Hikmat Zaid

Hikmat Zaid was born in Silat al-Harithiya, a village 10 kilometres northwest of Jenin in 1945.{{Cite web |date= |title=Hekmat Zaid {{!}} Academic Figures |url=https://www.all4palestine.org/ModelDetails.aspx?gid=14&mid=77959&lang=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227110731/https://www.all4palestine.org/ModelDetails.aspx?gid=14&mid=77959&lang=en |archive-date=27 Feb 2024 |access-date=16 August 2024 |website=all4palestine}} Zaid's political affiliations began during his college years at the University of Alexandria in Egypt when in 1963 as a young student from Jenin, he was awarded a scholarship by the Egyptian government to study abroad.

On campus, PLO recruiters actively sought out students to join the emerging "Third Generation" of PLO leadership. Zaid, who earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural engineering with a specialization in soil chemistry and served as president of the student body, fit the ideal candidate profile.

After graduation, he wasn't allowed to return to Palestine so he made Amman, Jordan his residence instead.{{cite news |last1=Sisson |first1=Pat |date=16 May 2002 |title=Growing up in the PLO |url=https://dailynorthwestern.com/2002/05/16/archive-manual/growing-up-in-the-plo/ |access-date=7 August 2024 |work=The Daily Northwestern}}

Following the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Zaid was assigned to a number of significant diplomatic positions. His first prominent duty was as PLO ambassador to Moscow, where he worked to build relations with the Soviet Union, a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause.

Zaid later served as the PLO ambassador in Sanaa, Yemen. In this capacity, he tried to strengthen diplomatic ties between the PLO and the Yemeni government, facilitating relief to Palestinian refugees and obtaining Yemen's backing.

In the early 1980s, Zaid was named PLO ambassador to Budapest, Hungary, where he tried to build ties with Hungary and other Eastern European countries and advocate for Palestinian rights.

Abu Zaid's early political career included key diplomatic duties with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Despite threats from the Abu Nidal Organization, a PLO splinter group who targeted moderate PLO and Fatah Revolutionary Council members like Hikmat and others for assassination, Zaid still carried on his mission.

Following the Oslo Peace Accords in 1993, Zaid returned to Palestine in 1994. His homecoming signaled a new era for Palestinian leadership, highlighting the progress made toward Palestinian self-government. He traveled to many Palestinian cities, including his hometown of Silat al-Harithiya near Jenin, to reunite with his people.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT2o8P1ggtg&t=52s |title=عودة حكمت زيد إلى فلسطين - من أرشيف السيلة الحارثية 1994 |date=2016-06-22 |last=kelaniaa |trans-title=Hikmat Zaid's Return to Palestine – From the Archives of Al-Sila Al-Harithiya 1994 |access-date=2024-08-16 |via=YouTube}}

In 1994, after returning to Palestine from his diplomatic posts, Arafat, the President of the Palestinian National Authority, appointed him as the first Governor of Jenin since the Israeli occupation in 1967.{{Cite web |date=27 December 1994 |title=قرار رقم (226) لسنة 1994 |trans-title=Resolution No. (226) of 1994 |url=https://mjr.ogb.gov.ps/Decrees/Download/?p=21fda466-ea39-43a8-9f09-8921b8767dd2.pdf&d=%D9%82%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B1%20%D8%B1%D9%82%D9%85%20(226)%20%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%A9%201994%20%20%D8%A8%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%86%20%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%8A%D9%8A%D9%86%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%AF%20%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85%D8%AA%20%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%B4%D9%85%20%D8%B2%D9%8A%D8%AF.pdf |access-date=16 August 2024 |website=Electronic Reference for the Official Gazette}} He later ran successfully as an independent candidate for Jenin in the 1996 Palestine Legislative Council (PLC) elections on the Fatah list in which he received 14,220 votes. His leadership and reputation in Jenin were further enhanced catching the attention of then President of the Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat who subsequently appointed him as the Minister of Agriculture in 1998 as part of his third government.

{{Main|Second Intifada}}

Zaid modernized the agricultural sector which accounted for 25% of Palestine's economy at the time—by establishing regional headquarters, expanding agricultural land and supporting farmers—setting a strong foundation for future progress.

