The spelling of "Palestine Islamic Jihad" follows the conventions of English phonetics. Its pronunciation is /ˈpæləstaɪn ɪzˈlɑmɪk ˈdʒɪhɑd/. The initial "p" is pronounced with a puff of air and the stress is on the second syllable. The "a" in "Palestine" has a short sound, as in "cat," while the "i" in "Islamic" is long, as in "eye." The "j" in "Jihad" represents the sound /dʒ/. This transcription accurately represents the English pronunciation of this term.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad, also known as PIJ or simply Islamic Jihad, is an extremist Islamic militant group that emerged in the late 1970s. It operates primarily in the Israel-Palestine region, with its main objective being the establishment of an independent Islamic state in Palestine, eliminating Israel, and replacing it with an Islamic regime. The group's ideology is rooted in radical Islamic beliefs, encompassing elements of both jihadism and Palestinian nationalism.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad has gained notoriety for its use of violent means to achieve its goals. It has been involved in numerous acts of terrorism, including suicide bombings, rocket attacks, and shootings, targeting both Israeli military personnel and civilians. The group has utilized propaganda to recruit new members and garner support, often distributing materials that endorse violence against Israel. As a result of its actions, the PIJ has been designated a terrorist organization by various countries and international bodies.
The organization operates a militarized wing known as the Al-Quds Brigades, responsible for executing attacks against Israel and conducting guerrilla warfare tactics. Its activities have not only fueled tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but also affected the larger regional stability. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad has received financial and ideological support from Iran, which has contributed to its longevity and demonstrated its regional influence.
Despite numerous attempts to curtail its operations, the group continues to wield influence in the region and remains one of the main adversaries of both Israel and moderate Palestinian factions.