al-Qassam Brigades

File:Izz ad-Din al-Qassam.jpg, Syrian Muslim preacher and leader in Arab nationalist resistance to British and French rule, a militant opponent of Zionism in the 1920s and 1930s]]

The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades is the military wing of the Palestinian organization Hamas, operating in the Gaza Strip. It was led by Mohammed Deif and, before his death on 10 March 2024, his deputy, Marwan Issa.

The Al-Qassam Brigades is named after Izz ad-Din al-Qassam, a Muslim preacher and mujahid who fought in Syria, Libya, and Palestine. In 1930, al-Qassam organised and established the Black Hand, a militant organisation that was opposed to Zionism and British and French rule in the Levant.{{cite book |last=Segev |first=Tom |author-link=Tom Segev |title=One Palestine, Complete |year=1999 |publisher=Metropolitan Books |isbn=0-8050-4848-0 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/onepalestinecomp00sege/page/360 360–362] |url=https://archive.org/details/onepalestinecomp00sege/page/360}} Before dying in a shootout with the Palestine Police Force in 1935, al-Qassam exhorted his followers to embrace martyrdom and fight until the last bullet, which turned him into a role model for Palestinian nationalists.{{Sfn|Blumenthal|2015|p=29}}

{{See also|Hamas#Recognition_of_Israel}}

According to the Al-Qassam Brigades, its aims are:

:To contribute in the effort of liberating Palestine and restoring the rights of the Palestinian people under the sacred Islamic teachings of the Holy Quran, the Sunnah (traditions) of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the traditions of Muslims rulers and scholars noted for their piety and dedication.

The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades are an integral part of Hamas. While they are subordinate to Hamas's broad political goals and its ideological objectives, they have a significant level of independence in decision making."[https://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/Listedterroristorganisations/Pages/HamassIzzal-Dinal-QassamBrigades.aspx al-Qassam Brigades: Details of the organisation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521092637/https://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/Listedterroristorganisations/Pages/HamassIzzal-Dinal-QassamBrigades.aspx |date=21 May 2019 }}." Australian National Security. Australian Government. updated 2018. Retrieved 2021 May 20. [https://web.archive.org/web/20110822125618/http://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/agd/WWW/nationalsecurity.nsf/Page/What_Governments_are_doing_Listing_of_Terrorism_Organisations_Hamas%26apos Archived] from the original on 22 August 2011.

In 1997, political scientists Ilana Kass and Bard O'Neill described Hamas' relationship with the Brigades as reminiscent of Sinn Féin's relationship to the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) and quoted a senior Hamas official: "The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigade is a separate armed military wing, which has its own leaders who do not take their orders [from Hamas] and do not tell us of their plans in advance."[https://books.google.com/books?id=ApANDp1XzmgC&q=hamas+qassam+brigades+independent The Deadly Embrace: The Impact of Israeli and Palestinian Rejectionism on the Peace Process] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505130917/https://books.google.com/books?id=ApANDp1XzmgC&dq=hamas+qassam+brigades+independent&source=gbs_navlinks_s |date=5 May 2016}} University Press of America, Ilana Kass & Bard E. O'Neill, 1997, p. 267

Carrying the IRA analogy further, Kass and O'Neill argued that the separation of the political and military wings shielded Hamas' political leaders from responsibility for terrorism with the plausible deniability provided made Hamas an eligible representative for peace negotiations as had happened with Sinn Féin politician Gerry Adams.Kass & O'Neill, p. 268

The fighters' identities and positions in the group often remain secret until their death. Even when they fight against Israeli incursions, all the militiamen wear a characteristic black hood on which the group's green headband is attached. The Brigades operate on a model of independent cells. Even high-ranking members are often unaware of the activities of other cells. This allows the group to constantly regenerate after member deaths.{{cite news |last=Asser |first=Martin |date=26 September 2002 |title=Profile: Hamas commander Mohammed Deif |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2284055.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830165314/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2284055.stm |archive-date=30 August 2009 |access-date=5 May 2010 |work=BBC News}}

During the Second Intifada, the leaders of the group were targeted by numerous airstrikes that killed many members, including Salah Shehade and Adnan al-Ghoul. The former leader of the Brigades, Mohammed Deif, survived at least seven assassination attempts.

{{columns-list|colwidth=10em|

• Mohammed Deif{{assassinated}}
• Marwan Issa{{assassinated}}
• Yahya Ayash{{assassinated}}
• Adnan al-Ghoul{{assassinated}}
• Salah Shehade{{assassinated}}
• Wa'el Nassar{{assassinated}}
• Ahmed Jabari{{assassinated}}
• Imad Abbas{{assassinated}}
• Imad Akel{{assassinated}}
• Nidal Fat'hi Rabah Farahat{{assassinated}}
• Youssef Al-Sarkaji{{assassinated}}
• Yunis al-AstalJeroen Gunning; p. 179; Hamas in Politics: Democracy, Religion, Violence, Columbia University Press, 2008, {{ISBN|0-231-70044-X}}
• Muhammad Nazami Nasser{{Cite web|last=Lieber|first=Dov|title=Co-founder of Hamas military wing issues startling apology to Palestinians |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/co-founder-of-hamas-military-wing-issues-startling-apology-to-palestinians/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023181112/http://www.timesofisrael.com/co-founder-of-hamas-military-wing-issues-startling-apology-to-palestinians/|archive-date=23 October 2016|access-date=2019-07-16|website=Times of Israel|language=en-US}}

