Hamasz

Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamist fundamentalist organization that currently governs the Gaza Strip. The name Hamas is an acronym for "Harakat al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyyah," which translates to "Islamic Resistance Movement." It was founded in 1987 by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Abdel Aziz al-Rantisi, and others during the First Intifada.

Initially, Hamas's stated goals included the liberation of Palestine from Israeli occupation and the establishment of an Islamic state in its place. The organization has engaged in armed resistance against Israel, including suicide bombings, rocket attacks, and other forms of violence. Israel, the United States, the European Union, Canada, and Japan consider Hamas a terrorist organization.

Hamas also operates a network of social services, including schools, hospitals, and welfare programs, which have helped it gain popular support among Palestinians. In 2006, Hamas won the Palestinian legislative elections, and in 2007, it seized control of the Gaza Strip from the Palestinian Authority following a brief civil war.

Since then, Hamas has been involved in ongoing conflict with Israel, leading to several wars and numerous skirmishes. The organization's governance of Gaza has been characterized by an Israeli-Egyptian blockade, which has had a significant impact on the territory's economy and humanitarian situation. Hamas's ideology and actions remain a subject of international debate and controversy.