The Aksa Martyrs Brigades is a militant Palestinian group that emerged during the second intifada in the early 2000s. The name "Aksa" refers to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, an important Islamic site revered by Muslims worldwide. The term "martyrs" signifies the group's ideological commitment to martyrdom, as its members view themselves as fighting for the liberation of Palestine and are prepared to sacrifice their lives in the process.
The Aksa Martyrs Brigades is primarily active in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and parts of Israel, and is classified as a terrorist organization by numerous countries, including the United States, the European Union, and Israel. The group has claimed responsibility for carrying out numerous attacks against Israeli military forces, civilians, and infrastructure, including suicide bombings, shootings, and rocket launches.
The Aksa Martyrs Brigades operates as a loosely organized network comprised of small cells, making it difficult to ascertain the exact number of its members. Its structure and operational activities have undergone significant changes over the years, and it has established alliances with other militant factions and political entities within the Palestinian territories. While the group has declared loyalty to Palestinian political parties, particularly Fatah, it has often acted autonomously and independently.
Critics argue that the Aksa Martyrs Brigades' use of violence and targeting of civilian populations undermines the pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