}}{{KIA}}{{cite web | url=https://www.maannews.net/articles/2121885.html | title=اتفاق بكين يستوجب التنفيذ الفوري للخروج من دوامة إبريق الزيت }}

In 1984, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Ibrahim al-Makhadmeh, Sheikh Salah Shehada, and others began preparing for the establishment of an armed organization to resist Israeli control, with a focus on acquiring weapons for future resistance activities. Members of the group were, however, arrested and the weapons were confiscated.{{Sfn|Hussein|2021|p=84}}

In 1986, Shehada formed a network of resistance cells, called al-Mujahidun al-Filastiniun ('Palestinian fighters'), who targeted Israeli troops and "traitors." This network operated until 1989, with their most famous operation being the 1989 kidnapping and killing of two Israeli soldiers: Avi Sasportas and Ilan Saadon.{{Sfn|Najib|Friedrich|2007|p=105}}

Hamas was officially established on 14 December 1987, forming other similar networks as al-Mujahidun al-Filastiniun, such as the Abdullah Azzam Brigades.{{Sfn|Najib|Friedrich|2007|p=105}} In the summer of 1991, during the First Palestinian Intifada (1987–1994), the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades were established, with their first act being the assassination of the rabbi of Kfar Darom.{{Sfn|Najib|Friedrich|2007|p=105}}

The international community, and more specifically the United Nations, considers the practice of war combatants using civilians as human shields to be a violation of the Geneva Conventions standards of war,{{cite web|last1=Berger|first1=Yosef Ari Soffer|title=Seeking Human Shields, Hamas Tells Gazans to Ignore IDF Warnings |date=10 July 2014 |url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/182741|publisher=Arutz Sheva|access-date=10 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712231209/http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/182741|archive-date=12 July 2014 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Levs|first1=Josh |last2=Sidner |first2=Sara |last3=Abu-Rahma |first3=Talal |title=Rockets pound Israel, Gaza as Netanyahu alleges 'double war crime'|date=15 November 2012 |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/15/world/meast/gaza-israel-strike/ |publisher=CNN|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714161316/http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/15/world/meast/gaza-israel-strike/|archive-date=14 July 2014 |url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Keinon|first1=Herb|title=As casualties in Gaza rise, PM accuses Hamas of double war crime|url=http://www.jpost.com/Operation-Protective-Edge/As-casualties-in-Gaza-rise-PM-accuses-Hamas-of-double-war-crime-362160|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post | Jpost.com|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710113108/http://www.jpost.com/Operation-Protective-Edge/As-casualties-in-Gaza-rise-PM-accuses-Hamas-of-double-war-crime-362160|archive-date=10 July 2014|url-status=live}} and considers indiscriminate attacks (e.g., by rockets or suicide bombers){{cite journal|last=Kurz|first=Robert W. |author2=Charles K. Bartles |title=Chechen suicide bombers|journal=Journal of Slavic Military Studies |year=2007 |volume=20 |issue=4 |pages=529–547 |doi=10.1080/13518040701703070|url=http://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a477845.pdf|access-date=30 August 2012 |publisher=Routledge|s2cid=96476266|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011185147/http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a477845.pdf |archive-date=11 October 2017 |url-status=live |issn = 1351-8046 }} on civilian populations as illegal under international law.{{cite web|title=Protection of the civilian population|url=http://www.icrc.org/ihl/WebART/470-750065|website=Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I), 8 June 1977 |publisher=International Committee of the Red Cross|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714143327/http://www.icrc.org/ihl/WebART/470-750065 |archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=live}}

The EQB's transition to a recognised militant organisation began during the establishment of the Oslo Accords to assist Hamas efforts in blocking them.{{cite book|last=Yousef|first=Mosab|title=Son of Hamas|year=2009|publisher=Tyndale Housing Publisher |page=57}}

The year 2004 was pivotal in the development of Al-Qassam Brigades from a loosely-formed militia, into a structured organization with a defined chain of command.{{Sfn|Aviad|2009|p=4}} The Israel Defense Forces (IDF)'s assassinations of local leaders Ahmed Yassin and Abdel Aziz al-Rantisi resulted in decision-making power being transferred to leaders exiled in Damascus, which ultimately led to greater influence and funding from Syria, Iran, and Hezbollah.{{Sfn|Hussein|2021|p=91}}{{Sfn|Aviad|2009|p=4}}

The Gaza strip was divided into six or seven regional divisions, headed by a division commander with responsibility over defined sectors of territory.{{Sfn|Aviad|2009|p=4}} Each division commander oversaw regiment commanders and company commanders, who were responsible for small areas such as neighborhoods.{{Sfn|Aviad|2009|p=4}} A focus on tunnel warfare was selected as a primary means of combating the IDF.{{Sfn|Aviad|2009|p=4}}

On 3 August 2004, the first Yasin missile–a homebrew anti-tank rocket-propelled grenade–was launched.{{Sfn|Hussein|2021|p=93}} The group developed other homemade weapons, such as rocket launchers (al-Bana, Batar) and the Qassam rocket.{{Sfn|Strazzari|Tholens|2010|p=126}}{{Cite web |title=Missiles and Mortars |url=http://weaponsurvey.com/missilesrockets.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318082137/http://weaponsurvey.com:80/missilesrockets.htm |archive-date=2009-03-18 |website=Weapon Survey}}

File:Qassam-Rockets-Sderot.jpg

In 2003 and 2004, the Brigades in Gaza resisted incursions by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), including the siege of Jabalya in October 2004.

