Hatem Ishaq Husseini (1941–1994) was a Palestinian academic, diplomat, and political activist known for his work in international relations and his leadership in Palestinian higher education. Born in Jerusalem, Husseini became a prominent figure in representing Palestinian political perspectives to Western audiences, particularly in the United States.
Husseini moved to the United States for his university studies, eventually earning a PhD in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. During the 1970s and early 1980s, he served as the director of the Palestine Information Office in Washington, D.C. In this capacity, he acted as a spokesperson and representative for the Palestinian cause, frequently engaging with the media, academic institutions, and political forums to discuss the Middle East conflict and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
Throughout his career, Husseini was a member of the Palestine National Council (PNC), the legislative body of the PLO. He was recognized for a diplomatic approach that sought to utilize intellectual discourse and public relations to garner international support for Palestinian self-determination.
In the early 1990s, Husseini shifted his focus toward the development of Palestinian institutions in the West Bank and Gaza. He returned to Jerusalem and was appointed as the president of Al-Quds University in 1993. His tenure as president was focused on expanding the university's academic reach and stabilizing its administrative structure during a period of significant political transition in the region.
Hatem Ishaq Husseini died in December 1994 in Jerusalem. He is remembered for his dual contributions as an academic and a diplomat who worked to institutionalize Palestinian education and international representation.