However, as Al-Aqsa intifada broke out after then Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon made a provocative visit to the Al-Aqsa compound the Agricultural sector took a direct hit due to heightened violence. Zaid stated that Israeli military operations have caused over $500 to $700 million{{cite news |date=29 April 2002 |title=Palestinian agricultural sector loses half a billion dollars |url=https://www.aljazeera.net/ebusiness/2002/4/29/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B9%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%B7%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D8%AE%D8%B3%D8%B1-%D9%86%D8%B5%D9%81 |accessdate=7 August 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |publisher=Reuters}} in damages to Palestinian agriculture, including the destruction of over half a million trees, fertile land, wells, and irrigation systems since 2000.{{cite news |date=11 January 2001 |title=Palestine shakes stick at tree-killing Israel |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/world/palestine-shakes-stick-at-tree-killing-israel-57332 |accessdate=6 August 2024 |website=IOL – Independent Online}}

During his reign as the minister of agriculture, Abu Zaid imposed an embargo on a wide list of agricultural products from Israel in response to a 10-month blockade on Palestinian movement into Israel.{{cite news |last1=Majally |first1=Nazir |date=19 August 2001 |title=Israelis kill Palestinian, babies hurt |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/214656 |accessdate=7 August 2024 |website=www.arabnews.com}} According to him "This measure aims to denounce the destruction of Palestinian agriculture by Israel through the blockade of Palestinian territories.{{cite journal |date=20 March 2015 |title=Palestinian Authority Agriculture Minister Hikmat Zeid said his call for a boycott of Israeli agricultural products was not aimed at generating political pressure |url=https://www.jta.org/archive/palestinian-authority-agriculture-minister-hikmat-zeid-said-his |website=Jewish Telegraphic Agency |accessdate=7 August 2024}} Bananas, mangoes, melons, pears, apples, poultry, eggs, cattle, and dairy goods, with the exception of milk, were among the items boycotted.{{cite news |last1=Majally |first1=Nazir |date=17 August 2001 |title=Israel affirms policy of murder |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/214592 |accessdate=7 August 2024 |website=Arab News}}

Zaid met his Israeli Agriculture Minister counterpart Shalom Simhon on 21 August to discuss the Palestinian Authority's ban on Israeli agricultural products. The ban was imposed due to Israeli military actions causing severe damage to Palestinian agriculture. Zaid indicated the ban could be lifted if the Israeli army allows free movement for Palestinian farmers and workers.{{cite news |date=18 August 2008 |title=لقاء بين وزيري الزراعة الإسرائيلي والفلسطيني |trans-title=Meeting between Israeli and Palestinian Agriculture Ministers |url=https://www.aljazeera.net/news/2001/8/18/%D9%84%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%B2%D9%8A%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%8A%D9%84%D9%8A |accessdate=7 August 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |publisher=France24}}

Zaid appealed to Arab agriculture ministers for help, noting the ministry's efforts since 1994 to rehabilitate the sector, which were undone by the conflict. He emphasized that these actions have increased unemployment and pushed over 50% of Palestinians below the poverty line.

{{Main|Hamas-Fatah Reconciliation Agreement}}

Zaid ran unsuccessfully this time as under Fatah's banner as part of their Revolutionary Council for Jenin in the 2006Palestine Legislative Council (PLC) elections on the Fatah list in which he received 23,800 votes; lost by a 3250 margin. However he continued his ministerial position as a senior advisor to President Mahmoud Abbas for governorate affairs {{Citation needed|date=August 2024}}

