The spokesman of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist group threatens: “The Israeli enemy will face a hell of missiles after the end of the humanitarian truce“
Who are the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Terrorists and What do They Want?
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) is a terrorist Islamist organization primarily active in the Palestinian territories, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
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Key Aspects of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad
Foundation and Ideology: PIJ was founded in the late 1970s in Egypt, inspired by Islamic fundamentalist movements. The organization’s ideology is rooted in Islamic fundamentalism, with a strong emphasis on Jihad (struggle) against Israel. Its goal is the establishment of an Islamic Palestinian state and the destruction of Israel.
Leadership and Structure: PIJ has undergone various leadership changes over the years, often influenced by the assassination of its leaders by Israeli forces. The group is known for its secretive and decentralized structure, with cells operating semi-autonomously.
Tactics and Activities: The PIJ is known for carrying out suicide bombings, rocket attacks, and other forms of violence primarily targeting Israeli military and civilian locations. The group rejects the peace process with Israel and opposes the existence of the State of Israel.
Relationship with Other Entities: The PIJ has often coordinated with other Palestinian terror groups, including Hamas. However, there are also significant ideological and strategic differences between these groups. The PIJ is also supported by Iran, which provides it with financial and military assistance.
Designation as a Terrorist Organization: Many countries, including the United States and members of the European Union, have designated PIJ as a terrorist organization. This designation is based on the group’s methods and aims, which include the use of violence to achieve its objectives.
Impact on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: The activities of PIJ have had a significant impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, often leading to escalations in violence. The group’s attacks have been a major factor in the cycle of retaliation and counter-retaliation between Israel and Palestinian terrorists.
Humanitarian Truces and Ceasefires: Despite its generally uncompromising stance, the PIJ has occasionally agreed to temporary ceasefires or humanitarian truces, often brokered by third parties like Egypt. However, these truces are typically fragile and short-lived.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad remains a significant and controversial player in the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Its actions and the responses they provoke continue to be a source of regional tension and international concern.
(2023) Israel-Palestinian Islamic Jihad War
The recent conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in 2023 was marked by significant violence and tragic loss of life. Here’s a detailed timeline and overview of the events:
Beginning of the Conflict
- 2 May: The conflict was sparked by the death of Palestinian activist Khader Adnan in an Israeli prison after a nearly three-month hunger strike. This incident led to an escalation, with three rockets and a mortar shell fired from Gaza into Israel. Israeli tanks retaliated by firing into Gaza, prompting Hamas and Islamic Jihad to launch 22 rockets at Israeli towns, activating Israel’s Iron Dome interception system.
Intensified Hostilities
- 3 May: Terrorists fired over a hundred rockets into Israel following Adnan’s death, and Israeli warplanes bombed Gaza. One Palestinian, aged 58, was killed due to the bombings. A ceasefire mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations went into effect early on 3 May.
- 9 May: Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed 13 people, including three PIJ leaders. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that 10 civilians, including women and children, were among the dead. These airstrikes targeted members responsible for recent rocket attacks on Israel.
- Two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli air attack on a car in Gaza, suspected of carrying anti-tank guided missiles.
Escalation and Casualties
- 10 May: Israeli forces killed two Palestinians during a raid near Jenin. Islamic Jihad claimed the men as members. The Palestinian death toll rose to 21 as Israeli airstrikes continued and terrorists launched hundreds of rockets into Israel.
- 11 May: Palestinian deaths increased to 25, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry. A senior Islamic Jihad commander and two other terrorists were killed in a targeted strike. An 80-year-old Israeli woman was killed and five others injured when a rocket launched from Gaza hit an apartment building in Rehovot, Israel.
Ceasefire and Aftermath
- 12 May: The death of a PIJ senior leader and his aide increased the total deaths to 33 Palestinians and 1 Israeli during this flare-up.
Broader Impact and Concerns
- The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process reported that this escalation compounded the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Nearly 100 housing units were destroyed, more than 125 rendered uninhabitable, and over 1,100 Palestinians displaced. Israeli authorities closed crossings between Gaza and Israel, hindering the entry of food, medical supplies, and fuel.
- In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, high levels of violence were observed, with multiple casualties on both Palestinian and Israeli sides during demonstrations, clashes, and incidents.
