Fatah

American  

[faht-ah, fuh-tah] / ˈfɑt ɑ, fəˈtɑ /

noun

1. a Palestinian political party advocating Palestinian independence and self-rule.

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Fatah British  

/ ˈfætə /

noun

1. a Palestinian terrorist organization, founded in 1956, with the aim of destroying the state of Israel: it has splintered into rival factions since 1988

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Etymology

Origin of Fatah

First recorded in 1965–70; vocalization of Arabic FTḤ, abbreviation of Ḥarakat al-Taḥrīr al-Waṭanī al-Filasṭīn “Palestinian National Liberation Movement,” from ḥarakat, form of ḥarakah “movement” + taḥrīr “liberation” + waṭanī “national” + Filasṭīn Palestine ( def. ); coined by reversing the elements and shortening ḤTWF to form FTḤ as a pun on fatḥ “opening, victory”

Example Sentences

Speaking among the ruins of Gaza, a Fatah activist, Samah al-Rawagh – who is joining the conference via video link – told the BBC that change was possible.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Candidates from the two lists that got the most votes were independents or associated with factions within Fatah, the political party that runs the Palestinian Authority, which organized the elections.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

A year later, Beijing played host to the leaders of 14 Palestinian factions, including Fatah and Hamas.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

"The corruption system now operates with confidence and immunity," wrote Tirawi, a senior member of the Fatah central committee led by Abbas, whose presidential mandate expired in 2009.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

The Sirdar and headquarters embarked at 9 a.m., 27th August, on the gunboat "Fatah," to steam through Shabluka.

From Khartoum Campaign, 1898 or the Re-Conquest of the Soudan by Burleigh, Bennet