Zaid was actively involved in political discussions with rival party Hamas after a year of gruesome fighting and tension in order to restore national Palestinian unity.{{cite news |date=12 June 2006 |title=سياسي / وفد حركة فتح يتوجه يوم غد الى قطاع غزة |trans-title=Politician/Fatah delegation heads to Gaza Strip tomorrow |url=https://www.spa.gov.sa/565603?lang=ar&newsid=565603 |accessdate=6 August 2024 |website=Saudi Press Agency}} Zaid headed an envoy whom were the first official Fatah delegation in over a year since the Fatah–Hamas conflict to visit the strip.{{cite news |title=Abbas to send Fatah envoys to Hamas-ruled Gaza |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/abbas-to-send-fatah-envoys-to-hamas-ruled-gaza-idUSL16715598/ |accessdate=6 August 2024 |website=Reuters}}{{Cite web |date=18 June 2008 |title=وفدها الى القطاع لا يعارض لقاء حماس |trans-title=Its delegation to the Strip does not oppose meeting Hamas |url=https://www.raya.com/2008/06/18/%D9%81%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B3-%D9%8A%D8%B2%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%BA%D8%B2%D8%A9-%D9%82%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A8%D8%A7/ |access-date=17 August 2024}}

Zaid welcomed dialogue for efforts aimed at restoring Palestinian unity{{cite news|title=حكمت زيد لصوت فلسطين: رفضنا الاجتماع بهنية بصفته رئيسا للوزراء لان حكومته غير شرعية|trans-title=Hekmat Zaid to Voice of Palestine: We refused to meet with Haniyeh in his capacity as Prime Minister because his government is illegitimate|url=https://www.maannews.net/news/111605.html|website=Maan News Agency Agency|date=21 June 2008|accessdate=6 August 2024}} with senior Hamas delegation including Ahmed Yousef and Ghazi Hamad and Gaza Governor Muhammad al-Qudwa but not with then de facto Prime Minister—and leader—of Gaza Strip Ismail Haniyeh as Fatah does not recognize it legitimate.

Some websites went on to cite credible sources who claimed that the security services intended to arrest Abu Zaid awaiting an investigation. But this was quickly dismissed when Ihab Al-Ghussein, the spokesman for the Ministry of Interior in Gaza, denied such allegations in a press conference to the Palestinian Media Center.{{cite news|title=وزارة الداخلية تنفي نية الأجهزة الأمنية اعتقال حكمت زيد |trans-title=The Ministry of Interior denies the security services' intention to arrest Abu Zaid|url=https://palinfo.com/news/2008/06/17/230677/|website=The Palestinian Information Center|date=17 June 2008 |accessdate=7 August 2024}}

Taher al-Nunu, the spokesman for the dismissed Hamas government at the time, announced on Sunday the statements made by Hikmat Zaid, the advisor to the Palestinian president, about his unwillingness to meet with Ismail Haniyeh are contrary to the truth and that no official meeting was scheduled between both parties.{{cite news|title=النونو: تصريحات حكمت زيد "منافية للحقيقة"|trans-title=Al-Nunu: Hikmat Zaid's statements are "contrary to the truth"|url=https://www.youm7.com/story/2008/6/22/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D9%88%D9%86%D9%88-%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85%D8%AA-%D8%B2%D9%8A%D8%AF-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%82%D9%8A%D9%82%D8%A9/28495|website=Seventh Day website|date=22 June 2008|accessdate=6 August 2024}}

Zaid affirmed that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will visit Gaza soon.{{Cite web |date=18 June 2008 |title=عباس إلى غزة قريباً جداً |trans-title=Abbas to Gaza very soon |url=https://www.alkhaleej.ae/2008-06-18/%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B3-%D8%A5%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%BA%D8%B2%D8%A9-%D9%82%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%8B-%D8%AC%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%8B/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85/%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A9 |access-date=17 August 2024}}

Zaid regularly visited and met with municipal councils asserting Abu Mazen's continued presidency until new elections are held.{{cite news |date=12 June 2008 |title=الوزير حكمت زيد يقوم بجولة تفقدية لمحافظة جنين وحركة فتح تثمن موقفه |trans-title=Minister Hekmat Zeid conducts an inspection tour of Jenin Governorate and Fatah Movement appreciates his position |url=https://www.maannews.net/news/132950.html |accessdate=6 August 2024 |website=Maan News Agency}} He also urged Hamas to engage in dialogue and commit to the Egyptian directive for legislative and presidential elections.{{cite news |date=8 June 2008 |title=Hamas and Fatah will weigh reconciliation in Dakar |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20080608-hamas-fatah-will-weigh-reconciliation-dakar-palestinian-territories |accessdate=6 August 2024 |website=France 24}}{{cite news |date=12 June 2018 |title=West Bank stands in solidarity with Gaza |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2018/06/new-west-bank-movement-protests-opposing-pa-sanctions-gaza.html |accessdate=6 August 2024 |website=Al Monitor}}{{cite news |date=27 October 2009 |title=Abbas to Send First Fatah Envoys into Gaza |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-2008-06-16-voa16-66821557/256868.html |accessdate=6 August 2024 |website=Voice of America News}}

