Hamas: Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement Overview

Hamas, (حركة المقاومة الإسلامية) or Harakat al-Muqwamah al-Islmiyyah, or Islamic Resistance Movement, is a political and militant Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist organization based in Palestine. Founded in 1987 during the First Intifada (Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation), Hamas has since become one of the major players in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Key Aspects of Hamas:

Ideology & Goals

• Hamas's charter originally called for the destruction of Israel and the establishment of an Islamic state in historic Palestine.

• It rejects peace agreements with Israel (like the Oslo Accords) and advocates armed resistance.

• Although some of the language in its revised charter from 2017 was toned down, it still denounces Israel.

The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades are the military wing.

• Engages in armed conflict with Israel, including suicide bombings (in the past), rocket attacks, and guerrilla warfare.

• Designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the U.S., EU, Canada, and others.

Political Function

• Won the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections, defeating Fatah (the dominant party of the PLO).

• Took control of the Gaza Strip in 2007 after a violent conflict with Fatah.

• Since that time, Hamas has run Gaza, while Fatah (the Palestinian Authority) runs the West Bank.

International and regional relations

• Supported by: Iran, Qatar, and some other Islamist groups.

• Opposed by: Israel, Egypt (under Sisi), and many Western nations.

• Complex ties with Turkey & Qatar, provide some financial support.

Major disagreements with Israel

• Frequent clashes, including wars in 2008–09, 2012, 2014, 2021, and 2023 (after the October 7 attacks).

• The October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas led to a major Israeli military offensive in Gaza, resulting in thousands of casualties.

Controversies & Criticism

• Accused of using civilians as human shields in Gaza.

• Gaza's crackdown on political discord.

• Some Arab states (like UAE, and Saudi Arabia) view it as an obstacle to peace.

Deeper investigation of important aspects of Hamas, such as its structure, recent conflicts, governance, and influence over the region:

Hamas’s Organizational Structure

Hamas operates through three main branches:

• Political Bureau: Oversees strategy and diplomacy. Based partly in Qatar (led by Ismail Haniyeh) and Gaza (formerly Yahya Sinwar, a key figure in the Oct. 7 attacks).

• Military Wing (Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades): Led by Mohammed Deif, it handles armed operations, including rockets, tunnels, and guerrilla tactics.

• Social Services (Dawah): Runs schools, hospitals, and charities in Gaza—critics say this builds grassroots support while masking militant activities.

Governance in Gaza (Since 2007)

• After ousting Fatah in 2007, Hamas established de facto rule over Gaza, with mixed results:

• Dissent is forbidden, press freedom is restricted, and rival factions clash under authoritarian control.

• Economic Crisis: The Israel-Egypt blockade (since 2007) led to severe shortages, unemployment (~45%), and reliance on smuggling/tunnels.

• Dependence on Aid: Receives funds from Islamic charities, Qatar's monthly fuel and payroll assistance, and Iran ($100 million or more per year).

Major disagreements with Israel

Hamas’s armed strategy has triggered repeated wars:

• 2008–09 (Operation Cast Lead): 1,400+ Palestinians, 13 Israelis killed.

• 2014's Operation Protective Edge saw a 50-day conflict that resulted in the deaths of 73 Israelis and more than 2,200 Gazans.

• 2021 (11-Day War): Clashes over Jerusalem evictions; Hamas fired 4,000+ rockets.

• Oct. 7, 2023 Attack: Hamas killed ~1,200 Israelis, took 250+ hostages. Israel's response, as of 2024: more than 35,000 dead Gazans, according to the health ministry run by Hamas, and widespread destruction.

Why Oct. 7? Analysts point to:

• Hamas’s bid to disrupt Israel-Saudi normalization.

• Exploiting Israeli political divisions.

• Reinforcing its role as a “resistance” leader vs. Fatah's diminished PA

Regional Alliances & Enemies

• Iran: Primary backer—provides weapons, training, and funds.

• Qatar: mediates hostage deals and provides Gaza with financial assistance ($30 million monthly).

• Turkey: Harbors Hamas leaders; Erdogan calls it a “liberation group.”

• Egypt: Opposes Hamas (links to Muslim Brotherhood), but mediates ceasefires.

• Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates: Prefer PA-led diplomacy and view Hamas as a threat.

