Female militants division of Islamic Jihad in Gaza

Female militant from the women fighters division of the Islamic Jihad resistance movement connecting wires during the preparation of manually making a rockets bomb, in an Islamic Jihad's compound in Gaza strip 2009 .

Other than all being veiled they have a common job to do everyday. Their mission is based on the idea of establishing a women's resistance division for the Islamic Jihad party in Gaza.

It all started when a group of militant fighters in the Islamic Jihad movement were urged by their wives, mothers and sisters to let them get involved with their work as a sign of sacrifice for the best of resistance movements and Gaza.

Um Mohammed and her daughter in law explained how they joined in hope of doing something for their country, " We would give anything for Palestine, our blood, souls and sons, we believe we can make a difference on our own way, Women are powerful, we are just another evidence on that !" she said.

From behind her veil, Um Mohammed's daughter in law confirmed :" It wasn't hard to be taught on this kind of weapons and bombs, my husband and his mother are very skilled in this ! I'm glad I can do something for my country."

Having the cameras in their way didn't seem to disturb their work as much as seeing a female photojournalist. The aim was different and the goals didn't seem to be similar either with Um Muhammed argued with me about who is a better Muslim, the fighter or the (girl) photographer.
Um Mohammed showed us how to make the basics of manual bombs, despite the fact that the power had been cut off in the whole area. When we arrived at the shoot we were blindfolded so we couldn’t see exactly where their compound was. However, it didn’t stop them from blinding us on the way to their secret compound, even though the only thing that could be seen was flash lights as they use them to communicate with each other for security.

Loaded RBJ's and guns were stock piled in the room. Um Mohammed and her daughter in law, assured us that they wouldn’t explode and even if it did we will die martyrs to the cause.

Mohammed told us how female militants is a growing new phenomenon in Gaza " it’s a very unique division, we are putting so much effort in it so not giving details to journalists is our security instruction we follow directly, still its important for the whole world to know that Palestinian women, men and even children are working day and night for the sake of their cause."

In spite of the strong traditional cultures in Gazan community there has been a move for women to be accepted to help the men in this area in response to the offensive on the region earlier this year.