Hamas Terrorist Organization

Introduction 

The questions regarding the origin and the motive behind the formation of Hamas has been there since it became famous following its huge victory in the Palestinian Legislative Council in the elections held in 2006. From that time onwards, the organization became a serious player in the Palestinian political arena. From the time it emerged, Hamas has gained massive popularity, although most people do not understand it (Hroub, 2006). The organization has been noticed for organizing numerous suicide bombings against the Israelis. However, it has managed to appeal to most citizens in Palestine due to numerous reasons. The organization has kept itself away from the corrupt dealings that have been associated with the Palestinian authority. It has been in the forefront in providing services such as centers for distributing food, clinics and after school programs that the Palestinian government has been unable to provide (Mishal & Sela, 2006). 

As a matter of fact, Hamas was discovered in the late 80s. It started as a religious-nationalist driven movement spreading the Islamic religious narrative, while pushing for the armed struggle diplomacy against Israel. Opponents of Hamas argued that, the organization had been formed just after PLO had collapsed. On the other hand, individuals in its support felt that, it started right in time to offer boost towards the Palestinian national struggle from Israel’s capitulation (Mishal & Sela, 2006). However, Hamas was determined to move on the opposite side of the peaceful model that Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and other sections of Arab nations had entered with Israel. It shunned the idea of appearing as the major force behind the Palestinian nationalist struggle. It rejected all plans of finalizing the peace agreements that had a condition attached of recognizing Israel’s right to exist (Mishal & Sela, 2006). This study focuses on numerous aspects of the Hamas among them the organization’s history, development, political culture or affiliations, leadership, strength, philosophy, and latest terrorist activities. 

History 

Hamas was a small group that was created from the Muslim Brotherhood in Gaza. It is an educational and charitable organization from Egypt, established to quell the British in the 1920s (Roy, 2011). However, President Gamal Abdul Nasser declared it illegal when he ascended to power. The name Hamas came into the limelight in 1987. It launched its mission as to "raise the banner of God over every inch of Israel (Davis, 2016).’’ Its first mission came in 1989, when it carried out Izzedine al-Qassam Battalions that left many injured. The group’s major mission since its formation is destroying Israel. In short, it seeks to substitute Israel with Palestine state. Since its formation, the organization has offered the people of Palestine with social services. 

In 2006, Hamas realized victory in Palestinian elections, which placed it in control of West Bank and Gaza. The group denied numerous agreements that Palestinian Authority had reached with Israel. As a result, violence erupted between Hamas and the PLO, which led to the organization governing Gaza. In numerous times, talks to reconcile PLO and Hamas have failed terribly leaving Palestine without unified authority. Although in 2017 the two reached a consensus, it remains unclear whether any united government will be formed from the two (Hammad, 2018). 

Development 

From the time the organization came into existence, it purported to propagate the ideologies of the Muslim Brotherhood organization. Primarily, it came out as a social welfare group that looked after the refuges in Gaza strip. With time, people associated its development with improving the livelihood of the Palestine (Mishal & Sela, 2006). It used mosques to push for its influence. Currently, the organization is heavily embraced within Iran and Syria. It stated through its Islamic covenant that, jihad is the only way to go for Palestine in a bid to solve all its problems. In that sense, the group has resolved to develop through armed struggle, and it believes the entire Islamic world should join them (Davis, 2016). The organization developed two central departments for carrying out the violent activities. The first army is the military arm, formed in 1982 (Roy, 2011). The wing has over 30,000 soldiers. The second arm referred to as the Majd was formed in 1986, with an aim of managing the Arabs believed to be partnering with Israel. In all its development, the Hamas is always aiming to take over Israel, and as such, it has worked to increase its weaponry and destructive power (Hroub, 2006). 

Political Culture 

In view of the Hamas political culture, much of it emanates from the conflict between the organization’s dogmatic ideology and it pragmatic model towards the institutional and political survival (Roy, 2011). Notably, the tension emanates from the group’s candid adherence towards the Islamic view of the jihad, against that of Israel as the most appropriate model of mobilizing the masses and its need of retaining its political considerations while still attached to armed struggle. The genesis of the aforementioned tension and its effect on the Hama’s political behavior are strongly intertwined with the historical developments seen within the Palestinian national movement (Hroub, 2006). 

Hamas Political prominence came knocking when the organization won the Palestinian parliamentary elections in 2006. According to reports by the officials overseeing the exercise, Hamas managed to take 76 out of the possible 132 seats in parliament (Davis, 2016). Having the majority seats in parliament was an added advantage, as the group managed to marshal a strong opposition on Israel negotiation (Roy, 2011). However, following the victory, Middle East Quartet was categorical that the only way they were going to offer support to Palestine government was if Hamas would do away with violence and embrace the Israeli-Palestinian agreement, but they rejected the offer. Following the stand, EU and the United States opted to stop any aid towards the Hamas government (Hammad, 2018). Their political stand made it difficult for the government to operate with less finances and Palestinians faced poor living conditions. They would later establish a government of national unity following talks with Fatah. It was aimed at reducing violence and seeking international aid. It opened way for Hamas-led government and agreement was signed between Khalis Misha’al and Mahmoud Abbas (Hroub, 2006). 

