Hamas

Hamas (Arabic: حماس‎, Ḥamās; an acronym for Harakat al-Muqāwamah al-ʾIslāmiyyah, meaning "Islamic Resistance Movement") is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist, militant, and political organization. Founded in 1987 during the First Intifada, Hamas has been a key actor in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. It governs the Gaza Strip and has a significant political and social presence among Palestinians.

Etymology

The name Hamas (حماس) means "zeal" or "enthusiasm" in Arabic. It is also an acronym for Ḥarakat al-Muqāwamah al-ʾIslāmiyyah (Islamic Resistance Movement). The term reflects both the group’s religious foundations and its commitment to armed resistance against Israel.

Origins and Foundation

Hamas was established in December 1987 by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Abdel Aziz al-Rantisi, and Mohammed Taha, as an offshoot of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood. Initially focused on religious and social welfare activities, Hamas soon became known for its resistance against Israeli occupation.

Charter and Ideology

The Hamas Charter of 1988 defined the group’s objectives as the liberation of Palestine and the establishment of an Islamic state in the territory of historic Palestine. The charter rejected Israel’s right to exist and called for jihad as the primary means to achieve its goals. In 2017, Hamas issued a revised political document that softened some language, accepting a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders but without recognizing Israel.

First and Second Intifadas

During the First Intifada (1987–1993), Hamas gained popularity through its social programs and armed attacks on Israeli targets. In the Second Intifada (2000–2005), it carried out numerous suicide bombings and rocket attacks, becoming a dominant force in Palestinian resistance.

Political Participation

2006 Legislative Elections

In 2006, Hamas won a majority in the Palestinian Legislative Council elections, defeating the ruling Fatah party. This electoral victory led to increased tensions between Hamas and Fatah, culminating in a violent split in 2007. Following the conflict, Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip, while the Palestinian Authority, dominated by Fatah, retained control of the West Bank.

Governance of Gaza

Since 2007, Hamas has governed Gaza, facing multiple wars with Israel and international isolation. The blockade of Gaza by Israel and Egypt, coupled with internal challenges, has created severe economic and humanitarian crises in the territory. Despite this, Hamas maintains a significant support base through its social services, charities, and political influence.

Military Wing

Hamas’s armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, was formed in the early 1990s. It is responsible for carrying out attacks on Israeli military and civilian targets, including suicide bombings, rocket launches, and cross-border raids. Many countries, including the United States, Israel, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Japan, designate Hamas in whole or in part as a terrorist organization.

International Relations

Hamas receives varying levels of support from countries such as Iran, Qatar, and Turkey, while facing opposition from Western nations and Israel. The organization has often been at odds with regional powers, balancing between its Islamic ideology and pragmatic political alliances.

Criticism and Controversy

Hamas has been widely criticized for its attacks on civilians, its use of rocket fire from populated areas, and its alleged use of human shields. It has also faced internal criticism from Palestinians over governance issues, corruption, and human rights abuses within Gaza.

Recent Developments

Tensions between Hamas and Israel have erupted periodically into major conflicts, notably in 2008–09, 2012, 2014, and 2021. The October 7, 2023 attacks, in which Hamas launched a large-scale assault on southern Israel, marked one of the deadliest days in the conflict’s history, resulting in massive casualties and a subsequent Israeli military campaign in Gaza. The ongoing war has drawn intense international attention, humanitarian concerns, and debate over the future of Gaza and Palestinian governance.