Future Obstacles

• Legitimacy Crisis: Gaza’s devastation post-2023 war weakens Hamas’s rule.

• Governance after the war: Who owns Gaza? (PA return? Israeli occupation?)

• Rise of More Extreme Groups: Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and armed clans challenge Hamas’s authority.

Debates Around Hamas

• “Resistance vs. Terrorism”: Supporters call it freedom fighters; critics cite targeting civilians.

• Can Hamas Moderate? Some argue its 2017 charter update hinted at pragmatism, but attacks like Oct. 7 suggest otherwise.

• Two-State Solution: Hamas rejects it, but some leaders privately signal a willingness for long-term truces (hudna).

Deeper analysis, focusing on Hamas’s funding streams, hostage dynamics, and a comparison with Hezbollah—key areas that shape its regional role and strategies:

How Hamas Finances Its Operations

Hamas relies on a complex, clandestine network to bypass international sanctions:

Primary Sources:

• Iran: Proxies (Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad) are estimated to bring in $100–300 million annually. Funds weapons, rocket factories, and tunnel networks.

• Qatar: Direct cash transfers ($30M/month since 2018), delivered via Israel’s coordination (a controversial "understanding" to stabilize Gaza).

• Diaspora & Charities: Cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin wallets seized by Israel), NGOs (e.g., Turkey’s IHH), and "Zakat" (Islamic alms) campaigns in Europe/Malaysia.

Taxation & Smuggling:

• "Tunnel Economy": Fees on goods smuggled from Egypt (e.g., fuel, weapons).

• Gaza Taxes: Up to 20% on imports, businesses, and aid groups.

Crackdowns:

• Israel’s "Operation Dark Web" (2021): Seized crypto accounts tied to Hamas.

• U.S. sanctions on exchange houses in Turkey, and Sudan.

Swaps of prisoners and negotiations over hostages

Hamas uses hostages as leverage, with a history of lopsided deals favoring Palestinian prisoners:

Key Cases:

• 2011 Gilad Shalit Deal: Hamas freed 1 Israeli soldier for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners (including Yahya Sinwar, current Gaza leader).

• 2023–24 Negotiations: Post-Oct. Seventh, Hamas demanded a ceasefire + Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

• Release of high-profile prisoners (e.g., Marwan Barghouti, a popular Fatah leader).

• "All for all" proposal: All hostages for thousands of Palestinians in Israeli jails.

Challenges:

• Hamas’s military vs. political wings disagree on terms (Qatar-based leaders vs. Gaza hardliners).

• Israeli public pressure to free hostages vs. Netanyahu’s goal to "destroy Hamas."

Hamas vs. Hezbollah: A Comparison

Both are Iran-backed "resistance" groups, but with critical differences:

Aspect Hamas Hezbollah

Base Gaza, the Palestinian cause Lebanon, Shi'a community

leadership Decentralized (Gaza, Qatar, and Turkey) hierarchical (Nasrallah in Lebanon)

Military Power 30,000+ fighters, rockets, tunnels 100,000+ missiles, drones, elite forces

Political Role Ruled Gaza since 2007 Part of the Lebanese government

International Reach Limited to Palestine issue Global operations (e.g., Argentina, Cyprus)

Iran’s Priority Secondary proxy Top proxy ("A-team")

Why the Difference?

• Hezbollah is integrated into Lebanon’s state, while Hamas is isolated under blockade.

• Hezbollah’s arsenal rivals some national armies; Hamas relies on asymmetrical tactics.

The Question of the "Day After Hamas"

Israel’s goal to eliminate Hamas faces hurdles:

• No Viable Alternative: The PA (Fatah) is seen as corrupt; Gaza clans or anarchy could fill the vacuum.

• Ideological Resilience: Even if toppled, Hamas’s ideology persists (like Al-Qaeda post-9/11).

• Iran’s Backup Plan: Could empower Islamic Jihad or splinter factions.

Key Controversies to Watch

• Does Hamas Want to Survive or Martyr Gaza? Its Oct. 7 attack, according to some analysts, was a suicide attempt to provoke regional war.

• Can It Rebrand? Younger leaders (e.g., Sinwar) may be more extreme than exiled politicos like Haniyeh.

• Egypt’s Role: Fears Hamas-style Islamism could spill into Sinai.