In 2005, as President Mahmoud Abbas had taken direct control of the PA security forces, which were loyal to the president's Fatah movement, the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip formed a separate 3,000-strong paramilitary police force, called the Executive Force,{{Cite news|last=Butcher|first=Tim |date=2009-01-05|title=Hamas fighters now a well-organised force|language=en-GB|work=Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/4127074/Hamas-fighters-now-a-well-organised-force.html|url-status=live |access-date=2019-07-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927085759/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/4127074/Hamas-fighters-now-a-well-organised-force.html |archive-date=27 September 2018|issn=0307-1235}} consisting of Al-Qassam Brigades members.Friedrich and Luethold–2007, p. 22[http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Hamas-to-expand-Executive-Force "Hamas to expand 'Executive Force'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529024813/https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Hamas-to-expand-Executive-Force|date=29 May 2018}}. Jerusalem Post, 21 December 2006
"The Executive Force, which was established a few months ago by Interior Minister Said Siam of Hamas, today includes nearly 3,000 members."[http://www.miftah.org/Display.cfm?DocId=10400&CategoryId=21 "The Palestinian Security Services: Past and Present"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703021701/http://www.miftah.org/Display.cfm?DocId=10400&CategoryId=21|date=3 July 2017}}. MIFTAH, 30 May 2006[https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/18/world/middleeast/18mideast.html "Hamas-Led Government Deploys Security Force, Defying Abbas"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528052254/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/18/world/middleeast/18mideast.html|date=28 May 2018}}. New York Times, 17 May 2006

In June 2006, the Al-Qassam Brigades were involved in the operation which led to the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.{{Sfn|Chehab|2007|p=67}} The Al-Qassam Brigades engaged in heavy fighting in the Gaza Strip during Operation Summer Rains, launched by the IDF. It was the first time in over 18 months that the brigades were actively involved in fighting against Israeli soldiers. In May 2007, the brigades acknowledged they lost 192 fighters during the operation.{{cite web

|script-title=ar:إحصائية رسمية صادرة عن المكتب الإعلامي لشهداء كتائب الشهيد عز الدين القسام في معركة وفاء الأحـــرار

|trans-title=Official statistics issued by the Media Office of the Martyrs of the Martyr Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades in the Battle of Wafa al-Ahrar |website=Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades

|url=http://www.alqassam.ps/arabic/wfaa_alahrar/sohdaa1.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070528131219/http://www.alqassam.ps/arabic/wfaa_alahrar/sohdaa1.htm |archive-date=28 May 2007}}

In January 2007, Abbas outlawed the Executive Force and ordered that its then-6,000 members be incorporated into the PA security forces under his command. The order was resisted by the Hamas government,[https://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2007/01/07/abbas_outlaws_hamass_paramilitary_executive_force/ "Abbas outlaws Hamas's paramilitary Executive Force"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070117133554/http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2007/01/07/abbas_outlaws_hamass_paramilitary_executive_force/ |date=17 January 2007}}. Richard Boudreaux, The Boston Globe, 7 January 2007 which instead announced plans to double the size of the force to 12,000 men.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6237473.stm "Hamas defiant on 'illegal' force"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528055319/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6237473.stm |date=28 May 2018}}. BBC News, 6 January 2007 The Al-Qassam Brigades and the Executive Force took part in the Hamas takeover of Gaza in June 2007.

In June 2008, Egypt brokered a ceasefire, which lasted until 4 November when Israeli forces crossed into Gaza and killed six Hamas fighters. This resulted in an increase in rocket attacks on Israel, going from two in September and October to 190 in November 2008. Both sides said the other had broken the truce.{{sfn|Seurat|2019|p=53}}{{Cite news |last=McCarthy |first=Rory |date=5 November 2008 |title=Gaza truce broken as Israeli raid kills six Hamas gunmen |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/nov/05/israelandthepalestinians |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121165616/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/nov/05/israelandthepalestinians |archive-date=21 November 2023}}

The Izz al Din al-Qassem Brigades are organized into formal military structures with established command hierarchies. The al Qassem Brigades organize themselves from the squad, all the way to the brigade level, similar to conventional militaries. Strategies centered on targeted killings to remove key Hamas leaders are ineffective, as Hamas is capable of promoting low ranking members to replace those assassinated.{{cite web |title=The Order of Battle of Hamas' Izz Al Din Al Qassem Brigades |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/order-battle-hamas%E2%80%99-izz-al-din-al-qassem-brigades |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}

The forces are mainly divided into five brigades, divided geographically. Each brigade is divided into multiple battalions, with 30 total battalions. Each battalion is associated with a major settlement. They may be relocated and change their areas of responsibility during conflicts.

The current brigades and battalions identified by the Institute for the Study of War are,

• North Brigade—North Gaza Governorate
• Beit Lahia Battalion
• Beit Hanoun Battalion
• al Khalifa al Rashidun Battalion
• Martyr Suhail Ziadeh Battalion
• Jabalia al Balad (Abdul Raouf Nabhan) Battalion
• Imad Aql (Western) Battalion
• Elite Battalion
• Gaza Brigade—Gaza Governorate
• Sabra-Tal al Islam Battalion
• Daraj wal Tuffah Battalion
• Radwan (al Furkan) Battalion
• Shujaiya Battalion
• Zaytoun Battalion
• Shati Battalion
• Possible Elite Battalion per reports by Arab media, unconfirmed by Hamas or IDF.
• Central Brigade—Central Governorate
• Deir al Balah Battalion
• Al Bureij Battalion
• Al Maghazi Battalion
• Nusairat Battalion
• Possible Elite Battalion
• Khan Younis Brigade—Khan Younis Governorate
• Camp (West Khan Younis) Battalion
• North Khan Younis Battalion
• South Khan Younis Battalion
• Eastern (Khan Younis) Battalion
• Qarara Battalion
• Elite Battalion
• Rafah Brigade—Rafah Governorate
• Eastern Battalion
• Khalid bin al Walid (Yabna Camp) Battalion
• Shaboura Battalion
• Possible fourth battalion, name unknown.
• Elite Battalion

