Gemayel (or Jumayyil), Sheikh Pierre (1905–1984)

Lebanese Maronite Christian politician. In 1936 he founded the Kateb (Kataib), or Phalangist, party modelled on the Spanish and German Fascist organizations, and in 1937 became its leader. He was twice imprisoned, in 1937 and in 1943, the year in which he organized a general strike. He held various ministerial posts 1960–67 and led the Phalangist militia in the April 1975 to October 1976 civil war, during which at least 30,000 were killed and there were controversial attacks on Palestinian refugee camps in East Beirut. He was the father of Amin and Bechir Gemayel.

Gemayel was educated at the University of St Joseph, Beirut, and Cochin Hospital, Paris, where he trained as a pharmacist.