Hamas

Definition

Hamas is a Palestinian Islamic organization founded in 1987, known for its role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its governance of the Gaza Strip. The group combines political and military strategies, operating as both a social service provider and a militant organization, emphasizing resistance against Israeli occupation while advocating for Palestinian rights and statehood.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hamas was founded during the First Intifada as an offshoot of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, emphasizing Islamic governance and social justice.
2. The organization gained significant popularity for its social welfare programs, providing education, healthcare, and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.
3. Hamas won a majority in the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections, leading to a power struggle with Fatah that culminated in Hamas taking control of Gaza in 2007.
4. The group has been designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States and the European Union, due to its use of violence and attacks against Israeli civilians.
5. Hamas maintains an armed wing known as the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, which conducts military operations against Israel and has been involved in numerous conflicts since taking power.

Review Questions

• How did Hamas emerge during the First Intifada and what role does it play in Palestinian society today?
  • Hamas emerged during the First Intifada in 1987 as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, positioning itself as a voice for Islamic resistance against Israeli occupation. Today, Hamas plays a dual role in Palestinian society by providing essential social services such as healthcare and education while also engaging in armed resistance. This duality has allowed Hamas to gain substantial support among Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, where it governs.
• Discuss the implications of Hamas's governance of Gaza on Palestinian politics and relations with Israel.
  • Hamas's governance of Gaza since 2007 has created a significant rift within Palestinian politics, primarily between Hamas and Fatah. This divide complicates efforts for unified representation in negotiations with Israel and impacts peace initiatives. The ongoing conflict between Hamas's militant approach and Fatah's more diplomatic stance has led to distinct political trajectories that affect both internal governance and external relations with Israel.
• Evaluate the impact of international designations of Hamas as a terrorist organization on its ability to operate politically and militarily.
  • The international designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization has profound implications for its operations. It limits Hamas's ability to engage with many countries and access international aid while constraining its political legitimacy. This isolation can strengthen its resolve among supporters who view these designations as unjust, reinforcing its identity as a resistance movement. However, it also complicates humanitarian efforts in Gaza, exacerbating living conditions and fueling further conflict with Israel.

Related terms

PLO: The Palestine Liberation Organization is an umbrella organization representing various Palestinian groups, founded in 1964, with the aim of creating an independent Palestinian state.

Intifada: An Arabic term meaning 'uprising,' referring to Palestinian protests and resistance against Israeli occupation, notably the first Intifada from 1987 to 1993 and the second from 2000 to 2005.

Fatah: A major Palestinian political party and faction within the PLO, founded by Yasser Arafat, that has historically been seen as a rival to Hamas in Palestinian politics.