The Institute for Middle East Understanding

Background Briefings
3.8 - Are there major Islamic political organizations besides Hamas?

Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, member of Hamas. (Maan Images)
Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, member of Hamas. (Maan Images)
After Hamas, the main Islamic organization active in the Occupied Territories is Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). Unlike Hamas, PIJ is only a military organization, and has a much smaller following. Its stated goal is to liberate historical Palestine from Israeli Zionist control and establish an Islamic state for the Palestinians. PIJ has carried out a number of violent actions against Israel, including suicide bombings.

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This page was printed out from the website of the Institute for Middle East Understanding (IMEU) found at www.imeu.net. The IMEU provides journalists with quick access to information about Palestine and the Palestinians, as well as expert sources, both in the U.S. and the Middle East.