Hamas

Hamas

Fields:	Politics
Case File:	Terrorist Organizations Main Page

Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni Islamist political and militant organization founded in December 1987 during the First Intifada by Ahmed Yassin and others affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood. It governs the Gaza Strip since seizing control from rival faction Fatah in 2007.

Ideology and Goals

Hamas combines Palestinian nationalism with Islamic fundamentalism, aiming to liberate historic Palestine from Israeli occupation. Its original 1988 charter called for the destruction of Israel and establishment of an Islamic state, containing antisemitic rhetoric. In 2017, it released a new policy document that removed overtly antisemitic language, stated its conflict was with Zionism, not Jews, and expressed willingness to accept a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, though it still does not recognize Israel’s legitimacy.

Military Wing and Tactics

The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades is its armed wing, responsible for numerous attacks against Israel, including suicide bombings, rocket barrages, and tunnel warfare. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a surprise assault on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking around 251 hostages, marking the deadliest day in Israel’s history. The group uses hostage-taking to negotiate prisoner releases.

International Designation and Support

Hamas is designated a foreign terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Israel, and others. It receives financial and military support from Iran and has ties to the Axis of Resistance, including Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Leadership and Current Status

After the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in July 2024 and Yahya Sinwar in October 2024, leadership has reportedly shifted to Mohammed Sinwar (aka "Shadow") and Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who remain active in Gaza. As of early 2026, Hamas continues to operate amid ongoing conflict and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.