Terrorism is a major global security threat, causing numerous fatalities and destruction of property and infrastructure. Terrorism has been rampant in the Middle Eastern region and has spread globally during the 21st century. Terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, and Hamas consider the ideals of Jihad to terrorize the so-called “infidels.” The rivalry between Shias and Sunnis, which began after Prophet Muhammad’s death has been a significant factor in terrorism (Falk & Morgenstern, 2009). Terrorist organizations have effective leadership systems that guide their operations. Osama Bin Laden was a key figure in Al-Qaeda, and he comprehended Jihad to wage war against the west. Jihad in Islam refers to waging war against anyone who refuses to accept Islam or anybody who prevents the spread of Islam (Falk & Morgenstern, 2009). Thus, Jihadists participate in suicide bombings, martyrdom, and other attacks on people who oppose the spread of Islam.
Terrorist organizations exhibit the following characteristics: violence, strong political ideals, performing human atrocities, and creating fear within a specific target population. Terrorist organizations create violence within the community by constant fighting and using suicide bombing (Falk & Morgenstern, 2009). They hold strong political ideals, causing fear among innocent civilians. Jihadists’ goal is to build an Islamic caliphate or empire that would establish a new world order (Falk & Morgenstern, 2009). The new world order will facilitate the spread of Islam and fight anyone opposing this course.
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Palestinian terrorist organizations such as Hamas, Palestine Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and Harat al-Sabireen support and fund terrorist acts against Israel (Merari & Elad, 2019). The structure of the Palestinian terrorist organizations consists of the political bureau, the Shura council, recruitment centers, and the financial council (Levitt, 2008). For instance, Hamas has a political bureau that exercises authority within the Gaza strip (Levitt, 2008). The Shura council participates in decision-making, military operations and communication (Levitt, 2008). Hamas also has recruitment centers in Gaza and across other Middle Eastern regions to recruit soldiers (Levitt, 2008). Finally, Hamas’ department of finance manages the funds it receives from Iran and other Gulf countries.
Counterterrorism strategies that are effective in combating Palestinian terrorists include imposing sanctions on Palestine and its allies. The U.S. government and the International Community should prevent travel in or out of Palestine to prevent terrorists from recruiting people and engaging in human atrocities. Secondly, the International Community should prevent terrorists from acquiring military arsenal as a strategy to disarm them. Thirdly, the International Community should prevent any form of funding to terrorist organizations. Finally, the international community should curb the radicalization of youths to prevent the rise of Palestinian terrorists.
References
Falk, O., & Morgenstern, H. (Eds.). (2009). Suicide terror: understanding and confronting the threat . John Wiley & Sons.
Levitt, M. (2008). Hamas: politics, charity, and terrorism in the service of jihad . Yale University Press.
Merari, A., & Elad, S. (2019). The international dimension of Palestinian terrorism . Routledge.
