Popular Resistance Committees
The Popular Resistance Committees (PRC; Arabic: لجان المقاومة الشعبية, Lijān al-Muqāwama al-Shaʿbiyya) is a coalition of a number of armed Palestinian groups opposed to what they regard as the conciliatory approach of the Palestinian Authority and Fatah towards Israel.
| Popular Resistance Committees لجان المقاومة الشعبية | |
|---|---|
Emblem of the Popular Resistance Committees | |
| Leader | Jamal Abu Samhadana (2000–2006) 'Amir Qarmoot Abu As-Sa'id (2006–2008) Kamal al-Nirab (2008–2011) Zuhir al-Qaisi (2011–2012) Ayman al-Shashniya (2012–present) |
| Dates of operation | 2000–present |
| Split from | Fatah |
| Active regions | Gaza Strip |
| Ideology | |
| Status | Designated as terrorist organization by the United States and Israel. |
| Means of revenue | Iran and Hezbollah |
The PRC is especially active in the Gaza Strip, through its military wing, the Al-Nasser Salah al-Deen Brigades. The PRC has planned and executed a number of varied operations, but specializes in planting roadside bombs and vehicle explosive charges - directed against military and civilian convoys.
Formed in late 2000 by former Fatah and Tanzim member Jamal Abu Samhadana, the PRC is composed primarily of ex-Fatah fighters and Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades members and is alleged by Israel to be inspired and financed by Hezbollah. The present leader of PRC is Ayman al-Shashniya.
The PRC was believed to be the third strongest faction active in the Gaza Strip, after Hamas and Islamic Jihad in 2012, and has been designated a terrorist organization by Israel and the United States.