UNDERSTANDING HAMAS: Origins, Objectives, and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

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In the complex and tumultuous landscape of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one organization stands prominently at the forefront: Hamas, formally known as the Islamic Resistance Movement. This group exerts a considerable influence in the Palestinian territories, particularly in the Gaza Strip. To gain a comprehensive understanding of this enduring conflict, it is imperative to delve into Hamas's identity, organizational structure, motivations for its actions against Israel, and the methods it employs. 

This blog post aims to illuminate these aspects while also providing insights into Israel's perspective and how the current conflict will develop in the near future.


WHO IS HAMAS?

Hamas, or Harakat al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyyah in Arabic, emerged amid the turmoil of the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation, in 1987. Deeply rooted in Palestinian soil, Hamas has evolved into a multifaceted entity that combines both political and militant dimensions. Unlike other Palestinian factions, Hamas occupies a unique position by seamlessly blending political activism with military activities.

Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, a Palestinian cleric who had been involved in the local branches of the Muslim Brotherhood, established Hamas in December 1987 as an extension of the Muslim Brotherhood's political arm in Gaza. This move was in response to the violent resistance posed by another organization, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which threatened to divert Palestinian support away from the Brotherhood. In 1988, Hamas published a charter advocating for the destruction of Israel and the establishment of an Islamic society in historical Palestine. In 2017, they updated this charter, albeit without recognizing Israel.

Hamas operates through a dual-pronged structure comprising a political wing led by Ismail Haniyeh and a military wing known as the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, headed by Marwan Issa and Mohammed Deif. Within Palestinian communities, Hamas also fulfills social roles, providing essential services such as healthcare, education, and welfare, which has endeared it to the local populace.

Hamas's raison d'être revolves around resisting Israeli occupation and pursuing Palestinian self-determination. They perceive armed struggle as a means to safeguard Palestinian rights and territory. A central grievance is the Israeli blockade of Gaza, which has led to dire humanitarian conditions and economic hardships, justifying, in their view, their armed resistance.

METHODS OF ENGAGEMENT

Hamas employs a range of tactics to target Israeli interests, each with its distinct challenges and implications. These tactics include rocket attacks from Gaza, past suicide bombings, and an intricate network of underground tunnels. These actions significantly impact Israeli civilians, instilling fear and insecurity.

Hamas often targets IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) personnel and attempts kidnappings. In the most recent attack on October 7th, hundreds of hostages were taken from the streets and a music festival, with Hamas threatening to execute them one by one if Israel continues its airstrikes. Additionally, Hamas maintains a network of tunnels stretching between Gaza and Israeli territory, which they use for abducting IDF soldiers and civilians.

Other tactics include suicide bombings, the placement of explosives along the security fence, launching missiles from inhabited areas, concealing ammunition and arms factories within civilian zones, and situating military installations amid civilian structures. These strategies have prompted accusations that Hamas employs Gaza civilians as human shields, prioritizing their political interests and ideologies above the well-being of the local population.

Following the recent attack on Israel, the Gaza population has faced increased isolation due to a full siege imposed by Israel, cutting off essential utilities such as power, water, and gas and preventing the flow of aid. The region continues to endure constant bombardments from the Israeli side.

Damage caused by missiles from Israel in Gaza 

HAMAS FROM THE PALESTINIANS' PERSPECTIVE

Determining Palestinian sentiment toward Hamas leadership in Gaza can be challenging. Many Palestinians view the separation of the West Bank and Gaza as one of the most detrimental developments affecting their population, even surpassing the creation of Israel. A June 2023 poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PCPSR) revealed that over 50% of respondents in both Gaza and the West Bank would vote for Hamas leader Haniyeh over PA President Mahmoud Abbas in a presidential election, with Abbas receiving only one-third of the votes.

However, Abbas indefinitely postponed national elections scheduled for 2021, ostensibly due to Israel's alleged refusal to permit Palestinians from East Jerusalem to participate in voting. Observers speculate that Abbas may have sought to prevent a likely Hamas victory.

A TERRORIST ORGANISATION IN THE EYES OF MANY COUNTRIES 

Israel perceives Hamas through a vastly different lens. Designating Hamas as a terrorist organization, Israel regards the group as a severe security threat. Rocket attacks and infiltrations through tunnels into Israeli territory have resulted in casualties and destruction, prompting Israel's primary concern: safeguarding its citizens and maintaining security.

The recent attack on October 7th, 2023, deeply shook the Israeli population. The scale of destruction and tactics employed in this attack were unprecedented, leading Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pledge a comprehensive military response.

Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by numerous countries, including Israel, the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom.

The Gaza Strip is bordered by Israel and Egypt, who strictly control who comes in and out of the region. (Picture: Encyclopaedia Britannica) 

ATTACK ON SATURDAY, 7TH OCTOBER 2023

On the morning of Saturday, October 7th, at 6:30 am, Hamas executed a brazen assault on their intended target. The incident sent shockwaves across Israel as the deafening wail of sirens pierced the air, heralding the launch of rockets from the Gaza Strip. According to Hamas's claims, they unleashed a staggering 5,000 rockets in their initial salvo, while Israeli intelligence assessments pared this figure down to 2,500.

In a coordinated offensive, Hamas militants infiltrated Southern Israel using a variety of vehicles, spanning land, air, and sea. Their audacious assault struck 22 locations within Israeli territory, employing a diverse array of modes, including motorcycles, pickup trucks, paragliders, and speedboats. The motives behind this audacious attack remain shrouded in mystery.

Hamas spokesperson Khaled Qadomi, speaking to the news outlet Al Jazeera, offered some insight into the group's rationale. He asserted that the military operation was a direct response to a series of provocations by Israeli politicians and settlers at Jerusalem's revered Al-Aqsa Mosque, a site of profound significance in Islam. Additionally, Hamas cited decades of violence and discrimination endured by Palestinians at the hands of Israel as further motivation for their actions.

WHAT LIES AHEAD IN THE CONFLICT

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains in its early stages, and its future trajectory remains highly unpredictable. Hamas may have undertaken a more significant challenge than initially anticipated, as Israel stands ready to respond with the full might of its military capabilities and the support of allies such as the United States. Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed faction, has also hinted at potential involvement if Israel launches a ground assault in Gaza, raising the specter of catastrophic consequences. Reports of one Hezbollah fighter being killed in the ongoing hostilities further compound concerns.

Hezbollah boasts a substantial arsenal of missiles, ranging from 40,000 to 150,000, including anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles, as well as thousands of anti-tank missiles. These capabilities could escalate the conflict, making it more perilous, lethal, and potentially spreading to neighboring countries.

CONCLUSION

In summary, Hamas occupies a complex and multifaceted role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, shaped by historical context, political aspirations, and regional dynamics. While the group's methods have generated controversy, comprehending their motivations and organizational structure is crucial to gaining a broader understanding of this protracted conflict. The future trajectory of this conflict remains uncertain and laden with potential risks, underscoring the urgency of pursuing peaceful resolutions and diplomatic efforts.

References: 

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