Introduction
Hamas—an acronym for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islāmiyya, or the Islamic Resistance Movement—is a Palestinian Islamist political and militant group established in December 1987, during the early stages of the First Intifada. The organization operates mainly in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and since 2007, it has served as the de facto governing authority in Gaza, while also remaining a key player in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
Many countries, including the United States and the European Union, classify Hamas as a terrorist organization, whereas others regard it as a legitimate resistance movement.
Origins & Ideology
Hamas was born out of the Muslim Brotherhood’s networks in Gaza and the West Bank, blending Islamic ideology with Palestinian nationalism. Its founding charter (1988) identified all of historic Palestine as sacred Islamic land that could not be relinquished to non-Muslims, portraying armed resistance (jihad) as both a religious and national duty.
Over time, Hamas has taken on a dual identity—functioning both as a social welfare organization, running schools, hospitals, and charities, and as a militant group through its armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
Political Rise & Governance
In January 2006, Hamas achieved a major political victory, winning a majority in the Palestinian Legislative Council elections and defeating its long-time rival, Fatah.
A year later, in 2007, following violent confrontations with Fatah, Hamas seized complete control of Gaza, establishing itself as the ruling authority in the territory. Since then, it has managed civil governance in Gaza—overseeing education, healthcare, policing, and trade—while simultaneously maintaining its military operations and engaging in several armed conflicts with Israel.
Militant Activity & Conflict
The military wing of Hamas has conducted numerous attacks against both Israeli military and civilian targets, utilizing tactics such as rocket fire, suicide bombings, tunnel operations, and guerrilla-style attacks.
A major escalation occurred on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise assault on southern Israel, resulting in significant casualties and hostage-taking. This attack triggered an extensive Israeli military campaign and marked one of the most violent chapters in the recent history of the conflict.
International Status & Funding
The United States designated Hamas a terrorist organization in 1997, a position later adopted by the European Union (first applying to its military wing in 2001 and subsequently to the entire organization in many EU states). Several other countries maintain the same stance.
Hamas receives varying degrees of political, financial, and logistical support from both state and non-state actors, including Iran, Qatar, and Turkey. These relationships have been central to sustaining its governance and military capabilities.
Social Role & Local Support
In addition to its militant and political activities, Hamas has established itself as a major provider of social services within Palestinian society. It operates schools, clinics, and welfare programs that address the needs of impoverished communities, particularly in Gaza.
This social service network has strengthened Hamas’s grassroots support, especially among Palestinians struggling with economic hardship, unemployment, and political division.
Controversies & Challenges
Hamas’s targeting of civilians through its armed operations has drawn widespread international condemnation and forms the basis for its terrorist classification in many countries.
Its governance in Gaza has also been criticized for authoritarian practices, such as suppressing dissent, restricting freedoms, and prioritizing military objectives over civilian welfare.
Repeated wars with Israel have devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, deepened the humanitarian crisis, and contributed to regional instability. Moreover, Hamas’s rivalry with Fatah continues to fragment Palestinian politics, complicating efforts toward national unity and peace negotiations.
Why Hamas Matters
Hamas plays a pivotal role in shaping the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and the broader regional dynamics. Its influence extends across multiple areas:
- The future of Palestinian statehood and prospects for peace.
- Israel’s security strategies and foreign policy decisions.
- The humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where it governs under blockade and recurrent conflict.
- Regional geopolitics, particularly through its ties with Iran, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
Conclusion
Hamas represents a multifaceted organization—part militant movement, part political authority, and part social welfare network—operating within one of the world’s most protracted conflicts.
To understand Hamas is to engage with the core complexities of the Israeli–Palestinian struggle: the clash between occupation and resistance, the interplay of faith and politics, and the human cost of decades of violence, siege, and displacement.
