Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni Islamic terrorist organization that operates primarily in Gaza and the West Bank, with holdings in Arab countries throughout the Middle East.
Hamas was an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood political movement, and was established in 1987 in the wake of the First Intifada. According to Hamas’s charter, the organization was established to liberate Palestine from Israel in order to establish an Islamic state. It holds aspirations on all territory between the Mediterranean seas and the Jordan river, and refuses to acknowledge Israel in any capacity.
The group has a military wing, known as the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. Hamas has used a wide range of tactics, but it does not discriminate in its targets, and often targets civilians. It is recognized by most Western states as a terrorist organization. Hamas has engaged in a number of military confrontations with Israel. Its military wing has employed tactics such as suicide bombings, rocket attacks, kidnapping attempts, and tunnel infiltrations against Israeli soldiers and civilians.
In 2006, the Palestinians held legislative elections in Gaza, but when Hamas won, there was a civil war, and Hamas seized full control of the Strip. Under Hamas, Gaza has been in a longstanding state of conflict with Israel. From the 2005 Israeli disengagement onwards, Hamas has continued to commit terrorist attacks against Israelis from Gaza, and several operations have been fought to quell Hamas attacks, including 2008's Cast Lead, 2011's Pillar of Defense, 2014's Protective Edge, and 2021's Guardian of the Walls.
Hamdan confirmed that contact with Hamas's two leaders, Muhammad Deif and Yahya Sinwar, is permanent and that constant close monitoring is conducted in the field.
During an interview with CNN, he said that any group that kills a mass amount of people is a terrorist organization.
The soldiers also found stockpiles of weapons, documents, and military equipment across Gaza while conducting search operations.
“The UN cares nothing for Israeli blood. It is a collaborator with the Nazis of our day. Working to ensure Hamas’ survival and even reward them for murder and rape. I have no words,” Erdan stated.
There is not only no evidence connecting Israel to doing so, but the IDF, with all of the criticism, has shown unprecedented openness to international media to see and learn what it is doing in Gaza.
About 43% of Israelis support the establishment of a moderate Palestinian government to replace Hamas.
Fighter jets and the 99th Division targeted several terrorists who directed indirect fire at Israeli forces in Gaza.
France's foreign minister continues diplomatic efforts for a truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict, seeking release of hostages, coordinating with Egypt.
Majority of Israelis want Netanyahu to resign • Son of Hamas leader defends Israel's need to invade Rafah • Protesters block aid from entering Gaza
65% of respondents doubt Netanyahu's claims that Israel is on the verge of victory in ongoing conflicts.
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