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.
In his first speech, IDF chief spokesman Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin added that the military had struck 600 terror targets since the start of the renewed invasion of Gaza.
IDF releases probe into Nova massacre • US sanctions Houthi pipeline for Russian arms and stolen Ukrainian grain • Hamas ignores Israel's hostage deal offer
American regional security depends on Israel transforming its tactical victories against Hamas. The last thing Israel needs is internal strife that contributes to regional destabilization.
Israel said on March 29 it conveyed to the mediators a counter-proposal in full coordination with the US, after Hamas agreed to a proposal from Egyptian and Qatari mediators.
Troops kill dozens of terrorists and locate multiple rocket launchers as the military expands Gaza operations with third division joining the fight.
A Gaza family admitted to killing a Hamas terrorist in retaliation for a relative's death, reflecting growing dissent against Hamas. Another family also accused Hamas police of killing a relative.
Approximately 72% of fatalities are aged 13-55 and are men - the demographic category aligns with Hamas combatants.
Katz to 'Post': No military occupation, but getting closer to large operation if no hostage deal.
Readers of The Jerusalem Post have their say
Former hostage Eliya Cohen reveals brutal captivity conditions and vows to fight for those still held in Gaza • IAF has been conducting extensive strikes through the night in southern Gaza.
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