Leila Khaled remains one of the most controversial and iconic figures in the history of political resistance and international militancy. Known primarily for her involvement in airline hijackings during the late 1960s and early 1970s, Khaled gained international notoriety as a symbol of Palestinian resistance. While her most well-known activities occurred decades earlier, discussions around Leila Khaled resurfaced in 2006 and beyond as new generations revisited her legacy. In this topic, we will explore who Leila Khaled is, her history as a hijacker, and why her story was relevant again in 2006.
Background: Early Life and Political Awakening
Leila Khaled was born in Haifa, then part of Mandatory Palestine, in 1944. After the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, her family was displaced to Lebanon, an experience that shaped her worldview and political motivations. As a refugee, Khaled witnessed the suffering and marginalization of her people, leading her to join the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a Marxist-Leninist organization known for its armed resistance against Israel.
Her role within the PFLP grew as she became involved in acts meant to draw international attention to the Palestinian cause. At a time when Palestinians were largely voiceless in international discourse, radical tactics such as hijacking airplanes were seen by some as a method to force the global community to acknowledge their demands for justice and self-determination.
The Infamous Hijackings of the 1960s and 1970s
Leila Khaled’s name first made international headlines in 1969 when she participated in the hijacking of TWA Flight 840, a flight en route from Rome to Tel Aviv. Her purpose was not to kill or terrorize, but to redirect the plane to Damascus and make a political statement. She famously ordered the destruction of the plane’s nose to ensure it could not be used further, and no casualties occurred during the event. Photographs of her holding an AK-47 and wearing a keffiyeh became iconic images of resistance, particularly in the Arab world.
A year later, in 1970, she attempted another hijacking this time of El Al Flight 219 from Amsterdam to New York. This operation failed when Israeli air marshals on board subdued her and killed her partner. Khaled was arrested in London but was later released in a prisoner exchange. These actions cemented her place in history, making her both a revered figure and a reviled one, depending on political perspective.
Leila Khaled’s Legacy and Image
Following her active years as a hijacker, Khaled continued to be involved in Palestinian politics, though her methods changed. She shifted toward diplomacy, advocacy, and public speaking. Despite her move away from direct militancy, her image as a hijacker lingered in public consciousness, making her a powerful symbol both positive and negative for various groups.
She has always maintained that her actions were political, not criminal, and that they were driven by a desire to draw attention to a stateless people’s struggle. She remains a member of the Palestinian National Council and continues to speak at international events regarding Palestine, occupation, and resistance.
Why Leila Khaled Was in the Spotlight in 2006
In 2006, Leila Khaled’s name reemerged in international media and academic circles. Several reasons contributed to this renewed interest:
- Documentaries and Literature: New documentaries and biographies about revolutionary women and Middle Eastern conflicts brought her story back into the spotlight. Filmmakers and writers often used Khaled’s image to represent female resistance, especially in contexts where women played prominent roles in political movements.
- Political Conferences: Khaled was invited to speak at numerous political events and left-wing conferences in Europe and the Middle East during this time. Her speeches reignited debates about terrorism versus freedom fighting, particularly in the post-9/11 world where the definitions of such terms were under intense scrutiny.
- Changing Views on Militancy: With the changing global climate in the 2000s, especially with conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, many people began to question past militant activities through a new lens. This caused some to revisit the history of hijackings, political violence, and the motivations behind them. Khaled’s case stood out because of her gender and the symbolic value of her actions.
Media and Public Discourse in 2006
Media coverage of Leila Khaled in 2006 often focused on how time had reshaped her image. For some, she was still the feared hijacker, a reminder of the dangers of political extremism. For others, she had become a complex symbol of a decades-long conflict that remains unresolved. Her reappearances in interviews and panel discussions generated fierce debates on free speech, political resistance, and the role of women in armed struggle.
In particular, university campuses across Europe hosted discussions on Khaled’s relevance, some of which were met with protests or calls for disinvitations. Critics argued that giving her a platform legitimized violence, while supporters emphasized her historical and political significance.
Leila Khaled’s Perspective in the 2000s
By 2006, Khaled had expressed nuanced views about her past. In interviews, she did not deny her involvement in the hijackings but framed them as necessary acts of resistance in the context of global silence on Palestinian suffering. She emphasized that the intent was never to harm civilians but to highlight a cause ignored by mainstream politics.
Khaled also spoke about the role of women in resistance movements, challenging traditional gender roles in the Arab world. She encouraged young women to be politically active and to claim their space in movements that historically sidelined them. Her legacy was no longer just about hijacking planes it was also about empowerment, resilience, and the right to speak up.
A Polarizing Figure in a Changing World
Leila Khaled’s reappearance in public conversations in 2006 highlighted the complexity of historical memory and political narrative. Her story, deeply tied to the history of Palestinian resistance, continues to provoke strong reactions. For some, she is a terrorist who endangered innocent lives; for others, she is a revolutionary who dared to speak when no one would listen.
The renewed interest in her life during 2006 and beyond reminds us that history is not static. As global politics evolve, so too do our interpretations of past events. Leila Khaled’s actions and the debates they generate remain deeply relevant in a world still grappling with issues of occupation, resistance, and the fine line between violence and political expression.
In understanding her role, one must confront uncomfortable truths about conflict, identity, and justice. Leila Khaled, the hijacker, the activist, the icon she is all these things, and her story continues to challenge the world to ask difficult but necessary questions.