History of Hamas

History of Hamas

Hamas (an acronym for Harakat al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyyah, meaning “Islamic Resistance Movement”) was founded in 1987 during the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. It emerged as an offshoot of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood but took a more militant stance focused on armed resistance against Israel.

History of Hamas:

Founding and Early Years (1987–1993):

Established as both a social and militant organization, providing welfare services like schools, hospitals, and charities in Gaza and the West Bank.

Early activities included attacks against Israeli military targets and settlers.

Oslo Accords and Opposition (1993–2000):

Hamas strongly opposed the Oslo Accords, a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

It launched a campaign of suicide bombings and other attacks aimed at derailing the peace process.

Second Intifada (2000–2005):

Played a major role in violent resistance during the Second Intifada, a period of intensified Israeli-Palestinian violence.

Its military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, carried out numerous attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers.

Political Rise (2006):

Hamas won a majority in the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections, defeating the Fatah party.

This victory led to tensions with Fatah and eventually a violent conflict between the two factions.

Control of Gaza (2007–present):

After a brief civil conflict with Fatah, Hamas took full control of the Gaza Strip in 2007.

Israel and Egypt imposed a blockade on Gaza, citing security concerns related to Hamas’ military activities.

Wars and Conflicts with Israel:

Hamas has been involved in several conflicts with Israel, including wars in 2008–09, 2012, 2014, and subsequent escalations.

These conflicts often involve rocket attacks from Gaza and Israeli military airstrikes.

Current Status:

Hamas continues to govern Gaza while being designated as a terrorist organization by countries like the U.S., Israel, and the European Union.

It remains a significant political and military force in Palestinian politics but is isolated internationally due to its militant activities and refusal to recognize Israel.

Ideology:

Hamas is rooted in Islamist ideology and seeks the establishment of an Islamic state in historic Palestine. While it has provided social services to Palestinians, its charter historically called for the destruction of Israel, although recent political documents have softened some of its rhetoric without officially recognizing Israel’s right to exist.