As a result of the Israeli invasion of Gaza Hamas suffered heavy losses and multiple battalions were dismantled by the IDF. According to the ISW by September 2024 Hamas is fighting in a disorganized manner through small, de-centralized cells of fighters.{{cite news |title=Iran Update, September 17, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-september-17-2024 |access-date=18 September 2024 |work=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}{{Better source needed|reason=This comes from a single source (ISW), and the ISW then cites itself citing the IDF, which is clearly not a neutral party in this situation.|date=October 2024}} ISW and American Enterprise Institute's Critical Threats Project had noted in August 2024 that these cells are capable of merging to rebuild the battalions or regenerating the destroyed battalions by recruitment when IDF withdraws from areas.{{cite news |title=Netanyahu says 'victory' over Hamas is in sight. The data tells a different story |url=https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2024/08/middleeast/gaza-israel-hamas-battalions-invs-intl/ |access-date=18 September 2024 |work=CNN |language=en}}

Hamas fighters are largely recruited from unemployed minors, aged under 18. About 50,000 Gazan youths under 18 registered for "security" training.{{cite journal |last1=Knudsen |first1=Are |title=Crescent and Sword: The Hamas Enigma |journal=Third World Quarterly |date=2005 |volume=26 |issue=8 |pages=1373–1388 |doi=10.1080/01436590500336898 |jstor=4017719 |hdl=11250/2435993 |s2cid=145445167 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4017719 |access-date=9 January 2024 |issn=0143-6597|hdl-access=free }}{{cite web |title=Al-Qassam Brigades announces military training camp for children and teenagers {{!}} FDD's Long War Journal |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2021/06/al-qassam-brigades-announces-military-training-camp-for-children-and-teenagers.php |website=www.longwarjournal.org |access-date=9 January 2024 |date=16 June 2021}}{{cite web |title=Hamas continues recruiting child soldiers: Where is the condemnation? |url=https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/hamas-continues-recruiting-child-soldiers-so-where-is-the-condemnation-672163 |website=The Jerusalem Post |access-date=9 January 2024 |date=27 June 2021}} Recruitment is likely driven by the highest unemployment in the world, where 45% of Gazans are unemployed.{{cite web |title=Occupied Palestinian Territory Has World's Highest Unemployment Rate – UNCTAD Report {{!}} UNCTAD |url=https://unctad.org/press-material/occupied-palestinian-territory-has-worlds-highest-unemployment-rate-unctad-report |website=unctad.org |access-date=9 January 2024 |language=en |date=12 September 2018}}{{cite web |title=Economic impact of the conflict on Israelis and Palestinians |url=https://ifamericansknew.org/stat/econ.html |website=ifamericansknew.org |access-date=9 January 2024}} Al-Qassam spokesman Abu Obaida stated in a public speech in 2023 during the Gaza–Israel conflict that 85% of their recruits are orphans desiring revenge whose parents were killed by the Israeli Defense Forces.{{cite web |title=Who Is The Mysterious Hamas Leader Mohammad Deif? |url=https://thejudean.com/index.php/opinions/39-explainer/2043-who-is-the-mysterious-hamas-leader-mohammad-deif |website=The Judean |access-date=9 January 2024 |date=3 November 2023}}{{cite web |title=Understanding Hamas |url=https://www.husseinhamid.com/post/understanding-hamas |website=www.husseinhamid.com |access-date=9 January 2024}}{{cite web |title=85% of the members of their unit are orphans who lost their relatives in the war. |url=https://inf.news/en/military/1e41207742fcef81a61945070567ff3a.html |website=INF News |access-date=9 January 2024}}

Since its establishment in December 1987, the military capability of the Brigades has increased markedly, from rifles to Qassam rockets and more."Hamas's Tactics: Lessons from Recent Attacks", by Jamie Chosak and Julie Sawyer. The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. 19 October 2005 Although the Brigades manufacture their own weapons, an Associated Press analysis found that the majority of their arms come from China, Iran, and Russia, as well as North Korea and former Warsaw Pact countries. The Associated Press was unable to determine whether Hamas obtains weapons directly from those nations or through arms trafficking.{{cite web |author1=Associated Press |title=Hamas fights with patchwork of weapons built by Iran, China, Russia and North Korea |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/15/hamas-fights-with-patchwork-of-weapons-built-by-iran-china-russia-and-north-korea-00135641 |website=Politico |access-date=December 31, 2024 |date=January 15, 2024}} China and North Korea have denied directly arming the Brigades,{{cite web |last1=Hyeon Choi |first1=Seong |title=China denies providing weapons to Hamas in Israel-Gaza war |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3249784/china-denies-providing-weapons-hamas-israel-gaza-war |website=South China Morning Post |access-date=9 September 2024 |date=25 January 2024}} but American, Israeli, and South Korean intelligence suggests that North Korea has,{{cite web |last1=Kim |first1=Hyung-Jim |last2=Tong-Hyung |first2=Kim |last3=Gambrell |first3=Jon |title=Evidence shows Hamas militants likely used some North Korean weapons in attack on Israel |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-north-korea-weapons-703e33663ea299f920d0d14039adfbb8 |publisher=Associated Press |date=October 19, 2023 |access-date=December 31, 2024}} while a Hamas official has stated the group received permission from Russia to copy its weapons. Iran is believed to smuggle weapons to the Brigades via underground tunnels in Gaza.{{cite web |last1=Lendon |first1=Brad |title=How does Hamas get its weapons? A mix of improvisation, resourcefulness and a key overseas benefactor |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/11/middleeast/hamas-weaponry-gaza-israel-palestine-unrest-intl-hnk-ml/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=December 31, 2024 |date=October 12, 2023}}

