Palestinian Youth and the Rush Towards Martyrdom

Abstract

The current study aims at identifying the rush of the Palestinian youth towards martyrdom operations (Al-Amaliyat Al-Istishhadiya). Findings show that the motivations for martyrdom are nationalistic, religious and humanitarian. These motivations are closely associated with the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and the daily suppressive practices against the helpless and unarmed Palestinian people. Although we should not ignore the religious motives which are the supporting elements of the Palestinian martyrdom operations. As for talking about psychological, social and economic factors and others as motives for martyrdom, it is wrong to associate Palestinian martyrs with these factors since this underestimates the real value of a martyr and makes him/her some kind of a social suicide.

Keywords: Martyr, Martyrdom, Suicide, Istishhady