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Dalal Al-MughrabiPalestinian refugee from Lebanon who led the 'Coastal Highway attack'
Country:
 Israel |
Content:
- Early Life and Activism
- Coastal Road Massacre
- Death and Legacy
- Return of Remains and Controversy
- Commemoration and Protests
- Sister's Perspective
- Conflicting Accounts
Dalal Mughrabi: The Palestinian Refugee Who Led the Coastal Road Massacre
Early Life and Activism
Dalal Mughrabi was born in 1958 in Beirut to Palestinian refugees from Jaffa. At the age of 20, she secretly joined the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and underwent military training. Her family resided in the Sabra refugee camp with 11 other siblings.
Coastal Road Massacre
On March 11, 1978, Mughrabi led an Fatah squad that carried out the Coastal Road Massacre in Israel. They hijacked a bus and killed 39 Israelis, including 13 children and one police officer. The incident left a lasting impact on Israel, leading to a special Knesset resolution and the launch of Operation Litani in Lebanon.
Death and Legacy
Mughrabi was killed during an Israeli security forces assault on the hijacked bus. After the attack, she was posthumously awarded the Palestinian Martyr Medal of Honor. Her legacy continues to be debated, with some praising her as a martyr while others criticize her actions.
Return of Remains and Controversy
In 2008, Israel agreed to hand over Mughrabi's remains to Hezbollah in exchange for the bodies of two Israeli soldiers. However, the transfer was delayed due to allegations that the remains had been lost. Israel claimed they had been washed away by underground currents.
Commemoration and Protests
Mughrabi's legacy is commemorated in the Palestinian territories, where schools, a police academy, summer camps, and kindergartens bear her name. In 2010, a square in Ramallah was named after her despite protests from Israel.
Sister's Perspective
Mughrabi's sister, Rasheda al-Mughrabi, said in a 2009 interview that the raid was not intended to kill civilians. She claimed that the goal was to reach the Knesset and secure the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Conflicting Accounts
Surviving members of Mughrabi's squad have provided conflicting accounts of the massacre. While some claim it was not their intention to kill civilians, others have admitted to firing indiscriminately at passing vehicles. The surviving passengers, on the other hand, reported that the squad members attacked cars and buses throughout their journey.