The Brigades run their own intelligence division.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/gallant-hamas-has-lost-control-in-gaza-troops-kill-gunmen-who-fired-from-hospital/|title=Gallant: Hamas has lost control in Gaza; gunmen who fired from hospital entrance killed | The Times of Israel|website=The Times of Israel }}

The Brigades have a substantial inventory of light automatic weapons and grenades, improvised rockets, mortars, bombs, suicide belts, and explosives. The group engages in military-style training, including training that takes place in Gaza, on a range of weapons designed to inflict significant casualties on civilian and military targets.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/agd/WWW/nationalsecurity.nsf/Page/What_Governments_are_doing_Listing_of_Terrorism_Organisations_Hamas&apos%3C|title=Error|date=2 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602115752/https://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/agd/WWW/nationalsecurity.nsf/Page/What_Governments_are_doing_Listing_of_Terrorism_Organisations_Hamas&apos%3C |archive-date=2 June 2022 }}{{better source needed|date=October 2023}}

File:2013 Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades exercise (2).jpg during a training exercise in Gaza, January 2013]]

The Brigades have a variety of anti-tank guided missiles, including the Kornet-E, Konkurs-M, Bulsae-2 (North Korean version of Fagot), 9K11 Malyutka and MILAN missiles. They possess shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles (MANPADS), such as the SA-7B, SA-18 Igla missiles, and it is believed a number of SA-24 Igla-S that it received from Libya.

While the number of members is known only to the Brigades leadership, in 2011, Israel estimated that the Brigades have a cadre of several hundred members who receive military-style training, including training in Iran and Syria.{{cite web|url=http://www.ag.gov.au/agd/WWW/nationalsecurity.nsf/Page/What_Governments_are_doing_Listing_of_Terrorism_Organisations_Hamas&apos |title=Hamas's Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades |publisher=AG |access-date=1 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805034535/http://www.ag.gov.au/agd/WWW/nationalsecurity.nsf/Page/What_Governments_are_doing_Listing_of_Terrorism_Organisations_Hamas%26apos |archive-date=5 August 2011 |df=dmy-all}}{{better source needed|date=October 2023}} Additionally, the Brigades have an estimated 30,000 operatives "of varying degrees of skill and professionalism" who are members of the internal security forces, Hamas, and their supporters. These operatives can be expected to reinforce the Brigades in an "emergency situation."[https://web.archive.org/web/20110805071320/http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Terrorism-+Obstacle+to+Peace/Terror+Groups/The%20HAMAS%20Terror%20Organization%20-%202007%20update The Hamas Terror Organization – 2007 update] Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs Other sources estimate their strength at 30,000–50,000.{{cite web|last1=Omer|first1=Mohammed|title=Hamas growing in military stature, say analysts |url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/hamas-gains-credibility-fighting-force-analysts-say-371780262|website=Middle East Eye|access-date=17 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140721020702/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/hamas-gains-credibility-fighting-force-analysts-say-371780262|archive-date=21 July 2014|url-status=live}} An October 2023 estimate provides a figure of 40,000 fighters, with expertise in cyber security, naval warfare, and other specializations.{{Cite news |last=Nakhoul |first=Samia |date=2023-10-16 |title=How Hamas secretly built a 'mini-army' to fight Israel |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/how-hamas-secretly-built-mini-army-fight-israel-2023-10-13/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104092333/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/how-hamas-secretly-built-mini-army-fight-israel-2023-10-13/ |archive-date=2023-11-04}}

According to a statement by CIA director George Tenet in 2000, possibly referring to the Brigades, Hamas has pursued a capability to conduct attacks with toxic chemicals. There have been reports of Hamas operatives planning and preparing attacks incorporating chemicals. In one case, nails and bolts packed into explosives detonated by a Hamas suicide bomber in a December 2001 attack in Ben-Yehuda Street in Jerusalem were soaked in rat poison. In 2014, they launched the first Palestinian reconnaissance (UAV) aircraft, called Ababeel1.

During the Gaza war, the IDF published its intelligence about the Hamas military in the Gaza Strip. They put the strength of the Qassam Brigades there at the start of the war at 30,000 fighters, organised by area in five brigades, consisting in total of 24 battalions and c. 140 companies. Each regional brigade had a number of strongholds and outposts, and included specialised arrays for rocket firing, anti-tank missiles, air defenses, snipers, and engineering.

