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.
Veteran Arab affairs commentator Ehud Yaari reveals he had indirect contact with Yahya Sinwar
“Sinwar saw himself as a rabbi-like figure," according to Yaari. "Someone deeply knowledgeable about Israeli affairs."
Arab media claims Hamas fears possible joint US-Israeli ops. to free hostages in Gaza - report
Humanitarian city in Gaza is a moral, strategic imperative - opinion
Doha talks fell flat over hostage exchange, IDF withdrawal, Hamas source tells CNN
Israel’s battle for public opinion: Morality vs military might - opinion
Surely, Israel faces serious threats in Gaza, but the threats are not only military; they are threats to our moral stature.
COGAT says hundreds of trucks awaiting pick up on Gazan side by UN, aid orgs.
UN's World Food Program claimed that 90,000 people are suffering from malnutrition, and nine people have died from it within the past week.
IDF announces resumption of aid drops into Gaza, soldier succumbs to wounds from battle in Gaza
Police arrest Kfar Yona suspected terrorist • Anon. IDF officials echo USAID claim on Hamas stealing aid • IDF strikes Hezbollah in south Lebanon
Yasser Abu Shabab claims Gaza militia captured territory from Hamas now untouched by war - WSJ
Yasser Abu Shabab said Hamas should trade the remaining hostages as a way to safely leave Gaza to Qatar as they weren't wanted in the Palestinian enclave.
Emily Damari opens up about abuse experience in captivity, suicide pact with fellow hostage
Emily Damari told the Daily Mail about her suicide pact with Romi Gonen, and the abuses she experienced in Hamas captivity.
Hamas official says terror group 'surprised' by US accusation, asserts ready to resume talks
Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said the issue of the hostages "had not yet been discussed in the Doha negotiations, stressing that it 'was supposed to be discussed next week.'"
Israel believes Hamas is trying to extract every possible advantage, but still open to a deal
According to an official, Hamas has yet to provide a formal and serious response to Israel’s latest proposal. Instead, it has resorted to delaying tactics.
Israel faces double standard, pressures, from Western hypocrisy 'uber alles' - opinion
KNOW COMMENT: Callousness and double standards are the reasons why Israelis increasingly dismiss Western pressures.
Netanyahu: 'We are considering alternative options to bring the hostages home'
Trump argued that "Hamas didn’t want to make a deal" in a statement to the press at the White House.
IDF to allow foreign countries to drop aid in Gaza Strip
Additionally, the World Central Kitchen organization has begun operating its kitchens inside Gaza again.
IDF admits food security in Gaza is on the edge, says Hamas is using it to influence ceasefire deal
Hamas is reportedly campaigning on the issue of food insecurity to try to get rid of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as part of the hostage negotiations.
