On December 8, 1987, an Israeli army truck collided with civilian vehicles at the Erez checkpoint in Gaza, killing four Palestinian workers from Jabalia refugee camp. Palestinians believed it was deliberate revenge for the stabbing death of an Israeli in Gaza two days earlier. The following day, December 9, massive protests erupted in Jabalia. When 17-year-old Hatem al-Sisi was shot dead by Israeli soldiers, the uprising exploded across Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank within days. What began as spontaneous protests transformed into organized, sustained civil resistance coordinated by grassroots committees and later by the United National Leadership of the Uprising (UNLU).
The Intifada was characterized by largely non-violent tactics: general strikes, tax resistance, boycotts of Israeli products, and civil disobedience. Palestinian youth confronted Israeli soldiers with stones and Molotov cocktails. The Israeli response was brutal. Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin issued orders to use 'force, might, and beatings' and to 'break bones' of demonstrators. Soldiers systematically beat protesters, fired live ammunition at stone-throwers, and used tear gas extensively. In the first year alone, Israeli forces killed at least 300 Palestinians and wounded tens of thousands. By 1990, the death toll exceeded 1,000.
The uprising exacted an enormous toll: 1,087-1,284 Palestinians killed (including 241-332 children), over 120,000 wounded, approximately 20,000 arrested in the first year alone (with estimates reaching 120,000 total over six years), 2,532 homes demolished, and 481 Palestinians deported. Approximately 160-200 Israelis (soldiers and civilians) were killed during the same period. International condemnation was swift—the UN Security Council condemned Israel's response, and even the Reagan Administration criticized the 'harsh security measures and excessive use of live ammunition.' The Intifada forced recognition of Palestinian national aspirations, led to the Madrid Conference (1991) and secret Oslo negotiations, culminating in the September 1993 Oslo Accords which created the Palestinian Authority and promised future statehood—though these promises remain unfulfilled over 30 years later.
Palestinians Killed 1,087-1,284
Killed by Israeli forces; range reflects different sources (B'Tselem vs. Palestinian documentation)
Palestinian Children Killed 241-332
Minors under 18 killed by Israeli forces
Israelis Killed 160-200
Israeli soldiers and civilians killed by Palestinians during Intifada
Palestinians Wounded 120,000+
Injuries from live fire, beatings, rubber bullets, tear gas. ~15,000 seriously wounded
Palestinians Arrested 120000
Total arrests over 6 years; ~20,000 in first year alone. Many tortured in detention
Homes Demolished 2532
Palestinian homes destroyed as punishment or deterrent by Israeli forces
Palestinians Deported 481
Expelled from occupied territories by Israeli military orders
Yitzhak Rabin
“Issued notorious orders to soldiers: 'The first priority is to use force, might, and beatings.' Later told officers: 'Break their bones.' Admitted policy in interview: 'I told the army to go in and use force, to beat up the demonstrators.' Later as Prime Minister (1992-1995), pursued peace negotiations that grew from Intifada.”
Mahmoud Darwish
“Authored 1988 Palestinian Declaration of Independence. Wrote: 'Because of the Intifada and its revolutionary and irreversible impulse, the history of Palestine has therefore arrived at a decisive juncture.' Described Intifada as transformative moment for Palestinian national movement.”
United Nations
“Security Council condemned Israeli practices multiple times. Resolutions 607 and 608 (1988) condemned deportations. Human Rights investigators documented: 'The Israeli military response has been characterized by excessive and indiscriminate use of force against Palestinian civilians, including children.'”
Amnesty International
“Documented systematic torture in Israeli detention centers. Report stated: 'Palestinians detained during the Intifada have been subjected to torture and ill-treatment systematically and on a wide scale.' Described beatings, stress positions, sleep deprivation, threats as routine.”
Amnesty International reports (1988-1993)
B'Tselem (Israeli human rights org)
“Founded during Intifada (1989) to document violations. Comprehensive statistics: 1,087 Palestinians killed (including 241 children), 120,000+ wounded, 2,532 homes demolished, 481 deported. Stated: 'Israeli forces systematically violated international humanitarian law during the Intifada.'”
