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.
Iranian president reportedly wounded during 12 day war, Netanyahu speaks to Fox on Gaza, Iran
IAI launches satellite with the help of SpaceX • Hamas likely to step up efforts to kidnap IDF troops • Most Israelis favor single-phase deal to return hostages, end Gaza war
Iran willing to use nuclear bomb against Israel, Netanyahu warns in Fox News interview
Hamas likely to step up efforts to kidnap IDF troops, experts warn - report
WATCH: Smoke clouds across Beit Hanun after IAF strikes 35 Hamas targets
Israel needs to accept that revenge is a valid option - opinion
Revenge is the answer for those who believe they can rape, torture, butcher, and then sleep peacefully at night. It is not just primal. It is moral.
IDF targets Hamas, PIJ explosives, observation posts in bid to stop ambushes on troops
On Tuesday, the IDF announced that five soldiers were killed, and 14 were wounded in Beit Hanun by an explosive device Hamas terrorists planted.
PMO: Hamas is sabotaging hostage deal negotiations to pressure Israeli public
"Hamas rejected the Qatari proposal, is creating obstacles, refuses to compromise, and accompanies the talks with psychological warfare aimed at sabotaging the negotiations."
How the Hebron emirate initiative changes the two-state solution - opinion
Sheikh Wadee al-Jaabari of Hebron announced this week their plans to rebel against the Palestinian Authority, join the Abraham Accords, and recognize the Jewish state.
IDF confirms deaths of key PIJ terrorists, one of whom infiltrated Israel on Oct. 7
Additionally, the military killed a terrorist cell in Khan Yunis, and dismantled a terror tunnel approximately one kilometer long.
Surgeons remove bullet lodged in ex-hostage Daniella Gilboa's ankle since Oct. 7
Gilboa noted in her Instagram post that the day of her surgery was "one of the happiest days of [her] life."
Palestinian Authority police officers conducted terror attack in West Bank, PA to probe attack
The two carried out a combined shooting and stabbing attack at the Gush Etzion junction, murdering 22-year-old Israeli Shalev Zevuloni.
Gaza's deadly challenge: IDF faces renewed attacks as Hamas, allies regroup - analysis
As ceasefire talks continue, Hamas and other terrorist groups such as Islamic Jihad may be trying to go on the offensive in Gaza.
WATCH: IDF soldiers destroy Khan Yunis terror tunnel, dismantle terror infrastructure across Gaza
The tunnel was approximately 500 meters long and 13 meters deep. The IDF's Golani Brigade also killed dozens of terrorists and destroyed over 130 terror infrastructure items over the past week.
Ben-Gvir claims Gaza ceasefire negotiations encourage Hamas to continue kidnapping Israelis
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on Netanyahu to stop negotations with Hamas terrorists after the attempted kidnapping led to the death of an IDF soldier on Wednesday.
Mahmoud Abbas insists US includes PA in Gaza ceasefire negotiations - report
Abbas, with support from Saudi Arabia, stated that the PA needs to be at the negotiating table to discuss long-term security arrangements, N12 reported on Thursday.
