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.
Lost in the wilderness of the Middle East, the Hamas political bureau is looking for a new home following rumors of looming expulsion from Qatar and refusals of welcome from Turkey and Jordan.
Despite these calculations, the US is still unsure of whether Israel will act on its initial goal of entering Gaza's southernmost city, where, according to reports, one million Gazans are sheltering.
Israel's 76th Independence Day celebrations are subdued amid the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack and war in Gaza, with somber reflections and scaled-back events.
Rep. Jamaal Bowman and challenger George Latimer clash over Israel, funding sources, and domestic issues in the heated Democratic primary debate.
The Palestinian population has been raised on anti-Israel and anti-Jewish/antisemitic propaganda. Their ultimate goal? The eradication of the Jewish state.
Republican senators urge IRS to investigate nonprofits backing pro-Palestinian groups like National Students for Justice in Palestine, alleging support for terrorism.
Jewish congregations worldwide adjust Israel's Independence Day celebrations amid Israel-Hamas conflict, addressing complex feelings with ceremonies focusing on democracy and unity.
Rabbi Mikie Goldstein offers a thought-provoking critique of Israel's policies and actions, questioning war strategies, and the true meaning of independence.
The new installation in Berlin has been inspired by the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, a public plaza located outside of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art that also showcases those held in Hamas captivity.
A Turkish official later said Erdogan had "misspoke" and meant that Gazans more generally were being treated in Turkey.
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