Based on primary sources, this volume studies the Palestinian Entity with special reference to the PLO in an integrated fashion, investigating the complex mutual influences of the development of the Palestinian national movement, the politics within the Arab arena and that of the Arab-Israeli conflict. It examines the commitment of the Arab world to the Palestinian national movement, in relation to the movement's dependence on the Arab position and on continued Arab support.

Moshe Shemesh analyses the processes which led to the establishment of the PLO in 1964 and the take over of the PLO by the Palestinian fidai organisations in 1968-69.

Dr. Shemesh also studies the development of the Palestinian national movement, especially in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, between 1968-74 under the leadership of the Fatah, which has become its 'backbone'. He analyses the significance of the PLO's turn in strategy of June 1974, and the resolutions of the Rabat Arab summit in October 1974, which recognised the PLO as 'the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people'.