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 three hostages released last week revealed that they were kept as domestic slaves for Hamas terrorists.
Thousands flocked in to welcome the released prisoners in Gaza, chanting Allahu Akbar "God is greatest" and "Greeting to Qassam Brigades."
The hostages were also given "gift bags," similar to those received by Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher during the first exchange.
The IDF announced a new multi-agency center for managing the ceasefire and ongoing prisoner release.
The Israel-Hamas War has increased the risk of women becoming "chained" in their marriages because they can't get a Jewish divorce.
Agam Berger's quiet strengh and faith shines through in the braids that many released hostages leave Gaza with, which are reportedly her doing.
Israel demands Hamas release hostage Arbel Yehoud and has accused the terrorist organization of ceasefire breach.
A Hamas official told Reuters that Yehoud, who was 28 at the time of her abduction, is still alive and will be released next Saturday.
“We remain steadfast in our determination to bring home Arbel Yehud, as well as Shiri Bibas and her two young children, Kfir and Ariel, whose wellbeing is of utmost concern.”
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