On 8 January 2024, Israel discovered the largest known weapons factory of Hamas in Bureij. The site was opened for reporters by the IDF which contained, metal tubes and components as well as shell casings were stacked in an overground workshop area and long metal racks holding missiles could be seen. An elevator lead into a tunnel where rockets were stored and is connected to a tunnel network which allowed Hamas to transport rockets underground to launch sites.{{cite news |title=Israeli forces say they locate large underground weapons factory in Gaza |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-forces-say-they-locate-large-underground-weapons-factory-gaza-2024-01-08/ |access-date=9 January 2024 |work=Reuters}} The same month, Israel reported that it discovered a "massive" stockpile of Chinese weaponry used by Hamas.{{Cite news |last=Swan |first=Melanie |date=2024-01-05 |title=Hamas 'using massive stockpile of Chinese weaponry' in Gaza |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/01/05/hamas-stockpile-chinese-weaponry-gaza-israel-investigates/ |access-date=2024-01-12 |work=The Daily Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}

On 3 September 2005, after Israel's withdrawal from settlements in the Gaza Strip, the Al-Qassam Brigades revealed for the first time the names and functions of its commanders on its website as well as in a printed bulletin distributed to Palestinians.{{cite news |last=Nessman |first=Ravi |title=Islamic militant group reveals leaders' names |newspaper=Ocala Star-Banner |agency=Associated Press |date=2005-09-04 |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/390382408 |via=ProQuest |access-date=2024-04-26 |id={{ProQuest|390382408}} }} On 12 July 2006, the Israeli Air Force bombed a house in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City, where Mohammed Deif, Ahmad al-Ghandur, and Raid Said were meeting. The three-story house was completely leveled, killing Hamas official Nabil al-Salmiah, his wife, their five children and two other children. Two of the three brigades leaders present escaped with moderate wounds. Deif received a spinal injury that required four hours of surgery.[https://archive.today/20120918135325/http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=39802 Israel's Most Wanted Man Seriously Injured In Bombing] wltx news 12 July 2006

On 1 January 2009, Nizar Rayan, a top Hamas leader who served as a liaison between the Palestinian organization's political leadership and its military wing, was killed in an Israeli Air Force strike during Operation Cast Lead.[https://web.archive.org/web/20120308162733/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i8zRJWJeLrh3ZOH6yd-Pui1oqekA Israel raids kill Hamas leader, take Gaza death toll past 400] AFP, 1 January 2009 The day before the attack, Rayan had advocated renewal of suicide attacks on Israel, declaring, "Our only language with the Jew is through the gun".{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2009/01/01/2009-01-01_israel_fells_key_hamas_strongman_escalat.html |title=Israel fells key Hamas strongman, escalating conflict; says it's ready for ground invasion|date=1 January 2009|work=New York Daily News|access-date=1 January 2009}} A 2,000-pound bomb was dropped on his house, also killing his 4 wives (Hiam 'Abdul Rahman Rayan, 46; Iman Khalil Rayan, 46; Nawal Isma'il Rayan, 40; and Sherine Sa'id Rayan, 25) and 11 of their children (As'ad, 2; Usama Ibn Zaid, 3; 'Aisha, 3; Reem, 4; Miriam, 5; Halima, 5; 'Abdul Rahman, 6; Abdul Qader, 12; Aaya, 12; Zainab, 15; and Ghassan, 16).{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSLS69391620090101?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews|title=Israeli strike kills senior Hamas leader|date=1 January 2009|publisher=Reuters|access-date=2 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090101105655/http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSLS69391620090101?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews|archive-date=1 January 2009|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,474824,00.html|title=Strike Kills Hamas Leader as Israel Demands Global Monitors for Truce|date=1 January 2009|work=Fox News|access-date=1 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104002813/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,474824,00.html|archive-date=4 January 2009|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Child casualties mount in besieged Gaza |agency=Associated Press |work=International Herald Tribune |date=1 January 2009 |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/01/01/news/ML-Gaza-Children-Casualties.php |access-date=1 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213154506/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/01/01/news/ML-Gaza-Children-Casualties.php |archive-date=13 February 2009}}[http://www.pchrgaza.org/files/PressR/English/2008/125-2008.html IOF Offensive on the Gaza Strip Continues for the 7th Consecutive Day] Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, 15 January 2009 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091013035135/http://www.pchrgaza.org/files/PressR/English/2008/125-2008.html |date=13 October 2009}} On 3 January 2009, Israeli aircraft attacked the car in which Abu Zakaria al-Jamal, a leader of Izz ad-Din al-Qassam armed wing, was traveling. He died of the wounds suffered in the bombing.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/jan/03/middleeast-israelandthepalestinians|work=The Guardian|location=London|title=Israeli ground forces cross border into Gaza|first=Chris|last=McGreal|date=3 January 2009|access-date=5 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130905172913/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/jan/03/middleeast-israelandthepalestinians|archive-date=5 September 2013|url-status=live}} The following day, the Israeli Air Force struck and killed in Khan Yunis two senior Brigrade leaders, Hussam Hamdan and Muhammad Hilo, both of whom the Israelis blamed for attacks against Israel. According to Israeli authorities Hamdan was in charge of rocket attacks against Beersheba and Ofakim, while Hilo was reportedly behind Hamas' special forces in Khan Yunis.{{Cite web |url=http://www.jpost.com/EditionFrancaise/Home.aspxservlet/Satellite?cid=1230733163611&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull |title=Archived copy |access-date=3 January 2020 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/66OpW1Iie?url=http://www.jpost.com/EditionFrancaise/Home.aspxservlet/Satellite?cid=1230733163611&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull |archive-date=24 March 2012 |url-status=dead }} On 15 January 2009, the Israeli Air Force bombed a house in Jabaliya, killing a prominent Brigades commander named Mohammed Watfa. The strike targeted the Palestinian Interior Minister Said Seyam, who was also killed.{{cite web |url=http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid%3D1231950866724%26pagename%3DJPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull |title=IAF kills Hamas strongman Siam | Confronting Hamas | Jerusalem Post |access-date=2011-02-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203063735/http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1231950866724&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull |archive-date=3 February 2012 |df=dmy}}

