Hamas is a Palestinian organization whose name has frequently come up in the news recently, particularly because of its recent military operation against Israel. But what do we really know about Hamas?
Hamas was established in 1987, in the context of the first Intifada, as the political branch of the Muslim Brotherhood in Palestine. Its main goal is the liberation of Palestine and the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Hamas is considered a resistance movement against the Israeli occupation and has been in open conflict with Israel for many years.
Hamas’ particularity lies in its use of violence, notably suicide bombings, to achieve its political objectives. This earned the group a reputation as a terrorist movement in many countries, including the United States and the European Union.
Hamas is also known for its engagement in social and political action among the Palestinian population. It runs schools, hospitals and provides social assistance to Palestinians in areas under its control. This social presence allows Hamas to maintain a strong support base among Palestinians, particularly in the Gaza Strip.
On the political scene, Hamas won the Palestinian legislative elections in 2006, which created political tension with Fatah, the historic party of the Palestinian Authority. This led to a division between the Palestinian territories, with Hamas governing the Gaza Strip and Fatah maintaining control of the West Bank.
Since then, Hamas has faced many challenges, including financial difficulties and internal conflicts with other Palestinian groups. They have also had tense relations with several Arab countries, particularly Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
It is important to note that opinions on Hamas vary greatly. For some, the group is a liberation movement fighting against Israeli occupation. For others, it is a terrorist organization that hinders peace efforts. Regardless of opinion, it is undeniable that Hamas plays an important role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and continues to influence the political situation in Palestine.