Plural of the Arabic word fedayee, meaning “one who sacrifices,” this term traditionally refers to guerrilla fighters involved in armed resistance, often driven by ideological or nationalist motives. The term has been applied in various contexts throughout the Middle East and North Africa, particularly in reference to Palestinian and other Arab resistance movements.
In the context of Palestinian history of the 21st century, fedayeen specifically referred to Palestinian guerrillas who carried out attacks and raids against Israel, especially during the 1950s and 1960s, frequently operating from bases in neighboring countries like Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt.
More broadly, the term describes militants who are willing to give their lives for a cause, typically engaging in acts of sabotage.