On 30 July 2010, one of the leaders Issa Abdul-Hadi Al-Batran, aged 40, was killed at the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip by an Israeli airstrike.{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/news/hamas-leader-killed-in-israeli-airstrike-news-international-kh5vabdbjhh.html?scategory=international|title=Hamas leader killed in Israeli airstrike|website=Sify|date=31 July 2010|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928034352/http://www.sify.com/news/hamas-leader-killed-in-israeli-airstrike-news-international-kh5vabdbjhh.html?scategory=international|archive-date=28 September 2012|url-status=dead}} On 14 November 2012, Ahmed Jaabari, the head of the Al-Qassam Brigade, was killed along with seven others in Gaza, marking the beginning of Israel's "Operation Pillar of Defense".{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=291779 |title=IAF strike kills Hamas military chief Jabari|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post | Jpost.com |publisher=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114141727/http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=291779 |archive-date=14 November 2012|url-status=live}} On 21 August 2014, an Israeli air strike killed Muhammad Abu Shamala, the sub-commander of Southern Gaza Strip; Raed al Atar, the commander of the Rafah company and member of the Hamas high military council; and Mohammed Barhoum.{{Cite news |first1=Nidal |last1=al-Mughrabi |first2=Maayan |last2=Lubell |first3=Luke |last3=Baker |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/mideast-gaza-idINL5N0QR0P020140821|title=Update 1-Hamas says Israel killed three top Gaza commanders |newspaper=Reuters |date=21 August 2014|language=en-IN|access-date=2016-09-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821153935/http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/08/21/mideast-gaza-idINL5N0QR0P020140821|archive-date=21 August 2014|url-status=dead}} On 30 January 2018, Imad Al-Alami died as a result of injuries sustained while he was inspecting his personal weapon in Gaza City.{{Cite web|date=2018-01-30|title=Hamas leader dies after receiving life threatening head injury|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180130-hamas-leader-dies-after-receiving-life-threatening-head-injury/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507085517/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180130-hamas-leader-dies-after-receiving-life-threatening-head-injury/|archive-date=7 May 2018|access-date=2019-07-16|website=Middle East Monitor|language=en-GB}}

Hamas confirmed in November 2023 that Israeli airstrikes had killed Ahmed Ghandour, the commander of the Al-Qassam Brigade in northern Gaza; Ayman Siam, head of the rocket-firing unit; and Fursan Khalifa, a senior commander in the West Bank, as well as Ghandour's deputy Wael Rajab.{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-confirms-senior-commanders-killed-in-earlier-gaza-fighting/|title=Hamas confirms senior commanders killed in earlier Gaza fighting|newspaper=The Times of Israel|first=Emanuel|last=Fabian|date=26 November 2023}} Marwan Issa, deputy leader of the Al-Qassam Brigades and second-in-command to Mohammed Deif, was reported to have been killed by Israeli forces on 10 March 2024.{{Cite news |last=Rasgon |first=Adam |date=2024-03-11 |title=Israel Says It Targeted Marwan Issa, a Top Hamas Leader in Gaza |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/world/middleeast/israel-strike-marwan-issa-hamas.html |access-date=2024-03-17 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

The international community, and more specifically the United Nations, considers the practice of war combatants to turn civilians into human shields as a violation of the Geneva Conventions standards of war, and considers indiscriminate attacks (e.g., by rockets or suicide bombers) on civilian populations as illegal under international law.

The Al-Qassam Brigades are explicitly listed as a terrorist organization by the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Japan,According to Michael Penn, ([https://books.google.com/books?id=ly8zBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA205 Japan and the War on Terror: Military Force and Political Pressure in the US-Japanese Alliance], I.B. Tauris 2014 pp. 205–06), Japan initially welcomed the democratic character of the elections that brought Hamas to power, and only set conditions on its aid to Palestine, after intense pressure was exerted by the Bush Administration on Japan to alter its policy. and the United Kingdom. Though not explicitly mentioning EQB, Argentina,{{cite web |title=Argentina designates Hamas a terrorist group in show of support for Israel |url=https://apnews.com/article/argentina-terrorism-hamas-israel-palestinians-milei-2806ce6633de66dcebf2a10486dff81d |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=April 23, 2025 |date=July 12, 2024}} Canada, the United States, and Paraguay{{cite web |title=Netanyahu welcomes Paraguay's decision to label Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist groups |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israels-netanyahu-welcomes-paraguay-decision-label-hamas-and-hezbollah-terrorist-groups |website=Middle East Eye |access-date=April 23, 2025 |date=August 19, 2019}} have designated its parent entity, Hamas, as a terrorist organization; Brigade leader Mohammed Deif has also been classified as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the US under Executive Order 13224.

file:Red Triangle.svg has been used as a "signature" by the Qassam Brigades to highlight combat vehicles and ground forces that are about to be targeted]]

After Israel launched the ground invasion of Gaza on 27 October, the Qassam Brigades publicised many of their ambushes against Israeli vehicles on their military media for the battle of al-Aqsa Flood. Most of these videos, shot mainly from the fighters' point of view through a GoPro camera involve the ambush of vehicles, targeted by rockets before the militiamen retreat to their bases, though footage of sniper operations and targeting ground forces has been published as well.{{Cn|date=January 2025}}

