A History of Palestinian Islamic Jihad: Faith, Awareness, and Revolution in the Middle East

Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) is a significant yet understudied Palestinian armed faction, considered a terrorist organization by the US and EU. This book traces its history from the early 1980s to present, examining its origins, development, and ideology. Despite the presence of Hamas, it explores why the PIJ continues to exist and fills an empirical gap in the literature on Palestinian Islamism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) is a significant yet enigmatic Palestinian armed faction, with its history and ideology often overlooked. Despite being labeled a terrorist organization by the US and the EU, it has emerged as the second largest armed movement in the Gaza Strip and the third largest in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This book, drawing upon a wealth of primary sources, delves into the origins, development, and ideology of PIJ, shedding light on its enduring presence despite the dominance of its more powerful sister movement, Hamas. By examining the establishment, evolution, and interpretation of religion and politics within PIJ, Skare aims to answer the crucial question of why the group continues to thrive despite the challenges it faces.

The book traces the origins of PIJ back to the early 1980s, when it was established as a response to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Initially, PIJ operated as a small militant group, but it quickly gained traction and expanded its operations. The group's ideology is rooted in the teachings of the late Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, who was a prominent figure in the Palestinian resistance movement. Yassin believed in the use of armed struggle to achieve Palestinian independence and the establishment of an Islamic state in the Holy Land.

Over the years, PIJ has undergone significant changes in theory and practice. The group has evolved from a small, localized organization to a more decentralized and global network. PIJ has also diversified its activities, including suicide bombings, rocket attacks, and political assassinations. While the group has faced significant setbacks and challenges, including internal conflicts and arrests, it has continued to operate and maintain its presence in the Palestinian territories.

One of the key aspects of PIJ's ideology is its interpretation of religion and politics. The group believes that Islam is a fundamental component of Palestinian identity and that the struggle for independence is a religious obligation. PIJ also sees the conflict with Israel as a religious war, in which Muslims must unite and fight against the Jewish state. This interpretation has led PIJ to align itself with other Islamic militant groups, such as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

Despite its alignment with other Islamic militant groups, PIJ has also tried to establish a more moderate image. The group has engaged in peace negotiations with Israel and has expressed a willingness to work towards a two-state solution. However, these efforts have been met with skepticism and resistance from both sides, and the group's continued armed struggle has made it difficult to establish a lasting peace agreement.

In conclusion, Palestinian Islamic Jihad is a complex and multifaceted armed faction with a rich history and ideology. While the group has faced significant challenges and setbacks, it has continued to operate and maintain its presence in the Palestinian territories. By examining the origins, development, and ideology of PIJ, this book provides valuable insights into the ongoing struggle for Palestinian independence and the role of religion and politics in shaping the conflict.

Weight: 516g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108949460