Iran Top Backer Of Palestinian Islamic Jihad
The latest war with Israel revealed the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's improved military capabilities, mostly due to continued Iranian support, Abeer Ayyoub reports from Gaza.
As far as the Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, are concerned, 2012 was their golden year. For the first time, it managed to use qualitative weapons that seemingly altered the pace of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Often taking a backseat to Hamas’ Izz ad-Din al-Qassem Brigades, Islamic Jihad’s fighters have become a key component of Gaza’s defense, proving their improved capabilities in Israel’s latest Pillar of Defense.
Abu Ahmad, Al-Quds Brigades spokesperson, referred to the four years between the Israeli assault on Gaza in 2008-2009 and the most recent in November 2012 as the reason behind the progress. Islamic Jihad fighters intensified their training following Israel’s war on Gaza in 2008-2009, including receiving a significant upgrade to its weapons capabilities and logistical support from foreign friends, most notably Iran.
“The last assault was such a fruitful experience for us; it was such a practical training that obviously proved we have developed,” he told Al-Monitor.
