All Palestinian militants are not created alike: While most share the similar goals of capturing Jerusalem and the elimination of Israel, various militant groups in the West Bank and Gaza Strip often come from conflicting political parties or affiliations.
Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades
The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, linked to Fatah, operates mainly out of the West Bank and targets civilian and military targets inside Israel. The Brigades also target Palestinian rivals and journalists operating in the West Bank. Also recruits female suicide bombers. Is on the U.S. State Department list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations.Army of Islam
Operating in the Gaza Strip, the Army of Islam -- which claims al-Qaida affiliation -- is known for kidnapping BBC correspondent Alan Johnston in 2007. After claims from the Army of Islam that they'd executed Johnston, the reporter was released following 114 days in captivity.Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine
The DFLP, founded in 1969 by breaking from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, is a Marxist-rooted revolutionary group that, unlike many of the other militant groups, does not rest on a religious foundation and draws more secular Palestinian support. A member of the Palestine Liberation Organization, the leaders of the group that only numbers about 500 strong operate out of Syria.Holy Jihad Brigades
The Holy Jihad Brigades sprang onto the scene with the August 2006 kidnappings of Fox News reporter Steve Centanni and cameraman Olaf Whig in the Gaza Strip. Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades
This is the militant wing of Hamas, which currently rules the Gaza Strip. Its parent organizaation, Hamas, is listed as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. State Department; the brigades are also deemed terrorists by the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The thousands-strong brigades enjoy better weapons and greater support than most other Palestinian militant groups.Al-Quds Brigades
This is the militant wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The name "Al-Quds" comes from the Arabic designation for Jerusalem. Al-Quds Brigades leader Hussam Jaradat was killed by Israel in 2006.Palestine Liberation Front
The Palestine Liberation Front, also deemed a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. and her allies, is best known for hijacking the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro on Oct. 7, 1985. An elderly Jewish American, Leon Klinghoffer, was shot by the PLF, his body and wheelchair then thrown overboard.
Abu Ali Mustapha Brigades
This is the military wing of the Marxist-secular Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. The brigades are responsible for the 2001 assassination of Israeli Minister for Tourism Rehavam Zeevi, who was the only Israeli politician killed in the intifada.Popular Resistance Committees
The PRC is an umbrella organization for militants coming from Fatah and joining forces with Hamas-linked groups. The PRC, which operates out of the Gaza Strip, is allegedly funded by Hezbollah, the "Party of God" based in Lebanon.
