Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 3: Attempts at a solution, 1974–95 - 3 Attempts at a solution:…
Full specification wording
Option P5: Key topic 3: Attempts at a solution, 1974–95 - 3 Attempts at a solution: The significance of Arafat’s renunciation of terrorism in a speech at the UN (1988).
In December 1988, PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat delivered a watershed speech at a special UN General Assembly session in Geneva.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 3
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
In December 1988, PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat delivered a watershed speech at a special UN General Assembly session in Geneva. He explicitly renounced terrorism and accepted UN Resolutions 242 and 338, implicitly recognising Israel's right to exist. This diplomatic pivot was highly significant as it met the United States' preconditions for opening formal dialogue with the PLO. Arafat's declaration shifted the PLO's image from a militant organisation to a legitimate political actor seeking a two-state solution. This crucial change in strategy isolated Israeli hardliners, garnered international sympathy for the Palestinian cause during the Intifada, and laid the essential diplomatic groundwork for the secret negotiations that culminated in the Oslo Accords.
What earns the marks
- Detail the context of Arafat's 1988 UN speech, including the ongoing First Intifada and the PLO's desire for diplomatic progress.
- Explain the content of the speech, specifically the renunciation of terrorism and acceptance of UN Resolutions 242 and 338.
- Analyse the immediate significance, such as the USA opening formal dialogue with the PLO.
- Evaluate the long-term significance of the speech in paving the way for the Oslo Accords and the two-state solution framework.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Claiming Arafat's speech immediately ended the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Put it right: Clarify that the speech was a diplomatic breakthrough that started a dialogue, but conflict continued.
Forgetting the specific UN resolutions mentioned.
Put it right: Specify that Arafat accepted Resolutions 242 and 338, which implied recognition of Israel.
Stating the speech took place in New York.
Put it right: Note that the US refused Arafat a visa, so the UN General Assembly convened in Geneva for his speech.
Exam tips
- Emphasise the shift in PLO strategy from armed struggle to diplomacy when discussing the significance of the speech.
- Link Arafat's renunciation of terrorism to the changing attitude of the USA towards the PLO.
- Use this event as a key turning point when answering questions about attempts at a solution in the Middle East.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option P5: Key topic 3: Attempts at a solution, 1974–95 - 3 Attempts at a solution: The significance of Arafat’s renunciation of terrorism in a speech at the UN (1988). lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What major policy shift did Yasser Arafat announce during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in December 1988?
Listen
In December 1988, PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat delivered a watershed speech at a special UN General Assembly session in Geneva. He explicitly renounced terrorism and accepted UN Resolutions 242 and 338, implicitly recognising Israel's right to exist. This diplomatic pivot was highly significant as it met the United States' preconditions for opening formal dialogue with the PLO. Arafat's declaration shifted the PLO's image from a militant organisation to a legitimate political actor seeking a two-state solution. This crucial change in strategy isolated Israeli hardliners, garnered international sympathy for the Palestinian cause during the Intifada, and laid the essential diplomatic groundwork for the secret negotiations that culminated in the Oslo Accords. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Detail the context of Arafat's 1988 UN speech, including the ongoing First Intifada and the PLO's desire for diplomatic progress. Explain the content of the speech, specifically the renunciation of terrorism and acceptance of UN Resolutions 242 and 338. Analyse the immediate significance, such as the USA opening formal dialogue with the PLO. Evaluate the long-term significance of the speech in paving the way for the Oslo Accords and the two-state solution framework. A common slip: Claiming Arafat's speech immediately ended the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Instead, Clarify that the speech was a diplomatic breakthrough that started a dialogue, but conflict continued. Exam tip: Emphasise the shift in PLO strategy from armed struggle to diplomacy when discussing the significance of the speech.
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