Hamas is a Palestinian militant and political organization that has been at the forefront of the conflict with Israel for decades. It is the de facto ruler of the Gaza Strip, a densely populated coastal enclave that is home to more than two million Palestinians. It is also one of the main factions within the Palestinian national movement, which seeks to establish an independent state in the territories occupied by Israel since 1967. However, Hamas differs from other Palestinian groups in its ideology, strategy, and tactics. Here are some of the key aspects of Hamas that you need to know.
The Origins and Goals of Hamas
Hamas was founded in 1987, during the first intifada, or uprising, against Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. It emerged from the local branches of the Muslim Brotherhood, a transnational Islamist movement that advocates for a society based on Islamic law. Hamas’s founder and spiritual leader was Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, a Palestinian cleric who was influenced by the Egyptian Brotherhood and its ideologue Sayyid Qutb. Yassin established Hamas as a social and charitable organization that provided services to the impoverished and marginalized Palestinians in Gaza. He also created a military wing, known as the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, that carried out attacks against Israeli targets.
Hamas’s charter, published in 1988, declared its main goal as the liberation of Palestine from Israeli occupation and the establishment of an Islamic state in the historic land of Palestine, which includes present-day Israel. The charter also rejected any political compromise or recognition of Israel, and called for armed resistance, or jihad, as the only way to achieve its objectives. The charter also expressed hostility toward Jews, citing anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and religious texts.
However, in 2017, Hamas issued a new document that softened some of its positions and tried to appeal to a wider audience. The document accepted the idea of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, but without recognizing Israel or renouncing violence. It also distanced itself from the Muslim Brotherhood and emphasized its national identity and role within the Palestinian cause.
The Rise and Rule of Hamas
Hamas gained popularity and legitimacy among many Palestinians for its resistance to Israel and its provision of social services. It also benefited from the corruption and inefficiency of the Palestinian Authority (PA), the semi-autonomous government established by the Oslo Accords in 1993 between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The PA was dominated by Fatah, Hamas’s secular rival, which recognized Israel and pursued a negotiated solution to the conflict.
In 2006, Hamas won a surprise victory in the first parliamentary elections held by the PA, defeating Fatah and gaining a majority of seats. However, its victory was not accepted by Israel, the United States, and other countries, which considered Hamas a terrorist organization and imposed sanctions and boycotts on it. A power struggle ensued between Hamas and Fatah, which led to a violent split in 2007. Hamas seized control of Gaza, while Fatah retained control of parts of the West Bank. Since then, Gaza has been under a blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt, which has severely restricted its access to goods, services, and people.
Hamas has faced many challenges and criticisms for its rule in Gaza. It has been accused of human rights violations, such as arbitrary arrests, torture, executions, and repression of dissent. It has also failed to improve the living conditions of Gazans, who suffer from poverty, unemployment, lack of electricity, water, health care, and education. Moreover, it has faced internal divisions and external pressures from various actors, such as Iran, Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Islamic State.
The Conflict with Israel
Hamas has been engaged in a protracted conflict with Israel since its inception. It has carried out various forms of attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers, such as suicide bombings, rocket fire, sniper shootings, kidnappings, and tunnel infiltrations. It has also participated in several wars with Israel, such as Operation Cast Lead (2008-2009), Operation Pillar of Defense (2012), Operation Protective Edge (2014), and Operation Guardian of the Walls (2023). These wars have resulted in thousands of casualties on both sides, as well as widespread destruction and displacement in Gaza.
Hamas claims that its attacks are justified by Israel’s occupation, blockade, and aggression against Palestinians. It also claims that it acts in self-defense and resistance to protect its people and land. It demands that Israel end its occupation and blockade of Gaza, recognize the rights of Palestinians, and allow the return of refugees who were expelled or fled from their homes in 1948 and 1967.
Israel claims that its actions are justified by Hamas’s terrorism, hostility, and rejectionism against Israel. It also claims that it acts in self-defense and deterrence to protect its people and security from Hamas’s attacks. It demands that Hamas renounce its violence and charter, recognize the existence of Israel, and abide by the agreements signed by the PA and the PLO.
The Future of Hamas
Hamas faces an uncertain and complex future. It has to deal with the humanitarian and political crisis in Gaza, as well as the regional and international dynamics that affect its position and prospects. It also has to balance its ideological principles and pragmatic interests, as well as its military and political roles.
Hamas has shown some signs of moderation and flexibility in recent years. It has engaged in several rounds of reconciliation talks with Fatah, with the aim of forming a unity government and holding new elections. It has also expressed its willingness to accept a long-term truce with Israel, based on mutual respect and non-aggression. It has also participated in some diplomatic initiatives, such as the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and some Arab countries.
However, Hamas has also maintained its hardline stance and actions in other aspects. It has refused to disarm or demilitarize its forces, which it considers as a red line and a source of strength and legitimacy. It has also continued to launch attacks against Israel, especially in response to perceived provocations or violations by Israel, such as the expansion of settlements, the eviction of Palestinians, or the incursion into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. It has also rejected any direct or indirect negotiations with Israel, which it considers as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause.
Hamas is a controversial and influential actor in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is a source of hope and pride for some Palestinians, who see it as a symbol of resistance and resilience. It is also a source of fear and anger for some Israelis, who see it as a threat and an obstacle to peace. It is also a source of challenge and opportunity for the international community, which seeks to find a way to end the conflict and achieve a lasting solution.
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