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 in the occupied territories. Hamas' ideology combines Palestinian nationalism with Islamic fundamentalism.
Hamas governs the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory bordered by Israel and Egypt. It took control of Gaza in 2007 after a violent conflict with rival Palestinian faction Fatah, leading to a political and territorial split between Gaza and the West Bank.
Hamas has a military wing called the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. It is responsible for armed resistance activities against Israel, including rocket attacks and guerilla warfare.
Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by several countries and organizations, including the United States, the European Union, Canada, and Israel. This designation is due to its history of violence against Israeli civilians and its stated goal of eliminating the State of Israel.
Hamas has been involved in several conflicts with Israel, including the Gaza-Israel conflicts in 2008-2009, 2012, 2014, and many more, the most recent one is the ongoing Killings and kidnappings.
In addition to its military activities, Hamas provides social services to the Palestinian population in Gaza, including healthcare, education, and welfare programs.
Hamas operates both as a military organization and as a political party. It participates in Palestinian legislative elections and won a majority in the 2006 elections. However, its control over Gaza has effectively created a divided Palestinian political landscape.
Hamas has entered into various ceasefire agreements with Israel over the years, brokered by regional and international actors. However, these ceasefires have often been short-lived, with periodic escalations in violence resuming after a period of relative calm.
Hamas has faced criticism for its use of violence, including rocket attacks targeting civilian areas in Israel. Human rights organizations have also criticized both Hamas and Israel for civilian casualties during conflicts.
While Hamas is isolated diplomatically in many parts of the world, it receives political and financial support from countries such as Iran and Qatar. Its relations with other regional powers, including Egypt and some Arab states, have been complex and often influenced by geopolitical considerations.