Zaid played a huge role in advocating for the Sixth Fatah General Assembly Conference—the first since 20 years— which can serve a platform for Fatah to reinforce its position, unify its ranks, and prepare for the approaching elections as well as the importance of dialogue with Hamas that reflect ongoing political dynamics and the broader push for unity and democratic processes within the Palestinian territories.{{cite news |date=8 June 2008 |title=Senegal says Hamas, Fatah talks help restore trust |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/1,7340,L-3553192,00.html |accessdate=6 August 2024 |website=YNetNews |publisher=Reuters}}{{Cite news |date=9 June 2008 |title=Fatah and Hamas 'restore trust' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7443465.stm |access-date=17 August 2024 |work=BBC News}}{{Cite news |date=12 June 2008 |title=الوزير حكمت زيد يقوم بجولة تفقدية لمحافظة جنين وحركة فتح تثمن موقفه |trans-title=Minister Hikmat Zaid conducts an inspection tour of Jenin Governorate and Fatah Movement appreciates his position |url=https://www.maannews.net/news/132950.html |access-date=17 August 2024 |work=Maan News Agency}}

In November 2013, President Abu Mazen retired Zaid and several presidential advisors, including Nabil Amr and {{ill|Sabri Sedam|ar|صبري صيدم}}. Zaid however did remain as a member of the Fatah Advisory Council. Zaid expressed frustration in an interview with {{ill|Dunya Al Watan|ar|دنيا الوطن}} that the council was not consulted in decision-making despite its efforts.

Zaid highlighted challenges within Fatah, including internal conflicts, the participation of Gaza members, and the lack of time to resolve issues before the November 29 seventh conference. Zaid criticized inefficiencies in addressing organizational problems in both Gaza and the West Bank but noted that preparations for the conference continued to ensure broad representation of Fatah members.{{cite news|title=حكمت زيد دنيا الوطن : نحن مجلس استشاري لا يُستشار ليس لدينا وقت كافي لحل المشاكل قبل الوصول للسابع | trans-title=Hekmat Zaid Dunya Al Watan: We are an advisory council that is not consulted. We do not have enough time to solve the problems before reaching the seventh|url=https://www.alwatanvoice.com/arabic/news/2015/07/24/747610.html