Targets were highlighted with a flashing inverted red triangle.{{cite web |title=What's the red triangle being used by pro-Palestinian activists? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/program/newsfeed/2023/11/13/whats-the-red-triangle-being-used-by-pro-palestinian-activists |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=Al Jazeera}} Due to the nature of these attacks, being hit and run and militiamen turning away immediately after the round has been shot, as well as the Israeli vehicles Trophy APS, it has been called into question how effective these attacks were and how many tanks were successful hit instead of the rockets being intercepted. In spite of this, the Qassam brigades have publicised videos on their military media showing successful hits where plates are seen being torn off tanks after being hit by rockets, or the aftermath of their ambushes showing ignited vehicles,{{cite web|url= https://www.aljazeera.net/news/2023/12/6/%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AA%D8%AF%D9%85%D8%B1-%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%AF%D8%A7-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A2%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AA | title= شاهد.. القسام تدمر عددا من آليات الاحتلال في الشجاعية شمالي غزة |work=Al Jazeera Arabic }}{{cite web|url= https://www.alahednews.com.lb/article.php?id=65044&cid=131 | title= شاهد فيديو: استهداف وتدمير آليات العدو في حي تل الهوى غرب مدينة غزة ة |work=Alahed}} as well as captured uniforms and weapons from the IDF.

videos in July 2024 also show the Qassam Brigades destroying and igniting a Namer and a Merkava, which were both equipped with a trophy APS.{{cite web|url= https://www.alahednews.com.lb/article.php?id=72176&cid=126 |date=13 July 2024 |title=فيديو: كتائب القسام تستهدف آليات العدو في محاور التوغل بمدينة رفح }}

{{commons category}}

• Nukhba forces

{{Clear}}

{{reflist|group=note}}

{{notelist}}

{{reflist|30em| refs =

"Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades"

• {{cite web|url=http://www.qassam.ps/aboutus.html |title=About Us |work=Al-Qassam Brigades Information Office |access-date=28 November 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111223719/http://www.qassam.ps/aboutus.html |archive-date=11 November 2014 |df=dmy-all}}
• {{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://en.alqassam.ps/page/1 | publisher= EQB |access-date= 27 June 2024}}

}}

{{refbegin|indent=yes}}

• {{Cite journal |last=Aviad |first=Guy |date=April 2009 |year=2009 |title=Hamas' Military Wing in the Gaza Strip: Development, Patterns of Activity, and Forecast |url=https://www.inss.org.il/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/FILE1272778269-1.pdf |journal=Military and Strategic Affairs |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=3–15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015100941/https://www.inss.org.il/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/FILE1272778269-1.pdf |archive-date=2023-10-15}}
• {{Cite book |last=Blumenthal |first=Max |title=The 51 Day War: Ruin and Resistance in Gaza |publisher=Nation Books |year=2015 |isbn=978-1-56858-512-3 |location=New York}}
• {{Cite book |last=Chehab |first=Zaki |title=Inside Hamas: The Untold Story of Militants, Martyrs and Spies |publisher=I.B. Tauris |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-84511-389-6 |location=London/New York}}
• {{Cite journal |last=Hussein |first=Ahmed Qasem |year=2021 |title=The Evolution of the Military Action of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades: How Hamas Established its Army in Gaza |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.31430/almuntaqa.4.1.0078 |journal=AlMuntaqa |publisher=Arab Center for Research & Policy Studies |volume=4 |issue=1 |pages=78–97 |jstor=10.31430/almuntaqa.4.1.0078}}
• {{Cite book |last1=Najib |first1=Mohammad |url=https://www.dcaf.ch/sites/default/files/publications/documents/Entry-Points%28EN%29.pdf |title=Entry-points to Palestinian Security Sector Reform |last2=Friedrich |first2=Roland |publisher=Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces |year=2007 |isbn=978-9-292-22061-7 |editor-last=Friedrich |editor-first=Roland |pages=101–127 |chapter=Non-Statutory Armed Groups and Security Sector Governance |editor-last2=Luethold |editor-first2=Arnold |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029224450/https://www.dcaf.ch/sites/default/files/publications/documents/Entry-Points(EN).pdf |archive-date=2023-10-29 |url-status=live}}
• {{cite book

|title=The Foreign Policy of Hamas

|last=Seurat

|first=Leila

|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing

|year=2019|isbn=9781838607449

}}

• {{cite journal |last1=Strazzari |first1=Francesco |last2=Tholens |first2=Simone |date=2010 |title=Another Nakba: Weapons Availability and the Transformation of the Palestinian National Struggle, 1987–2007 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44218628 |journal=International Studies Perspectives |volume=11 |issue=2 |pages=112–130 |doi=10.1111/j.1528-3585.2010.00397.x |jstor=44218628 |hdl=11382/302297|hdl-access=free }}

{{refend}}

{{Hamas}}

{{Portalbar|Palestine|Israel}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Izz Ad-Din Al-Qassam Brigades}}

Category:Anti-American sentiment in the Middle East

Category:Anti-Israeli sentiment in Palestine

Category:Organizations based in Asia designated as terrorist

Category:Hamas

Category:Jihadist groups in Palestine

Category:Military wings of nationalist parties

Category:Muslim Brotherhood

Category:National liberation movements

Category:Palestinian militant groups

Category:Resistance movements

Category:Organisations designated as terrorist by the United Kingdom

Category:Organisations designated as terrorist by Australia

Category:Organizations designated as terrorist by the United States

Category:Organizations designated as terrorist by Egypt

Category:Organisations designated as terrorist by the European Union

Category:Organisations designated as terrorist by New Zealand

Category:Axis of Resistance

Category:Military units and formations established in 1991

Category:Palestinian Joint Operations Room member groups

Category:Military wings of political parties