The Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) is a militant organization operating primarily in the Gaza Strip. Formed at the beginning of the Second Intifada in 2000, it originated from local defense committees aimed at protecting Palestinian cities from potential Israeli incursions. Led initially by Jamal Abu Samahadana, a former senior Fatah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad activist, the PRC quickly evolved into a cohesive militant group. It gained notoriety for its effective use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) against Israeli forces, attracting militants from other groups, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Over time, the PRC expanded its operations throughout Gaza, although efforts to establish a significant presence in the West Bank were less successful. Following Abu Samahadana’s death in 2006, the organization splintered into several factions, with two main groups continuing to operate under the PRC name.
Ideology
The ideology of the Popular Resistance Committees centers on the militant opposition to Israel and the liberation of Palestinian territories. Initially formed to defend Palestinian cities during the Second Intifada, the PRC’s activities have expanded to include a broad range of militant operations. The organization rejects any moderate approach towards Israel, as evidenced by Jamal Abu Samahadana’s departure from Fatah due to its perceived leniency. The PRC seeks to unify various Palestinian militant factions in their struggle against Israeli forces, collaborating with groups such as Hezbollah and receiving support from Iran. Its operations are characterized by a commitment to armed resistance and an uncompromising stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Official Flag
Order of Battle
The Popular Resistance Committees’ order of battle includes various factions and units specializing in different forms of militant activities. The central faction, based in southern Gaza, is the largest and most active, carrying out numerous terrorist operations, including IED attacks, rocket and mortar fire, and multi-organizational terror attacks. The northern faction, led by Zakaria Dughmoush, operates under the influence and funding of Hamas, focusing on coordinated efforts with other Palestinian factions. Over the years, the PRC has demonstrated significant capability in executing complex attacks, often involving high-profile operations and significant coordination with other militant groups.
Budget
The budget of the Popular Resistance Committees is primarily sourced from external funding and local resources. Historically, the PRC has received financial and logistical support from Hezbollah and Iran, which has enabled it to sustain its militant activities. This funding has facilitated the acquisition of weapons, explosives, and other necessary materials for their operations. Additionally, the organization benefits from the financial backing of local supporters and sympathetic factions within the Gaza Strip. The precise budgetary details remain opaque, but the reliance on external funding underscores the PRC’s connections with regional militant networks and its role within the broader context of Middle Eastern conflicts.
Arsenal
The Popular Resistance Committees’ arsenal includes a diverse range of weaponry and explosives. The PRC has been known for its effective use of IEDs, which have been deployed against Israeli military vehicles and personnel. Additionally, the organization possesses various types of rockets and mortars, frequently used in cross-border attacks into Israeli territory. The PRC also maintains small arms, light weapons, and other conventional arms suitable for guerilla warfare. The group’s access to these arms is facilitated by smuggling networks and support from allied militant organizations. Over the years, the PRC’s arsenal has played a crucial role in its operations, enabling it to carry out sustained attacks against its targets.
