HAMAS
Hamas, an acronym for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya (Islamic Resistance Movement), is a Palestinian Islamist political and military organization that operates primarily in the Palestinian territories. It was established in 1987 during the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation.
Hamas was founded as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamic political and social movement that originated in Egypt. It aims to establish an Islamic state in historic Palestine, including the territory of present-day Israel, through armed resistance against perceived Israeli occupation.
Hamas is known for its militant activities, including suicide bombings, rocket attacks, and guerrilla warfare against Israeli forces. It has been designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States, Israel, and the European Union.
However, Hamas also has a significant political presence. It won a majority of seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council during the 2006 elections and has since governed the Gaza Strip. Hamas has established social welfare programs, schools, and hospitals in the areas it controls, gaining support among Palestinians for its provision of basic services.
The group's ideology combines nationalism and Islamism, emphasizing resistance against Israeli occupation and the establishment of a Palestinian state governed by Islamic law. Hamas rejects the legitimacy of the State of Israel and advocates for the right of return for Palestinian refugees.
Hamas has been engaged in intermittent conflicts with Israel, most notably in the Gaza Strip. It has also faced internal challenges, including tensions with the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank. The group has sought reconciliation with its Palestinian rivals, but efforts to form a unified government have been largely unsuccessful.
Despite its controversial tactics and international designation as a terrorist organization, Hamas enjoys support among some Palestinians who view it as a legitimate resistance movement against Israeli occupation. Its role in Palestinian politics and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has made it a significant player in the region.
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