1. Hamas Founding and Ideology
Hamas, an acronym for “Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya” (Islamic Resistance Movement), was founded in 1987 during the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli rule. Its founding ideology is rooted in Islamism, and it seeks to establish an Islamic state in historic Palestine, including present-day Israel. (Source)
2. Origins in the Muslim Brotherhood
Hamas emerged as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, a pan-Islamic political and social movement. While the Muslim Brotherhood has different branches and affiliations across the world, Hamas specifically represents the Palestinian chapter. (Source)
Also Read: Is the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization?
3. Dual Structure
Hamas operates with a dual structure, which includes its political and military wings. The political wing is involved in governance and social services, while the military wing, known as the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, conducts armed resistance against Israeli forces and is responsible for attacks.
4. Charitable Activities
Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya runs various charitable and social programs, providing healthcare, education, and welfare services to the Palestinian population, especially in the Gaza Strip. These activities have contributed to its popularity among some segments of the Palestinian population.
5. International Designations
The United States, the European Union, Israel, Canada, and several other countries have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization. The United Nations, however, does not classify Hamas as a terrorist organization, but it does condemn acts of terrorism carried out by any group. The ally countries of Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya are Iran, Algeria, Afghanistan, Turkey and Qatar while opponents are Israel, Egypt, Jordon, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
6. Armed Conflict
Hamas has been involved in multiple conflicts with Israel, including the 2008-2009 Gaza War, the 2012 Gaza conflict, and the 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict. These conflicts have resulted in significant casualties and destruction in the Gaza Strip.
7. Ceasefire Agreements
Over the years, there have been several ceasefire agreements and truces between Israel and Hamas, brokered by various mediators, including Egypt and the United Nations. These agreements have aimed at reducing hostilities and improving conditions for the people of Gaza. (Source)
8. Controversial Status
The status of Hamas is a contentious issue, with some arguing that its armed resistance against Israeli occupation is legitimate under international law, while others contend that its tactics, including attacks on civilians, constitute terrorism.
9. Election Victory in 2006
In Palestinian politics, Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya has had a complex relationship with the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority. In the Palestinian legislative elections of 2006, Hamas achieved a surprise victory, winning a majority of seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council. This led to a subsequent power struggle with Fatah and a division between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
10. Control of Gaza
After the 2006 election victory, tensions between Fatah and Hamas escalated, resulting in the violent takeover of the Gaza Strip by Hamas in 2007. This led to a political and territorial division, with Hamas governing Gaza and the Palestinian Authority (led by Fatah) controlling the West Bank.
11. Tunnel Networks
Hamas has been known to construct extensive tunnel networks in the Gaza Strip. These tunnels serve multiple purposes, including smuggling goods, circumventing blockades, and conducting military operations. Some tunnels have extended into Israeli territory, raising security concerns for Israel.
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