Hamas - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Hamas is a Palestinian Islamic political organization and militant group that was founded in 1987 during the First Intifada against Israel.
- 2. Hamas's official name is Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya, which translates to Islamic Resistance Movement.
- 3. The group's founding charter calls for the destruction of Israel and the establishment of an Islamic state in historic Palestine.
- 4. Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, the European Union, and several other countries.
- 5. The group has a military wing known as the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, which is responsible for carrying out attacks against Israel.
- 6. Hamas has been involved in numerous terrorist attacks, including suicide bombings, rocket attacks, and kidnappings.
- 7. The group gained significant political power in the Palestinian territories after winning the 2006 parliamentary elections.
- 8. Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip in 2007 after a violent conflict with rival Palestinian faction Fatah.
- 9. The group has been heavily criticized for its human rights abuses, including the use of civilians as human shields and the oppression of political dissent.
- 10. Despite its militant activities, Hamas also operates social service programs in the Gaza Strip, providing healthcare, education, and other services to the Palestinian population.