Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) is a radical Islamist group based in the Palestinian territories. It is recognized as a terrorist organization by numerous countries, including the United States, European Union, and Israel. The group's primary objective is the establishment of an Islamic state in historic Palestine, which they believe should be achieved through armed struggle and the destruction of the State of Israel.
PIJ was founded in the late 1970s following the Iranian Revolution, and it draws its ideology from a combination of Sunni Islam and the Iranian Islamic revolution. Unlike other Palestinian groups, such as Hamas or Fatah, PIJ does not participate in political processes and rejects negotiations with Israel in favor of armed resistance.
The organization is known for carrying out suicide bombings, rocket attacks, and other acts of violence against Israeli civilians and military targets. It operates primarily in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, but has also conducted operations against Israeli targets abroad.
PIJ uses propaganda, mass media, and religious rhetoric to recruit and radicalize individuals, particularly among Palestinian youth, to join its ranks or support its cause. The group has close ties with Iran and receives financial and military support from the Iranian government and other regional actors.
The objectives and methods of Palestinian Islamic Jihad make it a prominent and controversial player in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as a key consideration for regional security interests.
