| Popular Resistance Committees لجان المقاومة الشعبية | |
|---|---|
 Emblem of the Popular Resistance Committees | |
| Leader | Jamal Abu Samhadana (2000–2006) 'Amir Qarmoot Abu As-Sa'id (2006–2008) Kamal al-Nirab (2008–2011) Zuhir al-Qaisi (2011–2012) Ayman al-Shashniya (2012–present) |
| Dates of operation | 2000–present |
| Split from | Fatah |
| Active regions | Gaza Strip |
| Ideology | |
| Status | Designated as terrorist organization by the United States and Israel. |
| Means of revenue | Iran and Hezbollah[1] |
The Popular Resistance Committees (PRC; Arabic: لجان المقاومة الشعبية, Lijān al-Muqāwama al-Shaʿbiyya) is a coalition of a number of armed Palestinian groups opposed to what they regard as the conciliatory approach of the Palestinian Authority and Fatah towards Israel.
The PRC is especially active in the Gaza Strip, through its military wing, the Al-Nasser Salah al-Deen Brigades.[2] The PRC has planned and executed a number of varied operations, but specializes in planting roadside bombs and vehicle explosive charges - directed against military and civilian convoys.
Formed in late 2000 by former Fatah and Tanzim member Jamal Abu Samhadana, the PRC is composed primarily of ex-Fatah fighters and Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades members and is alleged by Israel to be inspired and financed by Hezbollah. The present leader of PRC is Ayman al-Shashniya.[3]
The PRC was believed to be the third strongest faction active in the Gaza Strip, after Hamas and Islamic Jihad in 2012.[4] It is currently fighting alongside Hamas and other allied Palestinian factions in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war (2023-present).[5][6] It has been designated a terrorist organization by Israel and the United States.[citation needed]
- ^ "PRC Spokesman: Future Operations Against the Enemy will be 'Thorn in Israel's Throat'". Al Akhbar English. Archived from the original on 2015-01-25. Retrieved 2015-01-23.
- ^ Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict (September 15, 2009). "HUMAN RIGHTS IN PALESTINE AND OTHER OCCUPIED ARAB TERRITORIES" (PDF). The Guardian. London. Retrieved 2009-09-15.
- ^ "leadership of the Popular Resistance Committees, Schema-Root news". Retrieved 17 December 2014.
- ^ "Popular Resistance Committees". ynet. 27 January 2012. Retrieved 17 December 2014.
- ^ "Not only Hamas: eight factions at war with Israel in Gaza". Newsweek. 2023-11-07. Retrieved 2024-09-22.
- ^ "With Al-Qassam and Al-Quds Brigades, four other armed Palestinian factions are fighting Israel in Gaza". The New Arab. 22 May 2024.