Palestinian Groups Involved in Political Violence
- Hamas
- Founded in 1987 by Ahmed Yassin and Mohammad Taha as an outgrowth of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas' goal is the establishment of a Palestinian state.
- Armed wing is the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades; the sole target of its suicide bombings and missile attacks is Israel.
- Took part in 2006 elections and won. After the 2007 Battle of Gaza the Hamas government was disbanded by Mahmoud Abbas but remained de facto rulers of the Gaza Strip.
- Currently led by Khaled Mashaal and Ismail Haniyeh
- Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) (founded 1970s)
- Formed by Fathi Shaqaqi as a branch of Egyptian Islamic Jihad
- Goal is the destruction of the state of Israel and replacement with an Islamist state
- Armed wing is the Al-Quds Brigades (Jerusalem brigades)
- Currently led by Ramadan Shallah, the Secretary General and Abd Al Aziz Awda
- The Popular Resistance Committees
- Islamist
- Founded in 2000 by Jamal Abu Samhadana who led the group until he was killed in 2006.
- Hamas linked group, based in the Gaza Strip
- Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) (founded June 1964)
- Formed as the political representation of the Palestinian people
- Currently led by Mahmoud Abbas
Read more about this topic: Palestinian Militants
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