**Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ): An Overview** The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), also known as Harakat al-Jihad al-Islami fi Filistin, is a Sunni Islamist militant group founded in the late 1970s by Fathi Shikaki and Abd al-Aziz Awda. Initially part of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, they broke away due to the Brotherhood's perceived moderation on Palestinian issues[1][2]. The group's primary goal is to establish an Islamic Palestinian state, which involves the destruction of Israel and the reclamation of historic Palestine[2]. **History and Development** PIJ was forced to move from Egypt to Gaza in the early 1980s due to its radical stance. The group's military wing, the al-Quds Brigades, has been responsible for numerous attacks on Israeli targets, including suicide bombings and rocket launches[1][5]. In 1997, PIJ was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States[1]. Over the years, PIJ has received significant support from Iran, which has helped the group strengthen its capabilities[3]. **Key Achievements and Current Status** PIJ has maintained a strong presence in the Gaza Strip, often launching rockets into Israel in response to Israeli actions. Notable recent incidents include the firing of over 4,000 rockets alongside Hamas in May 2021 and approximately 1,100 rockets in August 2022[5]. Despite being overshadowed by Hamas, PIJ continues to be a key player in Palestinian militant politics, particularly because it is not encumbered by governance responsibilities[3]. The group's influence has grown, especially after Hamas's break with Syria in 2012, which led to increased Iranian funding for PIJ[3]. **Notable Aspects** PIJ's refusal to engage in the political process sets it apart from other Palestinian groups like Hamas and Fatah[2]. The organization's ideology is deeply rooted in