| website=Dunya Al-Watan Voice|date=17 June 2008

| accessdate=7 August 2024}}

Jenin hosted several community events with Abu Zaid's involvement. These included a friendly football match between Al-Wehdat SC and Jenin FC honoring retiring player Montaser Al-Samoudi,{{cite news |date=19 February 2008 |title=تحت رعاية الوزير حكمت زيد نادي جنين يشكل عدة لجان ويزور اريحا غدا للترتيب لزيارة فريق الوحدات |trans-title=Under the patronage of Minister Hikmat Zaid, Jenin Club forms several committees and visits Jericho tomorrow to arrange for the visit of Al-Wehdat team |url=https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=8374894 |accessdate=8 August 2024 |website=Kooora Forums}} and the 2008 Palestinian Bodybuilding Federation Championship, which drew over 60 participants.{{cite news |date=11 May 2008 |title=جنين تحتضن بطولة اتحاد كمال الاجسام :آدم والفقيـــه والصبــــــــار يتألقون ويستعدون لتمثيـــــــل فلسطيــــــــــــــن |trans-title=Jenin hosts the Bodybuilding Federation Championship: Adam, Al-Faqih and Al-Sabbar shine and prepare to represent Palestine |url=https://www.maannews.net/news/106356.html |accessdate=8 August 2024 |website=Maan News Agency}} Both events emphasized sports and community engagement in Jenin. Zaid also attended the opening ceremony of the Future Center for People with Special Needs, which will help children with disabilities.{{cite news |date=10 May 2008 |title=افتتاح مركز المستقبل لذوي الاحتياجات الخاصة في جنين |trans-title=Opening of the Future Center for People with Special Needs in Jenin |url=https://www.maannews.net/news/106321.html |accessdate=8 August 2024 |website=Maan News Agency}} He also commended the Emirates Red Crescent initiative, which gave food to 4,000 Palestinian families, helping to continuing humanitarian operations in the region.{{cite news |date=5 August 2006 |title=بدء المرحلة الثانية لحملة هيئة الهلال الأحمر في فلسطين |trans-title=The second phase of the Red Crescent Society's campaign in Palestine begins |url=https://www.aletihad.ae/article/68008/2006/%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%AD%D9%84%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AB%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%84%D8%A9-%D9%87%D9%8A%D8%A6%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%87%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%B1-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%81%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%B7%D9%8A%D9%86 |accessdate=8 August 2024 |website=Al Etihad News Center}}

Abu Zaid was mentioned in relation to facilitating the transfer of a PLO property in Musrara, Jerusalem. Reports indicate that Zaid instructed lawyer Fahmi Shabaneh not to intervene in the property's transfer, with the expectation that the property would be reclaimed when Jerusalem's status is resolved. Following these events, Shabaneh was suspended, and the property was transferred to the Universal Church. This incident has raised concerns about the management and protection of PLO assets amid ongoing political and legal complexities.{{cite news|last1=Shabana|first1=Fahmy|title=تورّط مستشار الرئيس حكمت زيد في تسهيل تسريب عقار لمنظمة التحرير الفلسطينية|trans-title=Presidential advisor Hikmat Zeid was involved in facilitating the leakage of a property to the Palestine Liberation Organization.|url=http://www.hekayaty.com/news/fahmi/news214|website=Hekayaty|date=22 February 2010|accessdate=8 August 2024}}

Hikmat married Itidal in 1971 and had four children with her. They had three sons, named Zaid, Hisham and Samer, and one daughter, named Hadil. Hikmat and his family finally returned to Palestine following the Oslo Peace Accords between Israel and the PLO and in 1994 where he later on became the first Governor of Jenin. They have total of 14 grandchildren. Zaid suffered losses of two brothers in the late 1980s, and a third brother in 2024. Hikmat currently resides in Amman.

• List of Fatah members
• Politics of Palestine

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [https://dailynorthwestern.com/2002/05/16/archive-manual/growing-up-in-the-plo Growing up in the PLO], The Daily Northwestern (16 May 2002)
• [http://www.passia.org/personalities/151 AL-KILANI, HIKMAT ZEID], Palestinian Academic Society for the Study of International Affairs
• [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7443465.stm Fatah and Hamas 'restore trust'], BBC News (9 June 2008)
• (1994) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT2o8P1ggtg&t=52s عودة حكمت زيد إلى فلسطين - من أرشيف السيلة]

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{{s-bef|before=Abdul Jawad Saleh}}

{{s-ttl|title=2nd Agriculture Minister of the Palestinian National Authority | years=1998–2002}}

{{s-aft|after=Rafiq Al-Natsheh}}

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{{s-bef|before=Abdulrahman Hamad}}

{{s-ttl|title=5th Transport Minister of the Palestinian National Authority | years=2003–2005}}

{{s-aft|after=Saadeddin Kharma}}

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{{s-bef|before=Position Established}}

{{s-ttl|title=1st Governor of Jenin | years=1994–1996}}

{{s-aft|after=Zuhair Al-Manasra}}

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{{s-bef|before=Position Established}}

{{s-ttl|title=Member of the Palestine Legislative Council | years=1996–2006}}

{{s-aft|after=Azzam al-Ahmad}}

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{{Fatah}}

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{{Arab-Israeli Conflict|state=collapsed}}

{{Arab nationalism}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Zaid, Hikmat}}

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