Hamas

Hamas: A Complex Entity in the Middle East

Is Hamas a terrorist organization or a legitimate political movement? The answer isn’t simple, as this organization has evolved significantly over time.

The Genesis of Hamas

Hamas was founded by Ahmed Yassin in 1987 after the outbreak of the First Intifada against Israeli occupation. It emerged from his 1973 Mujama al-Islamiya Islamic charity, affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood. The organization’s journey is marked by its complex relationship with various countries and its evolving stance on Israel.

Political Evolution

Hamas initially sought a state in all of former Mandatory Palestine but now supports a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders without recognizing Israel. This shift has led to debates about whether Hamas’s charter has been updated to reflect a more moderate stance on Israel.

Conflict and Confrontation

Hamas has been involved in multiple wars with Israel, including those in 2008-09, 2012, 2014, 2021, and an ongoing one since 2023. The organization has attacked Israeli civilians using suicide bombings and launched rockets at Israeli cities.

International Perception

Many countries, including Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization. However, some argue that the group’s charter may have been updated to reflect a more moderate stance on Israel.

Leadership and Structure

Hamas has a tripartite structure consisting of social services, religious training, and military operations under a Shura Council. The organization has an internal leadership within the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as an external leadership split between a Gaza group directed by Mousa Abu Marzook and a Kuwaiti group led by Khaled Mashal.

Leadership Transition

In 2017, Ismail Haniyeh became the new leader of Hamas after Mashal’s removal. This transition has had significant implications for the organization’s direction and its relationship with Israel.

Economic and Social Services

Hamas administers waqf properties and endowments in Gaza, generating significant revenue. The organization has separate funding for military, political, and social services. Foreign donations account for 85% of Hamas’s budget, primarily from Persian Gulf states and Saudi Arabia.

Financial Challenges

The organization has faced criticism and sanctions for its alleged connections to terror organizations and illicit activities. The US imposed sanctions on Iran’s Bank Saderat and expressed concerns over Hamas funds through Arab sympathizers in Latin America.

Military Operations and Ideology

Hamas’s military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, is estimated to have 10,000-40,000 operatives. The group has committed massacres targeting Israeli civilians and launched thousands of rockets into Israel since 2001.

Debate on Ideology

The exact nature of Hamas’ relationship with the Brigades is debated, but it appears to operate independently at times, exercising autonomy from the political leadership in Gaza. The group’s ideology aims to liberate Palestine and restore Palestinian rights under the Qur’an.

Media and Propaganda

Hamas has used social media to dehumanize Israelis/Jews, including posters, songs, videos, computer games, training videos for attacks, and anti-Semitic cartoons. The organization’s Al-Aqsa TV channel broadcasts antisemitic messages, children’s shows with ideologically tinged content, news talk, and religiously inspired entertainment.

Surveillance and Control

Hamas has a secret police force that conducts surveillance on Palestinians, compiling files on journalists and government critics. The group’s emblem features the Shahada in white calligraphic script on a green field, symbolizing its commitment to Islamic principles.

Conclusion: A Duality of Purpose

Hamas is a multifaceted entity that has evolved over time. While it has been involved in numerous conflicts and attacks against Israel, the organization also provides social services and has attempted to present itself as a voice for Palestinian suffering. The debate over whether Hamas should be recognized or condemned continues, reflecting the complex nature of its role in the Middle East.