Hamas

Hamas: A Complex Entity in the Middle East

Imagine a political organization that has been at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since 1987, with roots deeply embedded in both religious and social activism. That’s Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), a Palestinian nationalist Sunni Islamist political organization that has governed Gaza since 2007. Founded by Ahmed Yassin, it emerged from his charity affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, promoting Palestinian nationalism within an Islamic context.

But what exactly does this mean for its policies and actions? How can we understand Hamas’s complex stance towards Israel, its military wing, and its relationships with various countries?

The Evolution of Hamas

Hamas has a long history of armed conflict with Israel. From the 2008-09 Gaza War to the 2014 and 2021 conflicts, it has launched rocket attacks on Israeli targets. However, in 2008, after a ceasefire agreement, these attacks ceased. Yet, the ceasefire broke down, leading to Israel’s military response that caused significant casualties.

Since then, Hamas has faced international isolation and blockades while engaging in sporadic rocket attacks against Israel. The organization’s policy towards Israel has evolved over time. Historically, it envisioned a Palestinian state on all of the territory belonging to the British Mandate for Palestine. However, more recently, it has accepted the establishment of a Palestinian state ‘on the basis of June 4, 1967’ (West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem).

But this acceptance does not mean Hamas has given up its long-term objective of establishing one state in former Mandatory Palestine. The group’s founder, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, offered Israel a ten-year hudna (truce) in return for complete Israeli withdrawal from the territories captured in 1967 and the establishment of a Palestinian state in West Bank and Gaza.

Leadership and Internal Structure

The leadership of Hamas has seen significant changes. Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in July 2024, was succeeded by his younger brother, Mohammed Sinwar. This succession highlights the internal dynamics within the organization.

Hamas’s structure is complex and secretive. It functions through a tripartite system consisting of social services, religious training, and military operations under a Shura Council. The council elects the 15-member Political Bureau that makes decisions for Hamas. The organization has four distinct functions: charitable social welfare, military division, security service, and media branch.

The exact structure is unclear due to secrecy, but it’s known that Hamas assumes administration of Gaza’s waqf properties and has separate resourcing for its military, political, and social services branches. By 2017, the organization had a budget mostly derived from foreign sources, with primary contributors including Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Britain, Germany, the United States, and France.

International Relations

Hamas’s relationships with various countries are multifaceted. It has developed ties with Iran, Russia, and other secular states while maintaining connections with Qatar and Turkey. The relationship with Qatar is particularly significant, as it provides financial assistance and hosts Hamas’s political bureau.

However, tensions have arisen between Hamas and Egypt, which outlawed the Muslim Brotherhood and destroyed Hamas tunnels after removing Morsi from power. Despite these challenges, Hamas has made diplomatic tours abroad to maintain its international presence.

Conclusion

Hamas is a complex entity with a rich history of conflict and negotiation. Its stance towards Israel remains ambiguous, balancing between armed resistance and the possibility of a truce. The organization’s internal structure and relationships with various countries add layers to its identity. As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, Hamas will likely remain a pivotal player in shaping the future of Palestine.