Awdah, Abdal-Aziz (عوض عبد العزيز | Abdal-Aziz Avdah)
Awdah, Abdal-Aziz (b. 1948) is a significant figure in the Palestinian Islamic fundamentalist landscape. Known for his leadership and founding role in the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, Awdah has profoundly impacted the contemporary geopolitical and spiritual landscape of the region. This entry explores his life, contributions, and influences.
Early Life and Education
Abdal-Aziz Awdah (Arabic: عوض عبد العزيز; Turkish: Abdal-Aziz Avdah) was born in Bir al-Sab, a region now known as Beersheba, in 1948. Amidst the socio-political upheaval following the establishment of the state of Israel, Awdah’s family settled in the Jabaliyyah refugee camp in Gaza. His formative years in this environment profoundly shaped his worldview.
Striving for education despite adversity, Awdah traveled to Egypt, where he earned a degree from Dar al-Ulum, a prestigious institution celebrated for its contribution to Islamic knowledge. During his time in Egypt, he became intricately connected with militant Islamic fundamentalist groups, some of which were implicated in the assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in 1981.
Return to Gaza and Islamic University
Upon returning to Gaza in 1981, Awdah joined the faculty at the Islamic University of Gaza, where he was a lecturer. His academic role extended beyond the lecture halls as he became a central figure in the propagation of Islamic fundamentalist ideology.
Founding Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine
In the early 1980s, Awdah co-founded the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine (حركة الجهاد الإسلامي في فلسطين). This organization emerged as a significant force within the wider Palestinian fundamentalist context. Alongside HAMAS, it advocates for the implementation of Islamic law and engages in militant activities aimed at the Israeli state.
Arrest and Deportation
Awdah’s increasing influence and activities did not go unnoticed by Israeli authorities. In 1984, he was arrested by Israeli forces. Despite this setback, his role within the movement persisted. A decade later, in 1993, Awdah was deported to south Lebanon, yet his influence and orchestration of fundamentalist operations within Palestine continued from this new base.
Legacy and Influence
Abdal-Aziz Awdah’s life and work emphasize the enduring struggle and complex dynamics of Palestinian fundamentalism. His role in fostering a militant response to regional political challenges shapes ongoing conflict and discourse.
Further Reading
To deepen understanding, the following texts provide extensive insights into Awdah’s life and the wider context of Palestinian Islamic fundamentalism:
- Milton-Edwards, Beverly. Islamic Politics in Palestine. London: I.B. Tauris, 1996.
- Hroub, Khaled. Hamas: Political Thought and Practice. Washington, D.C.: Institute for Palestine Studies, 2000.
- Sayigh, Yezid. Armed Struggle and the Search for State: The Palestinian National Movement 1949-1993. Oxford University Press, 1997.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Abdal-Aziz Awdah’s journey from Bir al-Sab to being a key figure in Islamic Jihad Movement underscores the intertwining of ideological fervor, education, and militant activism within Palestinian struggles. His life embodies the persistent clashes shaping the region’s history and future.
By examining such figures, one can grasp the profound intersections between education, radicalization, and geopolitical interventions within the broader Islamic and Middle Eastern narrative.
