Muhammad Yusif al-Najjar

Muhammad Yusif al-Najjar

Muhammad Yusif al-Najjar [Abu Yusif] Founding member of Fatah. Born 1929, refugee from Yibna (al-Majdal), grew up in Rafah camp, Gaza. A member of the Muslim

Brotherhood before 1948, he was arrested by Egypt in early 1954 for participation in demos for a Palestinian army, and imprisoned for 2 years from Mar. 1955 for protesting Egyptian resettlement of Palestinian refugees in North Sinai. He become a founder of Fatah. Worked as a teacher, and was active in setting up early Fatah groups in Saudi and Qatar, member of Fatah - Central Committee from creation until his death. Became head of Fatah’s new security apparatus (in Sep. 1971) and coordinated al-Asifa, also thought to have a leading role in Black Sep. Org. Member of first fida’i PLO - Executive Committee from Jul. 1968, and became head of Political Department in Jan. 1973. Also, as chair of committee coordinating Palestinian affairs in Lebanon, brokered relations with Lebanese government after Cairo agreement. Killed together with his wife in the Israeli raid on Beirut 10 Apr. 1973.