Middle East & North Africa · Modern Era

Who was Yasser Arafat?

Yasser Arafat was the longtime chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization and became the first President of the Palestinian National Authority in 1994.

Yasser Arafat (1929–2004) is remembered as a key figure from Palestine, known for their role: Chairman of the PLO.

Known forChairman of the PLO
Years1929–2004
BornCairo, Egypt
DiedClamart, France

Why is Yasser Arafat important?

Yasser Arafat stands out in history for a specific reason: Co-founded the Fatah political movement in the late 1950s. Their story helps place major events, ideas, and cultural change in a wider historical context.

Key achievements

  • Co-founded the Fatah political movement in the late 1950s.
  • Became chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization in 1969.
  • Signed the Oslo Accords with Israel in 1993, leading to limited Palestinian self-rule.
  • Became the first President of the Palestinian National Authority in 1994.

A fast fact

Arafat shared the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize with Israeli leaders Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres for the Oslo Accords, a set of agreements intended to establish a framework for Palestinian self-governance.

Legacy

Arafat remains the most recognizable symbol of the modern Palestinian national movement, a figure viewed by supporters as a liberation leader and by critics as an obstacle to lasting peace.

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What is Yasser Arafat best known for?

Yasser Arafat was the longtime chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization and became the first President of the Palestinian National Authority in 1994.

When and where did Yasser Arafat live?

Yasser Arafat was born in Cairo, Egypt (1929–2004) and died in Clamart, France.

What is Yasser Arafat's lasting legacy?

Arafat remains the most recognizable symbol of the modern Palestinian national movement, a figure viewed by supporters as a liberation leader and by critics as an obstacle to lasting peace.

How can I learn more about Yasser Arafat?

Use this profile as a starting point, then consult a library, museum, encyclopedia, or primary-source collection for deeper study.