Palestinian Youth Activist
“Interviewed for Al Jazeera documentary: 'We refused to give Israel money to build a more powerful army to oppress Palestinians. The Israeli army besieged our city for 40 days. They raided or demolished homes of those who withheld tax. We saw new types of injuries—first from tear gas and rubber bullets, then from beatings and real bullets.'”
Jimmy Carter
“Reflected on Intifada: 'The Palestinians' nonviolent resistance in the First Intifada was a remarkable demonstration of courage. The violent Israeli response shocked many Americans and changed perceptions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.' Noted that Intifada led to international recognition of Palestinian rights.”
Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid (2006)
Excessive Use of Lethal Force
Israeli forces routinely used live ammunition against stone-throwing demonstrators, killing over 1,000 Palestinians. UN criticized Israel's shoot-to-kill policies. Many victims shot in upper body/head, indicating lethal intent. Use of force disproportionate to threat posed by largely unarmed protesters.
Systematic Beatings and Bone-Breaking Policy
Defense Minister Rabin's explicit orders to 'break bones' of protesters. Soldiers systematically beat Palestinians with clubs and rifle butts. At least 17 Palestinians died from beatings alone. Thousands suffered broken bones, permanent injuries. Policy constituted torture and cruel, inhuman treatment prohibited under international law.
Punitive Home Demolitions
2,532 Palestinian homes demolished during Intifada as collective punishment—homes of families of suspected attackers or activists demolished without trial. Violates Fourth Geneva Convention Article 33: 'Collective penalties...are prohibited.' Thousands rendered homeless.
Mass Arbitrary Detention and Torture
Approximately 120,000 Palestinians arrested over six years—roughly 20% of adult male population. Many held in administrative detention without charge or trial. Widespread torture documented by human rights organizations. Detention centers described as torture facilities.
Collective Punishment
Extended curfews affecting entire towns and refugee camps for weeks. Closures of schools and universities for months/years, denying education to entire generation. Sealing of entire areas. All constitute collective punishment prohibited under Geneva Convention Article 33.
Illegal Deportations
481 Palestinians deported from occupied territories to Lebanon and elsewhere—direct violation of Fourth Geneva Convention Article 49: 'Individual or mass forcible transfers...from occupied territory...are prohibited.' UN Security Council Resolutions 607 and 608 condemned deportations.
Killing of Children
241-332 Palestinian children (minors under 18) killed by Israeli forces during Intifada. Many shot while throwing stones or participating in protests. International outcry over images of soldiers shooting children. Killing of children disproportionate and violated principles of distinction and proportionality.
Fourth Geneva Convention - Violations
<strong>Article 33:</strong> 'No protected person may be punished for an offence he or she has not personally committed. Collective penalties...are prohibited.' Home demolitions and collective curfews violated this provision.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
<strong>Article 6 (Right to Life):</strong> Use of lethal force against largely unarmed protesters violated right to life. Force used was not strictly necessary or proportionate.
UN Security Council Resolutions
<strong>Resolutions 607 (1988) and 608 (1988):</strong> Condemned Israel's deportation of Palestinian civilians. Demanded Israel cease deportations and allow deportees to return. Israel rejected resolutions.
International Criticism and Condemnation
<strong>UN Human Rights Council:</strong> Multiple fact-finding missions documented violations. Special Rapporteur reports detailed systematic abuses.
Fourth Geneva Convention - Violations
<strong>Article 49:</strong> 'Individual or mass forcible transfers...are prohibited.' 481 deportations directly violated this protection.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
<strong>Article 7 (Prohibition of Torture):</strong> Systematic beatings, bone-breaking policy, and torture in detention centers violated absolute prohibition on torture and cruel, inhuman treatment.
UN Security Council Resolutions
<strong>Multiple resolutions:</strong> Security Council passed numerous resolutions condemning Israeli practices during Intifada, including excessive use of force, collective punishment, and violations of Palestinian rights.
International Criticism and Condemnation
<strong>US State Department:</strong> Even US government (Israel's closest ally) condemned 'harsh security measures and excessive use of live ammunition' under Reagan Administration.
Fourth Geneva Convention - Violations
<strong>Article 147 (Grave Breaches):</strong> 'Willful killing...torture or inhuman treatment...extensive destruction...not justified by military necessity' constitute war crimes. Bone-breaking policy and excessive force qualify as grave breaches.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
<strong>Article 9 (Liberty and Security):</strong> Mass arbitrary detentions, administrative detention without charge violated right to liberty and protection from arbitrary arrest.
