Arab Higher Committee

An umbrella organization formed on April 25, 1936, by the leading Palestinian parties at the time to present Palestinian demands to the British government during the general strike launched five days earlier. Chaired by Supreme Muslim Council President Hajj Amin al-Husayni, the AHC included the heads of six political parties—Palestine Arab, National Defense, Istiqlal (Independence), Reform, National Bloc, and the Youth Congress—and two Christians. The AHC was active until World War II,  when it went dormant. In November 1945 and May 1946, the Arab League reorganized the AHC. After the United Nations endorsed the partition of Palestine in 1947, the AHC failed to present a political or military response, and subsequently lost its leadership role in 1948.