Hamas
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.
Will US back Israeli preemptive actions? - opinion
Will the US support Israel’s new post-October 7 doctrine of preemption and deterrence, or will Washington revert to urging Israeli restraint once ceasefires are established?
Is West Bank terror threat reduced or concealed? - analysis
Netanyahu to visit Washington on Monday, source tells 'Post'
Awaiting Hamas's response: Will an expanded IDF ground operation free hostages, defeat Hamas?
'Pro-Israel lobbyists' pressured 'unlawful' sacking of Australian journalist, court rules
ABC leadership advised Lattouf not to post anything on social media that would suggest she was not impartial in relation to the Israel-Hamas war.
The history of Jew-hatred is repeating across the UK - editorial
Many Jews in Britain have professed their fear of the future. Many have decided that enough is enough and that the time has now come to move to Israel, or other, safer pastures for Jews.
Trump vs Israel's legal system: Why canceling Netanyahu's trial is so difficult - opinion
Trump certainly has little or no knowledge about Israel’s legal and judicial systems. The US president is not really well informed about the essence of Netanyahu’s trial.
IDF arrests several suspects in southern Syria, remove threats against Golan Heights residents
The brigade had also completed several raids on weapons depots this week and even arrested more terror suspects, who were transferred for further investigation.
Greta Thunberg's 'Freedom Flotilla' puts the UK in a legal, moral quagmire - opinion
The so-called “Freedom Flotilla,” a political theater disguised as humanitarian urgency, has sailed not just toward Gaza but straight into the heart of legal and moral peril for the United Kingdom.
GHF discloses 12 of its local staff members murdered by Hamas, others tortured in Gaza
GHF announced that 12 of its local staff have been murdered, and others have been tortured.
Trump working to advance deal to release all Israeli hostages held in Gaza - exclusive
One option currently back on the table is the exile of Hamas leaders, as previously reported by The Jerusalem Post.
Hamas increased torture against dissident Gazans while world focused on Israel, Iran war - report
This is part of an "escalating wave of bloodshed unleashed by Hamas against the ordinary Gazans it purports to represent," the Telegraph reported.
Israel's offensive on Hamas is stalled in the sands of Gaza - what's next for the IDF? - analysis
Operation “Gideon’s Chariots” was meant to decisively conquer Gaza, but months into the campaign, challenges remain as Hamas still holds control over the territory.
Israeli forces uncover extensive Hamas terror network in West Bank, arrest 60 terrorists
Over 60 terrorists organized into 10 terror cells were arrested by security forces, with most being released prisoners.
Israeli cabinet undecided after hostage deal meeting, Trump pushing deal to end Gaza war
IDF announces fallen soldier • Trump says he won't allow Iran to enrich uranium • Netanyahu's testimony in corruption trial canceled
