[News] Prisoner Exchange Highlights Palestinian Unity: What Are Key Resistance Groups in Gaza?

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Prisoner Exchange Highlights Palestinian Unity: What Are Key Resistance
Groups in Gaza?January 30, 2025
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What does Gaza Resistance look like. (Image: The Palestine Chronicle)

*By Romana Rubeo <https://www.palestinechronicle.com/writers/romana-rubeo>*


The Joint Operations Room unites 12 Palestinian resistance groups in Gaza,
coordinating efforts in their fight against the Israeli occupation.

The third batch of prisoners was handed over on Thursday to the Red Cross
by the Al-Quds Brigades, along with the Al-Qassam Brigades, and with
participation from the Al-Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades.

This development highlights the significant role of the Joint Operations
Room, a coalition of Palestinian groups coordinating their efforts in the
ongoing struggle against Israeli occupation.

Here’s an overview of the most prominent factions within this alliance.
*The Joint Operations Room*

The Joint Operations Room is a coalition of 12 Palestinian resistance
groups in Gaza that coordinates military operations against the Israeli
occupation.

The most prominent factions involved in the Joint Operations Room include
the Izz ad-Din Al-Qassam Brigades (the military wing of Hamas), the Al-Quds
Brigades (Islamic Jihad), and Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, alongside smaller
factions like the Popular Resistance Committees and Palestinian National
Resistance Brigades.

While each group maintains its own identity and ideology, the Joint
Operations Room helps synchronize their efforts, making it a powerful tool
in the resistance’s fight against the occupation.
*Izz ad-Din Al-Qassam Brigades*

The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades are the military wing of Hamas and the
most formidable faction within the Joint Operations Room.

Formed in 1987 during the First Intifada, Al-Qassam’s combat prowess has
grown significantly over the years.

>From humble beginnings with simple weapons, the brigades now possess
advanced missile systems, drones, and anti-tank capabilities.

The Al-Aqsa Flood operation, led by Mohammed Deif, demonstrated the
military strength and intelligence capabilities of Al-Qassam, further
enhancing its reputation within Palestinian resistance.

The brigades have grown into a quasi-regular army, with its forces
stationed in Gaza and other areas, including the occupied West Bank.

While its exact numbers remain undisclosed, estimates suggest the brigades
command approximately 20,000 to 40,000 members.

Their operational reach extends beyond Gaza to the West Bank, particularly
in cities like Jenin and Jericho.

*Al-Quds Brigades*

The Al-Quds Brigades represent the military arm of the Islamic Jihad
Movement, another significant force in Palestinian Resistance.

Like Al-Qassam, Al-Quds Brigades have evolved from rudimentary attacks to
sophisticated military operations, including rocket attacks on Israeli
cities like Tel Aviv.

The group is known for its focus on strategic long-range attacks, such as
launching missiles at Israel’s nuclear reactor in Dimona.

While it has suffered numerous losses due to Israeli strikes, it continues
to be a powerful force within Gaza.

Its operatives are also stationed in the occupied West Bank, where they
have conducted numerous successful operations.

*Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades*

The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades originated as the military arm of the Fatah
Movement.

However, since separating from Fatah in 2007, the Brigades have maintained
their independent resistance.

Their decentralized structure, where local groups operate autonomously, has
enabled them to remain active in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Although less organized than Hamas and Islamic Jihad, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs
Brigades have carried out numerous high-profile operations, including
attacks on illegal Israeli settlements and security forces.

Their strength reportedly lies in their decentralized, grassroots approach,
with cells scattered across occupied Palestine.
*Al-Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades*

The Al-Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades are the military wing of the Popular
Resistance Committees.

This group emerged during the Second Intifada and has maintained a strong
presence in Gaza, focusing on direct confrontations with Israeli forces.

Al-Nasser Brigades are known for their successful operations, including the
destruction of Israeli Merkava tanks, and their well-known attack on a
security bus in Rafah.

The group rejects peace accords like Oslo, seeing them as a betrayal that
further entrenched the occupation.

The Al-Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades operate primarily in Gaza but have also
conducted raids in the occupied West Bank.

*Palestinian National Resistance Brigades*

The Palestinian National Resistance Brigades are the military arm of the
Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP).

Established in 2000, the Brigades have fought alongside other groups
against the Israeli occupation. Known for their Marxist-Leninist ideology,
they engage in guerrilla warfare and have been involved in significant
military operations throughout Gaza and the West Bank.

The Brigades were part of the Al-Aqsa Flood Operation and continue to
resist Israeli attempts to displace Palestinians and expand settlements.
*Martyr Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades*

Named after the leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine
(PFLP), the Martyr Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades honor the legacy of Mustafa Ali
al-Zubari, who was assassinated by Israeli forces during the Second
Intifada.

The Brigades’ operations are focused on military resistance and sabotage
against Israeli military targets.

The Brigades are a key faction in the Joint Operations Room and continue to
operate both in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, carrying out significant
attacks on Israeli forces and settlements.

*Mujahideen Battalions*

The Mujahideen Battalions are a more recent addition to the resistance
movement.

Originally formed in 2006, they are aligned with the Palestinian Mujahideen
Movement, which split from Fatah.

The Mujahideen Battalions are part of the Joint Operations Room and have
been involved in many operations, including raids on Israeli settlements
and attacks on military outposts.
*Ansar Battalions*

The Ansar Battalions are affiliated with the Palestinian Freedom Movement,
which was founded in 2007.

They focus on resistance against the Israeli occupation, particularly in
Gaza.

Like other groups, they oppose the Oslo Accords and view them as a betrayal
of Palestinian rights. Their activities include operations against Israeli
settlements and military installations.

*(The Palestine Chronicle)*


*– Romana Rubeo is an Italian writer and the managing editor of The
Palestine Chronicle. Her articles appeared in many online newspapers and
academic journals. She holds a Master’s Degree in Foreign Languages and
Literature and specializes in audio-visual and journalism translation.*
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