Guns or dialogue -- what now for Fatah?

By CNN's Rula Amin

RAMALLAH, West Bank (CNN) -- Frustration over the lack of progress towards securing a Palestinian state is prompting some activists to consider a change of tactics -- 10 years after they laid down their weapons.

2002 marks the 37th anniversary of what Palestinians consider the start of their armed struggle for a homeland.

On January 1, 1965, Yasser Arafat founded Fatah, a group that became the main vehicle for the Palestinian nationalist movement of the Palestine Liberation Organization.

It is dedicated to the formation of an independent Palestinian state. Along with the mainstream organisation, it also is linked to several splinter groups.

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When it was formed, the gun was seen as the only means to achieve independence.

In 1991, Palestinians led by Fatah put down their weapons and chose a different path -- negotiation.

Ten years later, there is still no Palestinian state. Frustration has led many to change their mind.

During the past 15 months of confrontation with Israel, the gun has appeared again, often in the hands of young Fatah members.

"We believe armed struggle is the way," said one young activist. "Seven years of negotiations didn't produce much."

Another activist said: "People blame Fatah, blame Mr. Arafat, because we promised people that through negotiations we will achieve independence and an end to the occupation.

"We tried those two tracks, 100 years fighting without negotiations, 10 years of negotiations without fighting. I think it's time to go together, to fight and negotiate."

It is a belief that is gaining popularity among a new generation.

"We are on our own," said another activist. "The Palestinians have been living under the guns of Israelis. (They) had no weapons, had no hope when Fatah showed the gun. It gives them hope one day there will be a Palestinian state."

Despite their strong conviction that fighting is the way, some activists say they chose Fatah because it is one of the few Palestinian groups that actually leaves room for peaceful coexistence with the Israelis.

"It's possible to live in peace, side by side," said a follower. "As long as we have our own state and Jerusalem as its capital. That's why I chose Fatah."

Fatah is a national movement. There is no specific ideology, which allows it to attract both the religious and the secular.

Its simple goal seems to be to unite them all.

"I want to live free in a state," said another follower. "I can go to work, I can move freely within my own country, to be able to go and see my family in other towns."

So far, most activists have abided by Arafat's call for a cease-fire. But the situation remains precarious.

"Why should are children live seeing their mothers humiliated, their fathers killed?" asks another activist. "We are determined to make our children happy like the rest of the children in the world."

It is the same spirit that started Fatah in 1965 and has kept the movement going since.