Hamas is a nationalist and Islamist organization that positions itself as a Palestinian resistance group against Israel. However, this organization has an armed wing that carries out violent attacks against Israeli civilians, using rockets, suicide bombers and other means. Furthermore, Hamas does not recognize the existence of Israel and advocates its destruction, denying the right to self-determination of the Jewish people. For these reasons, Hamas is considered a terrorist group by Israel and several other nations, such as the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom.
Origin of Hamas
Hamas emerged in 1987, as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, a movement that seeks the Islamization of Muslim societies. The name Hamas is an acronym for Islamic Resistance Movement, and its objective was to combat the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, territories that were captured by Israel in the 1967 war. Hamas opposed the peace agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), led by Yasser Arafat, and defended armed struggle as the only form of liberation.
Hamas' actions
Hamas operates in different ways in the Gaza Strip, where it has governed since 2007, after expelling forces loyal to the PLO. In addition to its armed wing, known as the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas also carries out social work, such as food distribution, medical assistance and religious education. These activities guarantee him popular support among the poorest and most conservative Palestinians. Hamas also participates in the political process, having won the 2006 legislative elections. However, its government is accused of violating human rights, repressing the opposition and imposing Islamic law.
Conflict with Israel
Hamas is one of the main protagonists in the conflict between Israel and Palestine, which has been going on for decades. The group rejects any negotiated solution that implies the recognition of Israel, and defends the creation of a Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine, including current Israeli territory. To achieve this, Hamas resorts to violence against Israeli military and civilian targets, using rockets launched from Gaza, suicide bombings on buses and restaurants, kidnappings and stabbings. These actions provoke a reaction from Israel, which responds with air strikes, economic blockades and ground incursions into Gaza. The result is a cycle of violence that has caused thousands of deaths and suffering on both sides.
Sources
- [Hamas: what it is, origin, action, Palestinian issue](https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/historiag/hamas.htm)
- [Hamas: understand what the armed Islamic extremist group that attacks Israel is](https://g1.globo.com/mundo/noticia/2023/10/07/hamas-entenda-o-que-e-o -islamic-group-that-confronts-israel.ghtml)
- [Israel-Hamas conflict: 6 questions to understand what is happening](https://www.bbc.com/portuguese/articles/cle68426792o)
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