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.
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
Surgeons remove bullet lodged in ex-hostage Daniella Gilboa's ankle since Oct. 7
Palestinian Authority police officers conducted terror attack in West Bank, PA to probe attack
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.
What is the Morag Corridor and why is it important? - explainer
As Israel and Hamas negotiate a ceasefire, the Morag Corridor has become a key tactical asset, but it's unclear whether keeping IDF troops on the corridor post-ceasefire is a dealbreaker for Israel.
IDF begins encircling Beit Hanun, destroying Hamas infrastructure in northern Gaza
The encirclement began shortly after five IDF soldiers were killed and an additional 14 wounded due to a Hamas ambush and several IEDs in the area.
IDF responses to war crimes charges delayed again for months due to Iran op.
There is now a third major probe into potential abuse of Palestinian detainees which could eventually lead to multiple indictments.
IDF conducts targeted operations in Lebanon, strike over 100 terror targets in Gaza
The military said these targets included terrorists, booby-trapped structures, weapons storage facilities, anti-tank missile launch posts, tunnels, and other sites.
We bombed Iran with precision - why can’t we control Gaza with purpose? - opinion
To achieve victory in Gaza, we must establish absolute control over the land, the people, and every critical resource.
IDF announces soldier killed in Gaza, Netanyahu: Good chance we will reach a ceasefire
'Conditions created' to advance hostage deal, IDF Chief of Staff Zamir says • Netanyahu, Hegseth meet at Pentagon • IDF encircles Beit Hanun, conducts targeted ops in Lebanon
Zionists understand: You can revive reputations, but not dead Israelis - opinion
Israelis welcome the prospect of a future in which they are no longer surrounded by well-armed enemies determined to do them harm, even if it means being viewed negatively by the rest of the world.
