Hamas

Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist political and militant organization. It was founded in 1987 during the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation. The group has a dual focus: it is involved in both political governance and armed resistance. Hamas is known for its social services, including schools and healthcare, but it is also recognized for its military wing, which has engaged in various conflicts with Israel.

Hamas aims to establish an Islamic state in historical Palestine and has been designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States and the European Union, due to its attacks on civilians and its rejection of Israel’s right to exist. The organization has a complex relationship with the broader Palestinian political landscape, notably with Fatah, the leading faction of the Palestinian Authority, leading to episodes of intra-Palestinian conflict. The governance of Gaza by Hamas since 2007 has resulted in significant political, economic, and humanitarian repercussions for the region and has shaped the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.