As Abbas’ Fatah Movement celebrates its 54th anniversary, its dominant messages to its people are celebration of 54 years of violence together with the promise of more violence in the future. Fatah is declaring to Palestinians once again, similar to what Palestinian Media Watch documented in previous years, that Fatah has not and will never “drop the rifle” or abandon terror - what it euphemistically calls “the armed struggle.”
The image of the rifle is the main theme of this year’s celebrations. In the picture above, which Fatah posted on its official Facebook page, two young girls holding assault rifles are shown leading a march of uniformed men, who are also holding assault rifles. 
This picture also posted by Fatah includes four assault rifles. In addition to the large rifle, one is part of the logo of the 54th anniversary, and two are in Fatah’s regular logo in the upper left.
Fatah’s posted text promises more violence: “We will not relinquish our right to resist the occupier using all available ways and means.” The expression “all ways and means,” particularly when accompanied with the rifles is a reiteration of Fatah’s promise of continued violence and terror.
Text on image: “The Palestinian National Liberation Movement - Fatah Long live the anniversary of the outbreak of the Palestinian revolution Jan. 1, 1965" [Official Fatah Facebook page, Dec. 27, 2018]
Another post which Fatah labeled “The official logo of the 54th anniversary,” includes the four most important symbols for the PA and Fatah. The first is the map that includes all of Israel covered by the colors of the Palestinian flag symbolizing future destruction of Israel and Palestinian rule over all the land. The second symbol is once again the rifle in the center. The third symbol is the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. The fourth is the key symbolizing the future “return” of Palestinian “refugees” to the homes they claim in Israel. [Official Fatah Facebook page, Dec. 26, 2018]
This Fatah post shows PA and Fatah Chairman Mahmoud Abbas holding a piece of paper on which is written “The State of Palestine.” Under Abbas is a picture of Yasser Arafat carrying a rifle. The message is that Abbas like Arafat will not drop the rifle:
Posted text: “We have not borne the olive branch in order to drop the rifle; we have borne the olive branch in order to return the identity to the land of the olive trees. Let all those who are mistaken know that Fatah will continue to be a beacon for the [Palestinian] cause.”
Text under logo: “The revolution continues”
Text at top of image: “The Palestinian National Liberation Movement - Fatah Long live the anniversary of the outbreak of the Palestinian revolution” [Official Fatah Facebook page, Dec. 25, 2018]
