Qassam Brigades Logo

The history of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, is deeply tied to the political, social, and military conditions in Palestine. The group emerged in the late 1980s during heightened tension in the Middle East. It was named after Izz ad-Din al-Qassam, a Syrian theologian and anti-British activist in Palestine during the 1930s whose legacy symbolized armed resistance.

The organization was formally established in 1991. At that time, Hamas had already been active for several years as a socio-political movement and a participant in the Intifada, the Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation that began in 1987. While Hamas’ political arm focused on social and charitable activities, the militant wing was created specifically for military operations, targeting Israeli military and civilian entities.

Its initial activities involved attacks on Israeli soldiers and settlers. These actions aimed to pressure Israel to curb military operations and settlement expansion in Gaza and the West Bank. During the early 1990s, the group became known for using improvised explosive devices and ambush tactics.

The Second Intifada, which began in 2000, marked a period of increased activity for the armed faction. They adopted more advanced methods, including rocket attacks on Israeli territory. Initially, the rockets, such as the Qassam, were crude with limited range. Over time, technological improvements enhanced their accuracy and distance.

Hamas’ victory in the 2006 Palestinian Legislative Council elections was a turning point. The election bolstered the political stature of Hamas and provided additional resources for its military operations. Internal conflict with rival Palestinian factions, including Fatah, escalated after this victory. By 2007, following Hamas’ takeover of Gaza, the group became the de facto primary armed force in the territory.

In subsequent years, it participated in several major conflicts with Israel, including Operations Cast Lead (2008-2009), Pillar of Defense (2012), and Protective Edge (2014). These conflicts highlighted evolving tactics, such as the use of underground tunnels to conduct cross-border attacks and evade Israeli airstrikes.

Throughout the 2010s, the organization continued to improve its capabilities. With external assistance, it developed more powerful rockets and introduced drones into its operations. Training programs for fighters became a key component of its strategy, focusing on combat tactics, fortifications, and sabotage. Recruitment efforts targeted young Palestinians, ensuring a steady flow of new members.

The 2021 escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict showcased the group’s expanded arsenal, including large-scale rocket attacks on Israeli cities like Tel Aviv. These actions drew international attention to the ongoing tensions in the region.

In 2024, the group remained active in the conflict. In August, they claimed responsibility for launching M90 rockets toward Tel Aviv, citing retaliation for Israeli actions. In October, an attack in Jaffa resulted in seven deaths and seventeen injuries, for which they claimed responsibility. On October 7, marking the anniversary of the armed confrontation in Gaza, a spokesman expressed a commitment to prolonged resistance against Israel. Later that month, the killing of Hamas political leader Yahya Sinwar by Israeli forces dealt a blow to the organization’s leadership.

The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades have grown from a small militia into a key military force in the Gaza Strip, playing a central role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite facing a military and economic blockade, the group has received external support, particularly from countries like Iran, Russia, and China. This support is often indirect, provided through intermediaries, with Iran and Russia maintaining roles as primary backers of armed groups in the region.