Today, we remember the Battle of Karameh. On March 21, 1968, Palestinian resistance fighters and the Jordanian Army repelled a zionist assault on Karameh, on the east bank of the Jordan River. The battle had lasting implications and fomented a great sense of empowerment to Palestinians.
Karameh, a symbol of resistance, served as a vital military and logistical base for the resistance in the 1960s. It drew thousands of Palestinian youth to the struggle against the nearby occupation of their land. Zionist forces, aiming to dismantle the base and “end resistance,” launched a large-scale offensive there.
Shocking the zionists, the combined forces of the PLO and the Jordanians put up fierce resistance. Despite that the Palestinians were outgunned and outnumbered 16:1, the defenders of Karameh demonstrated immense courage and won the battle. The battle raged for almost 24 hours and resulted in over 30 dead zionists and 200 martyrs. The zionist forces retreated without meeting their objectives, leaving behind a significant amount of equipment and weaponry.
The battle was a turning point in the Palestinian struggle, shattering the myth of IOF invincibility. The resistance demonstrated its ability to stand up against an imperialist-backed enemy, inspiring confidence, and it improved the reputation of the resistance, propelling them to international prominence and granting the PLO widespread support, cementing it as the representative of the Palestinian people at the time.
This historic battle marked the beginning of a new chapter in Palestinian resistance, one that was more organized and determined. As we commemorate the battle, we honor the bravery of the Arab fighters, a testament to the unyielding spirit of the Palestinian people and a reminder that no matter how hard the enemy tries, the resistance will never be defeated. The spirit of Karameh is one that endures in the face of any obstacle, reminding us of the importance of resistance, unity, and steadfastness in the path of liberation and return.
source: Resistance News Network