Saeb Erekat
Saeb Erekat
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Saeb Erekat was a Palestinian politician who served as the chief negotiator of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) from 1993 to 2011. He is also known by his alias, "Al-Kurd," which translates to "the Kurd" in Arabic.
Birth and Death Dates
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Saeb Erekat was born on January 4, 1942, in Abu Dis, a small village located near the city of Jerusalem. He passed away on November 10, 2020, at the age of 65 due to complications from COVID-19.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Erekat was a Palestinian national who held various positions throughout his career, including:
Chief Negotiator of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) from 1993 to 2011
Member of the Palestine National Council (PNC)
* Member of the Fatah Central Committee
Early Life and Background
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Erekat was born into a Palestinian family that had lived in Abu Dis for generations. He grew up during a tumultuous period in Middle Eastern history, with the 1948 Arab-Israeli War displacing many Palestinians from their homes. Erekat's experiences as a refugee would later shape his commitment to securing Palestinian rights and self-determination.
Major Accomplishments
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Erekat played a pivotal role in shaping the Palestinian negotiating position during the Oslo Peace Process, which aimed to establish a framework for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. He was instrumental in drafting key documents, including the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements (1993) and the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement (1995). Erekat also served as a mediator in several high-profile negotiations, including the 2000 Camp David Summit.
Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to his diplomatic work, Erekat authored several books on Palestinian politics and history. His writings often highlighted the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for a two-state solution. Erekat was also known for his advocacy on behalf of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, including those held without charge or trial.
Impact and Legacy
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Erekat's contributions to Palestinian politics and diplomacy have had a lasting impact on the region. He played a crucial role in shaping the Palestinian negotiating position during the Oslo Peace Process, which laid the groundwork for future negotiations. Erekat's commitment to securing Palestinian rights and self-determination has inspired generations of Palestinians and earned him international recognition.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Saeb Erekat is widely quoted and remembered due to his tireless efforts to secure a just and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians. His unwavering commitment to Palestinian rights and self-determination has made him a respected figure in regional politics. Through his writings, speeches, and diplomatic work, Erekat continues to inspire new generations of leaders and policymakers working towards a more peaceful Middle East.
Erekat's legacy extends beyond his formal positions; he remains an influential voice on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a champion for Palestinian rights. His commitment to peace and reconciliation has left a lasting impact on the region, making him one of the most notable figures in modern Palestinian history.
Quotes by Saeb Erekat
It’s impossible to say who has guns in Gaza anymore. The ballots are the only thing that can stop the violence at this point.
Look, I am a Palestinian elected representative from Jericho. If a Palestinian wants to sell his fruit anywhere in the West Bank, he goes to the Israeli civil administration. If a Palestinian sick person wants to leave a hospital, he goes through the Israeli civil administration. Nobody can leave or enter my constituency without Israeli permission. Israel is, in effect, resuming the occupation.
I'm telling Palestinians, "Don't use violence." We're going to use the civilized means of international law to achieve our goals, our independence, our freedom.
Since Eve negotiated Adam, I am the most disadvantaged negotiator in history of mankind. I have no army, no navy, no air force, no economy.
We are a people with no army, no navy, no air force, no arms. It's people, thousands of people, who are feeling, sensing the sense of urgency, fearing for the president of their life - the life of their president, trying to protect their democratic choice, because Arafat is the elected leader of the Palestinian people.
Carving out a so-called buffer zone is tantamount to reoccupying Gaza. We are exerting maximum efforts to restore calm.
I don't think we can classify it legally as an international border now because Gaza is not free of occupation.