Hamász

Hamás, officially Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya, is a Palestinian Islamist organization that emerged during the First Intifada in 1987. It grew out of the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood and combines religious and nationalist aims, advocating the creation of an Islamic Palestinian state and opposing the legitimacy of the Israeli state. The group operates as both a political movement and an armed faction, with a long history of social service networks in Palestinian communities as well as militant activity.

The organization is structured with a political leadership and a military wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades. Its charter and public statements emphasize armed struggle against Israel, though over the years Hamas has also engaged in political processes and governance, particularly in the Gaza Strip. In the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections, Hamas won a plurality of seats, leading to a government that was not recognized by Israel or several international actors. In 2007, after factional fighting with Fatah, Hamas took control of Gaza, while the Palestinian Authority, dominated by Fatah, retained influence in parts of the West Bank. Since then, Hamas has governed Gaza and has frequently clashed with Israel, including major conflicts in 2008–09, 2012, 2014, and subsequent escalations.

Internationally, Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, Canada, Israel, and several other states, though some governments maintain channels for dialogue or humanitarian coordination. The group also runs extensive social, educational, and health services in Gaza and other Palestinian communities, contributing to its political legitimacy among supporters while facing criticism and isolation from many international actors.