Palestine Vs. Gaza

Learnings on things I am interested in. No deep dive, just notes

Who/What is Hezbollah?

An Iran-backed Shiite militia was considered the most powerful non-state group in the Middle East, but an Israeli military campaign against Hezbollah in 2024 has considerably weakened it.

• Hezbollah wields significant power in Lebanon, where it operates as both a Shiite Muslim political party and militant group.

• It violently opposes Israel and Western powers operating in the Middle East, and it functions as a proxy of Iran, its largest benefactor.

• Israel’s killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in September 2024 has dealt the militant group a severe blow.

What does Shiite mean?

A person who belongs to one of the two main branches of Islam.

A Shiite is a Muslim who follows specific religious traditions. Shiites are the second-largest branch of Islam, after Sunni’s.

A Shiite believes that Mohammed's son-in-law, Ali, was his legitimate successor as political and religious leader.

What is a Sunni?

The larger of the two main branches of Islam, which differs from Shia in its understanding of the Sunna, its conception of religious leadership, and its acceptance of the first three caliphs.

What does a Sunni believe in?

Sunni Islam shares a belief with other denominations of the faith, such as the Shia and the Sufis. They all follow the Quran and believe it to be holy scripture and they all adhere to the Five Pillars of Islam, which are: There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.

What does Sunni and Shia mean in Islam?

Those who followed the Prophet's closest companion (Abu Bakr) became known as Sunni (the followers of the Prophet's example – Sunnah). Those who followed the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law ('Ali) became known as Shi'a (the followers of the Party of 'Ali – Shi'atu Ali)

When was Hezbollah founded?

Founded during the chaos of the fifteen-year Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990), the Iran-backed group is driven by its violent opposition to Israel and its resistance to Western influence in the Middle East.

What was the first event in the Hezbollah timeline? What year was it?

1943: After twenty-three years as a French mandate, Lebanon gains independence. Its new leaders sign the National Pact, which creates a government system dividing power among the major religious groups.

What palestinian event happened in 1971, the 2nd event in the timeline?

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) relocates its headquarters from Jordan to Lebanon.