The Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine, commonly known as Islamic Jihad, is a Palestinian extremist organization that operates primarily in the Palestinian territories, particularly the Gaza Strip, and has carried out numerous attacks against Israeli targets. Established in 1981, Islamic Jihad aims to liberate Palestine from Israeli occupation and establish an Islamic state in the region.
As an armed militant group, Islamic Jihad adopts violent means, including suicidal bombings, shootings, and rocket attacks, as strategies to achieve its goals. The organization considers armed struggle as the only path towards ending what it views as the Israeli occupation and ensuring the right of self-determination for the Palestinian people. Its activities have included attacks on civilians, military personnel, and infrastructure within Israel.
The group's ideology is rooted in an extremist interpretation of Islam and a rejection of any political negotiations with Israel for a peaceful resolution. It opposes any concessions that compromise the claimed rights of Palestinians. Islamic Jihad has been recognized as a terrorist organization by many countries, including Israel, the United States, Canada, and the European Union.
While sharing some ideological similarities with other Palestinian extremist groups such as Hamas, Islamic Jihad differentiates itself by its more radical stance and its refusal to participate in political processes. The organization maintains a hierarchical structure, including a military wing responsible for organizing and executing attacks, as well as a political wing that supports the organization's goals and provides political leadership.
Islamic Jihad's activities have contributed to an ongoing cycle of violence and tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, making it a significant player within the Palestinian resistance movement.
