Hamas
Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni Islamic terrorist organization that operates primarily in Gaza and the West Bank, with holdings in Arab countries throughout the Middle East.
Hamas was an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood political movement, and was established in 1987 in the wake of the First Intifada. According to Hamas’s charter, the organization was established to liberate Palestine from Israel in order to establish an Islamic state. It holds aspirations on all territory between the Mediterranean seas and the Jordan river, and refuses to acknowledge Israel in any capacity.
The group has a military wing, known as the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades. Hamas has used a wide range of tactics, but it does not discriminate in its targets, and often targets civilians. It is recognized by most Western states as a terrorist organization. Hamas has engaged in a number of military confrontations with Israel. Its military wing has employed tactics such as suicide bombings, rocket attacks, kidnapping attempts, and tunnel infiltrations against Israeli soldiers and civilians.
In 2006, the Palestinians held legislative elections in Gaza, but when Hamas won, there was a civil war, and Hamas seized full control of the Strip. Under Hamas, Gaza has been in a longstanding state of conflict with Israel. From the 2005 Israeli disengagement onwards, Hamas has continued to commit terrorist attacks against Israelis from Gaza, and several operations have been fought to quell Hamas attacks, including 2008's Cast Lead, 2011's Pillar of Defense, 2014's Protective Edge, 2021's Guardian of the Walls, and 2024's Operation Swords of Iron.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists carried out an unprecedented invasion of southern Israel under the cover of widespread rocket-fire, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping hundreds to serve as hostages in Gaza. This started the ongoing Israel-Hamas War, which has seen the IDF carry out numerous strikes in Gaza and carrying out a ground invasion to wipe the terrorist group out.
In the year since, the IDF has managed to take out most of Hamas's leadership, including Saleh al-Arouri, Mohammed Deif, Yahya Sinwar, and Ismail Haniyeh.
'Just an agriculture minister': BBC news head implies Hamas gov't are politicians not terrorists
“Externally it’s often simplified that he was in Hamas, and I think it’s an important point of detail that we need to continually remind people of the difference.”
Significant progress in hostage talks following further Israeli flexibility, sources tell 'Post'
IDF finishes new 15 km. Magen Oz Corridor splitting critical Hamas-controlled city of Khan Yunis
More than 20 Palestinian civilians trampled, killed at GHF food site
When rape is a weapon of war, the world cannot stay silent - opinion
This is not just about protecting Israeli or Jewish lives but about setting a universal standard that no human being can be used as leverage for terror.
Most Israelis support temporary military occupation of Gaza, JCFA survey finds
64% of Jewish Israelis and 52% of all Israelis prefer the option of a temporary occupation of the Gaza Strip after the war, according to a survey that asked 700 participants.
'Deeply shocking': British soldiers dismissed after sharing graphic videos of Hamas on Oct 7
This footage depicted large numbers of dead people who appeared to be "civilians or unarmed people, lying in pools of blood, and it is quite apparent that they had been killed recently.
WATCH: Saudi normalization possible without commitment to Palestinian state, Deputy FM tells 'Post'
Asked whether normalization was possible without Israel having to commit to Palestinian statehood, Haskel answered that she “believed so.”
October 7 probe: 35 Hamas terrorists overran Mop Darom base, led to collapse of camp's defense
The investigation concluded that the tenacity and courage of the soldiers and commanders from the Golani Brigade, and reinforcements who arrived to assist, were noteworthy.
Trump in no rush to talk with Iran, US sets August deadline for Iran nuclear deal
US asks Israel to stop strikes on Syrian military forces in south Syria • Shas could resign from gov't as soon as Thursday following UTJ's exit
No mercy: Israel’s tactics in confronting terror - opinion
Israel has sent an unequivocal message that its reach will extend to anyone daring to threaten it.
Ilana Gritzwesky, former Gaza hostage, recounts abuse in captivity
The former hostage gave testimony about the sexual abuse she endured at the hands of Hamas terrorists after being taken into captivity on October 7.
Israel submits third map for ceasefire negotiations, sources tell 'Post'
Israel has submitted a new map for consideration, and meets with the head of Egyptian Intelligence Service amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
Hamas uses Gaza's rubble as a tactical advantage against the IDF - analysis
Hamas apparently believes that the IDF views ruined areas as secure. As such, it thinks that it can move more freely in these areas.
Odeh impeachment fails as haredi party, opposition MKs abstain
The upcoming vote to impeach MK Ayman Odeh is unlikely to receive a majority vote after the haredi United Torah Judaism party announced its intention to abstain.
