By anchoring the struggle for liberation in these foundational principles, Palestinians preserve the integrity of their cause.
Activist Nizar Banat frequently criticized leaders in the Palestinian Authority (PLO), who compromised these principles for the sake of political expediency. To Banat, abandoning Al Thawabet equates to betraying the collective aspirations of the Palestinian people and weakening the resistance against occupation.
He argued that these principles defend against internal corruption and external diplomatic pressure to normalize relations with the occupier. Al Thawabet is a strategic goal and an essential part of the Palestinian identity. Clinging to these constants is crucial for maintaining the momentum of the liberation movement.
Upholding Al Thawabet
For Palestinians
1.) Stand firm in your right to resist—by any means necessary.
2.) Reject all forms of normalization with the Zionist entity. Whether through partnerships, debates, panels, or peace talks that undermine Palestinian demands, always prioritize liberation over compromise.
3.)Stay united. Any attempt to divide Palestinians by pushing a two-state solution or separating the struggle into geographical or political factions weakens the cause.
For Non-Palestinians
1.) Center Palestinian voices—especially those on the ground who continue to resist the occupation every day. Do not platform or amplify individuals who compromise or water down the demands of liberation.
2.) Recognize and reject the influence of white supremacy, colonialism, and imperialist narratives in conversations around Palestine. Be aware that normalization strips the indigenous demands and benefits the oppressor.
3.) Avoid humanizing settlers and reject the idea that "both sides" share equal blame in the occupation and apartheid. There is no balance when one side occupies, displaces, and oppresses another.
Remember, the fight for justice in Palestine depends on upholding Al Thawabet—unaltered, unbroken, and uncompromised.
Al Thawabet is central to Palestine's liberation because it keeps the movement anchored in its historical struggle for justice. This prevents the cause from being watered down by compromises that could legitimize the occupation and pave the way for normalization. Holding firm to these constants, the Palestinian people ensure their movement remains focused and unified.
Al Thawabet protects the cause from being co-opted by political elites who may prioritize short-term gains over long-term liberation. In this way, Al Thawabet is the foundation for a just and uncompromising path toward Palestinian self-determination.
