Definition:Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades is the armed branch of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas). Linguistically, in Arabic "Ezz" means support, adherence, or pride, and Deen means religion. Al-Qassam can be translated into the breaker or divider. Historically, Ezzedeen Al-Qassam is the name of a pioneer mujahid who was martyred in 1935 near Jenin. Al-Qassam was born in Syria and expelled to Palestine for resisting the French occupation of Syria and Lebanon. In Palestine, he continued his struggle against the British occupation that had promised to make the country a homeland for Jews at the expense of the inhabitants.Background:In 1984 Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, Dr. Ibrahim Al-Maqadema, Sheikh Salah Shehada and others began to prepare for the establishment of an armed organization to resist the occupation. Their efforts concentrated on acquiring weapons for future resistance activity. However, members of the group were arrested and the weapons were confiscated. At the time, the group didnt operate under the name of Hamas or Al-Qassam Brigades.In 1986 Sheikh Salah Shehada formed a network of resistance cells called Al-Mujahidoon Al-Filistinion (the Palestinian fighters). The network targeted the Zionist occupation troops and traitors. The network continued to work till 1989; and their most famous operations were the kidnappings of two occupation soldiers: Ilan Sadoon and Avi Sasbortas. In addition, Hamas (officially established on December 14, 1987) formed other similar networks, such as Abdullah Azzam Brigades and Majd, the latter being a security branch against traitors.In the middle of 1991, Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades became known as the armed branch of Hamas.Mission:Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades (EQB) was established in the midst of the Palestinian Intifada (1987-1994) against the Zionist occupation. Established at the height of the occupation crackdown against popular and armed resistance, EQB considers its effort as part of the resistance movement against the Zionist occupation of Palestinian lands, which has been ongoing since the British occupation. In light of this understanding, EQB aims: To contribute in the effort of liberating Palestine and restoring the rights of the Palestinian people under the sacred Islamic teachings of the Holy Quran, the Sunna (traditions) of Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the traditions of Muslims rulers and scholars noted for their piety and dedication.For that to happen, the Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades works to: Evoke the spirit of Jihad (resistance) amongst Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims; Defend Palestinians and their land against the Zionist occupation and its aggression; Liberate Palestinians and the land usurped by the Zionist occupation forces and settlers.Members and organization:The number of Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades members is known only to the leadership of the Brigades, which adopts the principle of secrecy in organization and recruitment.The organization of EQB is that of a network of specialized cells operating all over the Gaza Strip and West Bank. The cells work independently of each other under the instructions of the Brigades leadership. Recruits are required to fit the moral requirements of piety, integrity, and steadfastness as well as the physical and educational requirements for the tasks to be assigned to them.Since EQB is engaged in a relentless, long battle against the