International Criticism and Condemnation
<strong>Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch:</strong> Both organizations issued reports documenting torture, arbitrary detention, excessive force, and other violations.
International Criticism and Condemnation
<strong>International Committee of the Red Cross:</strong> Repeatedly raised concerns about treatment of detainees and use of force against civilians.
Yitzhak Rabin Israeli Defense Minister (1984-1990); Prime Minister (1992-1995)
Issued 'iron fist' orders including bone-breaking policy. Later acknowledged brutality excessive. As PM, pursued Oslo peace process that emerged from Intifada. Assassinated by Israeli extremist in 1995.
Yasser Arafat PLO Chairman
Led PLO from exile. Initially caught off-guard by grassroots uprising, later asserted control. Authorized 1988 Declaration of Independence. Led Oslo negotiations resulting in 1993 accords.
Hanan Ashrawi Palestinian spokeswoman; academic
Prominent spokesperson for Palestinian cause during Intifada. Articulated Palestinian aspirations to international media. Key figure in Madrid Conference delegation. Later Palestinian legislator.
United National Leadership of Uprising (UNLU) Underground coordinating committee
Coordinated strikes, boycotts, demonstrations through communiqués. Comprised representatives of PLO factions and grassroots leaders. Organized parallel institutions and civil disobedience campaigns.
Immediate Impact (1987-1993)
Transformed Israeli-Palestinian conflict from distant issue into immediate crisis visible on global television
Long-term Significance (1993-Present)
Oslo process ultimately failed—no Palestinian state established after 30+ years
Accountability & Justice
✗ No Israeli officials prosecuted for bone-breaking policy, excessive force, or other violations
Immediate Impact (1987-1993)
Images of Israeli soldiers beating Palestinian youth with rocks shocked international community
Long-term Significance (1993-Present)
Palestinian Authority became subcontractor for Israeli occupation rather than pathway to statehood
Accountability & Justice
✗ No compensation paid to families of those killed or to those whose homes demolished
Immediate Impact (1987-1993)
Forced recognition of Palestinian national aspirations—no longer just 'refugee problem' but political rights issue
Long-term Significance (1993-Present)
Exclusion of grassroots leaders (especially women) from Oslo negotiations weakened Palestinian civil society
Accountability & Justice
✗ Deported Palestinians never allowed to return
Immediate Impact (1987-1993)
Palestinian women played unprecedented public role in resistance and organizing
Long-term Significance (1993-Present)
Hamas emerged as major force, challenging PLO/Fatah dominance
Accountability & Justice
✗ Israeli policies that triggered Intifada (occupation, settlements, land confiscation) continue unchanged
Immediate Impact (1987-1993)
Grassroots organizing created parallel institutions: popular committees, alternative education, medical relief
Long-term Significance (1993-Present)
Intifada tactics influenced other resistance movements globally
Accountability & Justice
✓ B'Tselem and other human rights organizations documented violations comprehensively
Immediate Impact (1987-1993)
1988 Palestinian Declaration of Independence and PLO recognition of Israel
Long-term Significance (1993-Present)
Collapse of Oslo process led to Second Intifada (2000-2005), far more violent
Accountability & Justice
✓ International community recognized Palestinian national rights
Immediate Impact (1987-1993)
Madrid Conference (1991): first direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations
Long-term Significance (1993-Present)
Israeli settlement expansion accelerated after Oslo—now 700,000+ settlers
Accountability & Justice
✓ UN resolutions condemned Israeli practices (though not enforced)
Immediate Impact (1987-1993)
Oslo Accords (1993): creation of Palestinian Authority and framework for eventual Palestinian state
Long-term Significance (1993-Present)
Intifada demonstrated that Palestinian resistance could not be suppressed indefinitely
Accountability & Justice
✓ Intifada forced Israel to negotiate, leading to Oslo process
Long-term Significance (1993-Present)
Established pattern: Palestinian uprising → international attention → negotiations → failure → renewed violence
Accountability & Justice
✗ Oslo promises unfulfilled; occupation continues 30+ years later