Muckatah

Muckatah, also sometimes spelled "Mukata'a" or "Muqata'a," is an Arabic word (مُقَاطَعَة) meaning "cut off," "boycott," or "isolation." Historically, the term has been used to describe both economic boycotts and physical isolation, often of political or economic entities.

In modern usage, specifically within the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, "Muckatah" refers most often to a fortified compound serving as the headquarters or administrative center of a governing authority, particularly the Palestinian Authority. It became widely known as the term for the compound in Ramallah that served as Yasser Arafat's headquarters for many years until his death in 2004. The Ramallah Muckatah was partially destroyed by Israeli forces during the Second Intifada. Since then, it has been rebuilt and continues to serve as a significant administrative center for the Palestinian Authority.

The term can also refer to other similar compounds used by Palestinian political factions or authorities in different locations. While primarily associated with political and administrative centers, the core meaning of "isolation" and "boycott" should be considered when interpreting the word's usage.