Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni Islamic terrorist organization that operates primarily in Gaza and the West Bank, with holdings in Arab countries throughout the Middle East.
Hamas was an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood political movement, and was established in 1987 in the wake of the First Intifada. According to Hamas’s charter, the organization was established to liberate Palestine from Israel in order to establish an Islamic state. It holds aspirations on all territory between the Mediterranean seas and the Jordan river, and refuses to acknowledge Israel in any capacity.
The group has a military wing, known as the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades. Hamas has used a wide range of tactics, but it does not discriminate in its targets, and often targets civilians. It is recognized by most Western states as a terrorist organization. Hamas has engaged in a number of military confrontations with Israel. Its military wing has employed tactics such as suicide bombings, rocket attacks, kidnapping attempts, and tunnel infiltrations against Israeli soldiers and civilians.
In 2006, the Palestinians held legislative elections in Gaza, but when Hamas won, there was a civil war, and Hamas seized full control of the Strip. Under Hamas, Gaza has been in a longstanding state of conflict with Israel. From the 2005 Israeli disengagement onwards, Hamas has continued to commit terrorist attacks against Israelis from Gaza, and several operations have been fought to quell Hamas attacks, including 2008's Cast Lead, 2011's Pillar of Defense, 2014's Protective Edge, 2021's Guardian of the Walls, and 2024's Operation Swords of Iron.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists carried out an unprecedented invasion of southern Israel under the cover of widespread rocket-fire, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping hundreds to serve as hostages in Gaza. This started the ongoing Israel-Hamas War, which has seen the IDF carry out numerous strikes in Gaza and carrying out a ground invasion to wipe the terrorist group out.
In the year since, the IDF has managed to take out most of Hamas's leadership, including Saleh al-Arouri, Mohammed Deif, Yahya Sinwar, and Ismail Haniyeh.
The globalization of the intifada is the result of Hamas launching an international propaganda campaign that fuels terror around the world.
"The decision presented today was a gift to Hamas and a significant boost to terrorism," Ambassador Danny Danon said.
Canada’s targeting of IDF reservists who fought Hamas is a betrayal; it is rewarding terror instead of defending democracy.
"The claim the BBC took down a story after reviewing footage is completely wrong," the British state broadcaster said in response to Leavitt.
War is conducted in a fog, but the latest media blunder in reporting the Israel-Hamas War will affect Jews and Israel supporters globally.
IDF announces reservist killed in Gaza • IDF strikes Syria following exchange of rocket fire • UN Security Council to vote Wednesday on Gaza action
Hamas demands US guarantees that negotiations for a deal, including a ceasefire, will continue after the initial 60-day period, a source told the Post.
US envoy Steve Witkoff attempted to arrange a meeting between Dermer and Al-Thani, but it never came to fruition.
Hamas described Matthew Miller’s comments as a “significant admission that condemns the occupation and exposes its crimes.”
The aid sites are one of the most significant places where Hamas wants to see chaos unfold, and it hopes that additional incidents can be exploited.
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