Hamas is the one usually making the news, but they are not the only group operating in Palestine. Hamas is probably the largest, and it’s not just a terrorist group, it is also a political party. In this series, we’ll look at the governance of the Palestinian Territory and the recent quest for statehood.
Let’s start by looking at the resistance and independence groups that currently exist…
Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement)
1. Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement): Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist organization founded in 1987. It has a significant social, political, and military presence in the Palestinian territories, particularly in the Gaza Strip. Hamas is known for its strict adherence to Islamic principles and its opposition to the state of Israel. Its military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, has been involved in numerous armed conflicts with Israel, including rocket attacks and suicide bombings. Hamas also plays a key role in Palestinian politics and has a substantial network of social services.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad
2. Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ): This group is a smaller, yet influential, Islamist organization in the Palestinian territories, committed to the creation of an Islamic Palestinian state and the destruction of Israel. It is known for carrying out suicide bombings and rocket attacks against Israeli targets. The PIJ is heavily influenced by Islamic fundamentalist ideology and has received support from countries like Iran.
Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades
3. Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades: Emerging during the Second Intifada in the early 2000s, this group is loosely affiliated with Fatah, the leading secular Palestinian political party. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades have been involved in numerous attacks against Israeli military and civilian targets, including suicide bombings and shootings. Their activities have diminished in recent years, but they remain a significant armed faction within the Palestinian territories.
Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades
4. Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP): Founded in 1967, the PFLP is a secular, Marxist-Leninist organization and one of the major factions within the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The group has a history of aircraft hijackings, assassinations, and bombings. It opposes the peace process with Israel and advocates for a one-state solution, with a secular, democratic Palestine.
Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine
5. Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP): This Marxist-Leninist group, formed in 1969, is a smaller faction within the PLO. The DFLP has participated in armed attacks but has also been involved in the political process, advocating for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders. The group has experienced internal splits and has a less prominent role compared to other Palestinian factions.
Popular Resistance Committees
6. Popular Resistance Committees (PRC): Formed in 2000, the PRC is a coalition of various armed factions, primarily consisting of disaffected members from Fatah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad. The group is known for its involvement in rocket attacks and bombings against Israeli targets. The PRC operates mainly in the Gaza Strip and maintains a stance against the Israeli occupation.
Each of these groups has its own unique history, ideology, and method of operation. Their activities have significantly influenced the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the internal dynamics of Palestinian politics. The status and activities of these groups are subject to change, and they are viewed differently by various international actors and governments.
