HAMAS

Hamas: The Story

Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist militant and political organization. It was founded in 1987 during the First Intifada and is an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood. Hamas has a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, and a political wing that has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007 after winning elections in 2006.

Founding and Ideology:

Hamas (Ḥarakat al-Muqāwamah al-ʾIslāmiyyah, or "Islamic Resistance Movement") was founded in 1987, during the First Intifada (Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation). It originated as a Palestinian offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, with an ideology combining Palestinian nationalism and Sunni Islamic fundamentalism. Its 1988 charter called for the destruction of Israel and the establishment of an Islamic state in all of historic Palestine.

Key Events in Hamas’s Story:

1. First Intifada (1987–1993):

Hamas gained popularity by organizing social services and opposing Israeli occupation more actively and religiously than the secular PLO.

2. Terror Attacks and Opposition to Peace Process (1990s):

During and after the Oslo Accords (1993), which Hamas opposed, it carried out suicide bombings and attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers, trying to derail peace efforts.

3. Second Intifada (2000–2005):

Hamas escalated its military campaign, including numerous deadly attacks. It gained further grassroots support due to its social programs and resistance rhetoric.

4. 2006 Palestinian Legislative Elections:

Hamas won a majority in the elections, defeating the ruling Fatah party. This shocked the international community.

5. Gaza Takeover (2007):

After tensions with Fatah turned violent, Hamas forcibly took control of the Gaza Strip. Since then, it has governed Gaza while Fatah retained control in the West Bank.

6. Conflict with Israel (2008–present):

Multiple wars and escalations between Hamas and Israel have occurred (2008–09, 2012, 2014, 2021, and 2023–24), often involving rocket fire from Gaza and Israeli airstrikes. Hamas has launched thousands of rockets, built tunnels, and employed guerrilla tactics, while Israel has responded with military campaigns.

7. October 7, 2023 Attack:

Hamas launched a large-scale attack on southern Israel, killing over 1,100 people and taking hostages. The attack was one of the deadliest in Israeli history and led to an ongoing war in Gaza.

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Designation as a Terrorist Organization:

Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by countries including:

• United States

• European Union

• United Kingdom

• Canada

• Israel

• Australia (entire organization since 2022)

Some others recognize it as a political actor or differentiate between its political and military wings.

Hamas Life: An Overview

If you're asking about the "life" of Hamas as an organization—its evolution, activities, and how it operates—here’s a clear breakdown:

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1. Founding and Ideology

• Founded: 1987, during the First Intifada (uprising against Israeli occupation).

• Ideology:

o Mix of Sunni Islamist fundamentalism and Palestinian nationalism.

o Originally called for the destruction of Israel in its 1988 charter.

o A revised document in 2017 accepted the idea of a Palestinian state on 1967 borders but did not recognize Israel.

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2. Political and Military Wings

• Political wing: Governs Gaza since 2007 after winning 2006 Palestinian elections.

• Military wing: The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, responsible for military operations including:

o Rocket attacks

o Armed assaults

o Tunnel warfare

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3. Life Under Hamas in Gaza

• Social Services:

Hamas operates schools, clinics, and charities—especially for poor families.

• Governance:

Runs Gaza with a heavy hand—accused of crushing dissent, arresting political rivals (mainly Fatah), and imposing Islamic social rules.

• Blockade:

Gaza has been under blockade by Israel and Egypt since 2007, citing security threats from Hamas. The result: severe economic hardship, electricity shortages, and a humanitarian crisis for Gazans.

• Military Presence:

Hamas is highly militarized in Gaza, with widespread paramilitary infrastructure, including:

o Rockets (homemade and smuggled)

o Tunnels (for smuggling and attacks)

o Training camps

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4. Conflicts and Warfare

• Hamas has been in multiple wars with Israel (2008–09, 2012, 2014, 2021, 2023–24). These wars usually start with Hamas launching rocket barrages, followed by Israeli airstrikes and ground operations.

• October 7, 2023 attack:

Hamas launched a surprise attack, killing over 1,100 people in Israel and taking over 200 hostages. This triggered a large-scale war that is still ongoing.

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5. Global Designation

Hamas is officially designated as a terrorist organization by many countries, including:

• United States

• European Union

• United Kingdom

• Canada

• Israel

• Australia (entire organization since 2022)

These governments cite its deliberate attacks on civilians, use of human shields, and commitment to armed jihad as justification.

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Today:

Hamas still controls Gaza and plays a central role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It has a network of social, political, and military structures and continues to engage in conflict with Israel, drawing both support and condemnation from around the world.

Would you like a deeper dive into any specific period or part of the story?