ABC Mini-Encyclopedia

Activists

Activists, Palestinian: This term is often used to describe Palestinians engaging in violent acts such as shooting, rock-throwing or launching mortars. It is also applied to Palestinians who are members of groups listed as terrorist organizations by the U.S. State Department, such as Islamic Jihad and Hamas. Like "protestor" or "demonstrator," "activist" suggests someone who participates in marches, waving signs and shouting slogans.
Examples of misuse: ... [Fighting] reached a crescendo Friday with air raids against Palestinian targets by Israeli fighter jets in response to a suicide bomb attack that killed five Israeli civilians and the assailant, a Palestinian activist (Wall Street Journal, 5/21/01).
In the West Bank town of Hebron, a 23-year-old activist in Arafat's Fatah movement hurled an explosive device and fired shots at Israeli troops (AP, 1/13/01).
Recommended language: Terrorists, rioters, militants, gunmen