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.
A joint investigation by the Shin Bet, the IDF, and the Israel Police found that the terror cell had also executed three other attacks, including the March terror shooting in Ariel.
In the past 24 hours, the Air Force attacked more than 115 targets in the Gaza Strip, including launchers, military buildings, tunnels, terrorist squads, and other infrastructure.
Security expert Moshe Elad argues that the case of Sri Lanka proves that terror groups can, in fact, be completely defeated through military means.
Cunio was kidnapped along with his brother Ariel. The Cunio family said that they received a sign of life from David back in February.
The UK, Canada, and France do not see the cause-and-effect of Hamas’s use of the Gazan population to achieve its attempted goal of demonizing Israel.
Ishan Daya was one of 20 appointees to Johnson’s new Chicago Fiscal Sustainability Working Group. His website identifies him as a community organizer focused on public safety and mental health.
Yarden Bibas speaks of meeting Sinwar while in captivity • US intel suggests Israel preparing strike on Iran's nuclear facilities
Netanyahu's office: Israel did not commit to a ceasefire or the release of any Palestinian prisoners, only to 'a safe corridor that will allow for Edan’s release.'
If Israel had effective public diplomacy, we would be bombarded with news alerts detailing the military, medical, and hi-tech gains Israel provided America from this ugly war.
Boycotting Israeli universities doesn’t just harm Israel; it deprives students worldwide of the opportunity to study at an outstanding institution in a beautiful, historic, diverse, and fair country
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