The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) is considered one of the most radical militant groups in the Middle East. Its ideology combines Palestinian nationalist ideas with those of the Muslim Brotherhood and Ayatollah Khomeini, the Shiite leader of the Islamic revolution in Iran.
Islamic Jihad also strives for the “liberation” of the entire historical Palestine and the destruction of Israel.
According to the PIJ, a correct reading of the Qur’an and an understanding of history leads to the conclusion that Palestine is at the center of the religious-historical confrontation between the Muslims and their eternal enemies, the Jews. The Muslims represent the forces of truth (haq), while the Jews and Christians embody the forces of apostasy (batil). In the context of this confrontation, the Palestinian problem is the core of a Western imperialist offensive.
The group was founded in Gaza in the 1980s, but is also active in the West Bank. It is responsible for rocket attacks, assaults and suicide bombings. The organization is considered less powerful than Hamas and its rockets are less accurate.
The Islamic Jihad is also financed by Iran and was involved in the pogrom on October 7.
