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.
Most Israelis support temporary military occupation of Gaza, JCFA survey finds
64% of Jewish Israelis and 52% of all Israelis prefer the option of a temporary occupation of the Gaza Strip after the war, according to a survey that asked 700 participants.
'Deeply shocking': British soldiers dismissed after sharing graphic videos of Hamas on Oct 7
WATCH: Saudi normalization possible without commitment to Palestinian state, Deputy FM tells 'Post'
October 7 probe: 35 Hamas terrorists overran Mop Darom base, led to collapse of camp's defense
US, allies agree August deadline for Iran nuclear deal, Netanyahu offers to fire Edelstein
US asks Israel to stop strikes on Syrian military forces in south Syria • Shas could resign from gov't as soon as Thursday following UTJ's exit
No mercy: Israel’s tactics in confronting terror - opinion
Israel has sent an unequivocal message that its reach will extend to anyone daring to threaten it.
Ilana Gritzwesky, former Gaza hostage, recounts abuse in captivity
The former hostage gave testimony about the sexual abuse she endured at the hands of Hamas terrorists after being taken into captivity on October 7.
Israel submits third map for ceasefire negotiations, sources tell 'Post'
Israel has submitted a new map for consideration, and meets with the head of Egyptian Intelligence Service amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
Hamas uses Gaza's rubble as a tactical advantage against the IDF - analysis
Hamas apparently believes that the IDF views ruined areas as secure. As such, it thinks that it can move more freely in these areas.
Odeh impeachment fails as haredi party, opposition MKs abstain
The upcoming vote to impeach MK Ayman Odeh is unlikely to receive a majority vote after the haredi United Torah Judaism party announced its intention to abstain.
BBC's Gaza documentary narrated by Hamas official's son breaches editorial guidelines, report finds
While the BBC declared the documentary an "important record," but by failing to disclose the narrator's connection to Hamas, it breached editorial guidelines on accuracy.
Security forces kill terrorist who held Emily Damari hostage in his Gaza home
Quneita was a member of Hamas' Al-Furqan Battalions' military intelligence battalion, and infiltrated Israel on October 7.
War in Israel: A real-life Marvel movie that isn't over yet - opinion
From the shocking beginning that was the October 7 massacre, to the stunning aerial assault on Iran, the war in Israel developed like a real-life drama.
Tank explosion kills three soldiers in north Gaza, IDF soldier takes own life on northern base
Degel Hatorah announces exit from gov't • EU sees some good signs on Gaza aid but more needed • Israel submits third map for ceasefire negotiations
IDF failed to protect Ofakim on Oct. 7, leading to death of 33 Israelis, incl. 25 civilians - probe
Security forces in Ofakim, including police officers, armed civilians, and IDF soldiers were motivated to repel Hamas's Nukhba force terrorists, leading to the killing of all 15, the probe noted.
