Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades

The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades (Arabic: كتائب الشهيد عز الدين القسام, Katā'ib al-Shahīd 'Izz ad-Dīn al-Qassām) is the military wing of the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas. Named after the preeminent Syrian Islamic figure Izz ad-Din al-Qassam, the brigades were founded in 1991 during the First Intifada. The group has grown to become a significant force in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, known for its armed resistance against Israeli military and civilian targets.

Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades

Formerly	Arabic name: كتائب الشهيد عز الدين القسام
ISIN	🆔
Industry	Armed resistance, militant operations
Founded 📆	1991-01-01
Founder 👔	Hamas, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam
Area served 🗺️
Services	Armed resistance, military operations, tunnel construction, rocket manufacturing and deployment
Revenue🤑	N/A (N/A)
Owners	Hamas
Members	Fighters and operatives under the command of the Al-Qassam Brigades leadership
Number of employees	15,000–40,000
Rating	N/A
🌐 Website	[ ]
📇 Address	Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories
📞 telephone	N/A (Not publicly available)

Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades Logo

Founding and Objectives

The Al-Qassam Brigades were established to fulfill Hamas's objectives of resistance against Israeli occupation and the establishment of an Islamic state in historic Palestine. The group's name honors Izz ad-Din al-Qassam, a Syrian preacher and resistance leader who fought against British and French colonial forces in the early 20th century. The Brigades emerged from grassroots efforts to counter Israeli military actions during the First Intifada, rapidly evolving into a structured militant organization.

Organizational Structure and Leadership

The leadership of the Al-Qassam Brigades is not publicly disclosed due to security reasons, but it is known to operate under the overall leadership of Hamas. The group's activities are directed by a senior command, with a hierarchical structure that includes regional commanders and unit leaders. The Brigades' fighters undergo rigorous training and are equipped with a range of weaponry, including rockets, firearms, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Key Operations and Tactics

The Al-Qassam Brigades have been involved in numerous high-profile attacks and military operations. They utilize a range of tactics, including:

• Rocket Attacks: The Brigades are known for launching rocket attacks into Israeli territory, targeting both military installations and civilian areas.
• Tunnel Warfare: They have developed an extensive network of tunnels used for smuggling, movement of fighters, and launching surprise attacks.
• Ambushes and Raids: The Brigades conduct ambushes and raids on Israeli military positions and settlements.
• Suicide Bombings: Historically, the group has carried out suicide bombings, although these have decreased in recent years.

Significant Conflicts

The Al-Qassam Brigades have played a central role in several significant conflicts with Israel, including:

• Second Intifada (2000-2005): The Brigades were heavily involved in attacks against Israeli forces and settlements, significantly escalating the conflict.
• Gaza Wars: The group has been a major combatant in multiple Gaza conflicts, including those in 2008-2009, 2012, 2014, and 2021. These conflicts have seen extensive rocket fire from Gaza and intense Israeli airstrikes and ground operations.
• Operation Protective Edge (2014): During this conflict, the Brigades engaged in prolonged combat with Israeli forces, utilizing tunnels and launching thousands of rockets.
• Flood al-Aqsa (2023-Ongoing Conflict): On 7 October 2023, Hamas and several other Palestinian militant groups launched coordinated armed incursions from the Gaza Strip into the Gaza envelope of southern Israel, the first invasion of Israeli territory since the 1948 Arab–Israeli War. Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups named the attacks Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

International Stance and Designation

The Al-Qassam Brigades are designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including Israel, the United States, the European Union, Canada, and Japan. These designations are due to the group's attacks on civilian targets and its stated objective of the destruction of Israel. Despite this, the Brigades have substantial support within Palestinian territories, viewed by many as freedom fighters resisting occupation.

Recent Developments

In recent years, the Al-Qassam Brigades have continued to engage in periodic conflicts with Israel, while also working on enhancing their military capabilities. The group has reportedly improved its rocket technology and expanded its tunnel network. Despite numerous ceasefires and peace negotiations, the Brigades remain a potent and active force in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Weapons of Brigades

The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, use a variety of weapons in their operations. These weapons range from small arms to more sophisticated and homemade projectiles:

Rockets and Missiles

1. Qassam Rockets: Simple, unguided rockets named after Izz ad-Din al-Qassam. They are typically made from metal pipes and filled with homemade explosives.
2. Grad Rockets: Soviet-designed 122mm rockets, known for their longer range compared to Qassam rockets.
3. M-75 Rockets: A locally produced long-range rocket capable of reaching central Israel, including Tel Aviv.
4. Fajr-3 and Fajr-5 Rockets: Iranian-made rockets with significantly longer ranges and larger warheads.
5. M302 Rockets: Long-range rockets believed to be supplied by Iran, capable of reaching targets as far as 200 km away.

Mortars

• 120mm Mortars: Commonly used for short-range attacks, typically targeting military installations and border communities.

Anti-Tank Weapons

1. Kornet ATGMs (Anti-Tank Guided Missiles): Russian-made, laser-guided missiles effective against armored vehicles.
2. RPG-7: A widely-used shoulder-fired, anti-tank rocket-propelled grenade launcher.

Small Arms

1. Assault Rifles: Such as AK-47s, M16s, and their variants.
2. Sniper Rifles: Various models, often used in targeted attacks against specific individuals.
3. Pistols: Used for close combat and personal defense.

Explosive Devices

1. Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs): Homemade bombs used in ambushes and attacks on both military and civilian targets.
2. Suicide Vests: Used in suicide bombings, targeting densely populated areas and military checkpoints. (Not used anymore by Hamas or any other resistance group in Palestine territories)

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones)

1. Reconnaissance Drones: Used for gathering intelligence and surveillance.
2. Weaponized Drones: Occasionally used to drop explosives on targets.

Known Hamas drone is Ababeel-1 (Ababil-1)

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