Hamas
Overview
Hamas (حماس, Hamas) is an acronym for the 'Islamic Resistance Movement' (Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya), a Palestinian Islamist political and military organization founded during the First Intifada in 1987. Based in the Gaza Strip, it combines armed resistance against Israeli occupation with social welfare projects based on Islamic law. After winning the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections, it has effectively governed the Gaza Strip since 2007, and is internationally designated as a terrorist organization by many countries.
Main Content
Founding Background and Ideology
Hamas originated from the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. Its founder, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, perceived the limitations of nonviolent resistance to Israeli occupation and adopted an armed struggle approach. The Hamas Charter (1988) defines all of Palestine as an 'Islamic Waqf (sacred trust)' and advocates for liberation through armed struggle. A new policy document issued in 2017 showed some pragmatic positions, such as accepting a temporary state based on the 1967 borders, but it does not recognize Israel's existence itself.
Political Structure and Military Organization
Hamas is divided into a Political Bureau and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. The Political Bureau, headquartered in Doha (Qatar), handles diplomacy and funding, while the administrative branch in the Gaza Strip was led by Yahya Sinwar after Ismail Haniyeh (assassinated in 2024). The al-Qassam Brigades specialize in rocket attacks, tunnel tactics, and anti-tank weapons, and led the 'Al-Aqsa Flood' operation on October 7, 2023.
Governance of Gaza and Social Services
Hamas performs administrative functions in the Gaza Strip, including police, courts, education, and healthcare. It collects its own taxes and supports poverty relief, school operations, and mosque construction through Islamic charities. This social welfare network has built some support among residents, but there are also criticisms of corruption and authoritarian rule. Since 2007, the blockade by Israel and Egypt has left the economy extremely fragile, with unemployment nearing 50%.
International Relations and Terrorist Designation
The United States, European Union, Israel, Japan, and others have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization. Conversely, Iran, Qatar, Turkey, and others provide political and financial support. Iran supplies military training and rocket technology, while Qatar funds the Hamas administration through development funds for Gaza. International pressure has intensified since the 2023 war, but Hamas remains a symbol of Palestinian resistance.
Major Armed Conflicts
Hamas has fought several wars with Israel: 2008-09 'Cast Lead', 2012 'Pillar of Defense', 2014 'Protective Edge', 2021 'Guardian of the Walls', and the war that began with a large-scale surprise attack on October 7, 2023. The 2023 attack resulted in 1,200 civilian deaths and 250 hostages taken, leading to massive Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza, which by 2025 have caused over 40,000 Palestinian deaths.
Latest Developments
As of 2024-2025, Hamas's military capabilities have been significantly weakened after the 2023 war. The command structure of the al-Qassam Brigades has collapsed, and over 60% of its tunnel network is estimated to be destroyed. The political leadership suffered successive blows, including the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in July 2024 and the death of Yahya Sinwar in October 2024. However, Hamas continues guerrilla warfare in parts of Gaza, and hostage negotiations and ceasefire mediation (led by Qatar and Egypt) remain stalled. As of January 2025, Hamas is strengthening solidarity with the 'Axis of Resistance' (Iran, Hezbollah, Houthis) while seeking political survival. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) are investigating war crimes allegations against both Israel and Hamas.
Related Topics
- [[Palestine]]
- [[Gaza Strip]]
- [[Israeli-Palestinian conflict]]
- [[Al-Qassam Brigades]]
- [[Ismail Haniyeh]]
- [[2023 Israel-Hamas war]]
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