Leadership 

Since the formation of Hamas, research shows that, its following among the Palestinians have not been that huge. Statistics indicate that, its popularity has failed to go beyond 30% among the Palestinian citizens (Mishal & Sela, 2006). Its support has emanated from the fact that, people have experienced anger and frustration, and they have seen its ability to occupy the leadership vacuum. Owing to its secular nature, the organization would receive support from most people, considering the Palestinian society is largely secular (Hammad, 2018). The leadership of Hamas has reduced its political potential considering that, it has failed to pursue hope and belief, which is what most people are looking for. In often cases, majority of Palestinians would prefer to lead a normal life (Roy, 2011). However, the leadership of Hamas has strongly been embedded on the confrontation and commitment towards Israel. In that regard, they are not in touch with what most people are looking for. In that regard, the leadership should focus on changing it objectives (Levitt, 2007). 

Hamas Strength 

Hamas strength is found in its military capabilities. Although most of its machinery and arsenal was destroyed during a war with Israel, it has since improved its military capacity. The organization has created cross-border tunnels, and their missiles have been restored in full. It has bought missiles, built tunnels, and have equipped their armory with wide range of small arms (Davis, 2016). Another strength that has kept the group in operation for long is its ideology of refusing to embrace reconciliation. They have always maintained that they detest power sharing and as such, their political vision is always against coexistence (Levitt, 2007). 

Philosophy 

In terms of philosophy, it is clear that the organization is committed towards establishing a resistance campaign against Israel, in a manner that would not trigger response that will leave them crippled. While at it, it becomes clear that the group has had numerous opinions on the best approach to carry out this activity (Hammad, 2018). From 2006 to date, the organization has been facing leadership difficulties, and confusion has been created on whether they are slowly compromising Islamic tendencies in democracy’s favor. As seen through its leadership, its philosophy emanates from the fact that, the group has different leaderships namely military and external, and each has unique demands to the people affiliated to it. In that regard, the organization is used to have diverse opinions from different people with a view of accommodating one another (Hroub, 2006). 

Latest Terrorist Activities with Hamas 

Since its formation, Hamas has been associated with a wide range of terrorist activities. In the most recent incident that was reported by Jerusalem Post Newspaper, the group is alleged to have committed a terror attack that happened in August 2019, along Gaza-Israel border. In the terror attack that happened on August 3 rd 2019, four terrorists were left dead, following an ambush by the IDF (Davis, 2016). According to the newspaper, Hamas made a presser denying the terror attack. However, Israel security department is keen that the numerous attacks that have taken place along the Gaza-Israel border have been carried out by the group. The United Nations has equally made a similar observation (Levitt, 2007). 

Early in August, 20-yearl old Hani Abu Salah lost his life after IDF soldiers overpowered him. He had engaged them in a gun battle. According to reports, he had attempted to infiltrate the Israel border. Salah is recognized as one of the Hamas’s military wing going by the name Izaddin al-Qassam (Davis, 2016). It is said he conducted the mission in a bid to revenge following the murder of his brother by IDF. Although Hamas denied the attacks terming it as self motivated, reports show that they were involved. Security details show that, their statement is simply meant to prevent retaliatory attacks from Israel along Gaza strip (Levitt, 2007). 

In a separate incidence, The Times of Israel reported a terror threat at West Bank propagated by Hamas. Reports indicate that, in May 2019, Shin Bet security men made a warning that Hamas was making all efforts in terms of resources in recruiting personnel to attack Israel and West Bank (Levitt, 2007). In addition, Shin Bet noted that, numerous military cells belonging to Hamas had been reveled in Samaria and Judea early in the year (Davis, 2016). Reports show that, the cells were under instructions of Hamas along the Gaza Strip, and they had plans to conduct terror attacks on authorities from Palestine and Israel. In the West Banks, it is said that the operatives were under strict instructed to form groups for stabbings, shootings, recruiting, kidnappings and purchase of weapons for carrying out terrorist dealings (Hroub, 2006). 

It is believed that, the Hamas gunmen have shot at the Israel troops two times in September 2019, leaving three soldiers nursing injuries. In numerous incidences, the troops have managed to stop attacks as men believed to be Hamas have attempted to gain entry to Israel from Gaza carrying with them grenades, guns and hand grenades among other weapons. Hamas top leader Yahya Sinwar made a statement vowing that they were well prepared to conquer IDF, any time Israel attempts to send their troops in the coastal region (Davis, 2016). Sinwar made it clear that his men were ready to beat the army and spray missiles to Israel cities. Reports show that, in the past decade, Hamas alongside other terror groupings have had three serious conflicts with Israel. Even so, the group has agreed to numerous ceasefires, admitting that they would not wish to engage in any serious war with Israel (Levitt, 2007). 

Conclusion 

The Hamas continues with its activities with an aim of defeating Israel, despite huge opposition from various factions such as the United Nations and the EU. The group has been associated with numerous terror attacks, although in often cases, it has denied participation. The history of the group goes back to three decades, when it was formed. It continues to acquire heavy machines for waging war against Israel, although its leadership maintains they are not interested in any war engagements. 

References 

Davis, R. (2016). Hamas, Popular Support and War in the Middle East: Insurgency in the Holy Land. London: Routledge. 

Hammad, M. (2018). A Brief History of Hamas. Retrieved from <https://medium.com/@palestinianliberator/a-brief-history-of-hamas-a841caad86b9> 

Hroub, K. (2006). "A 'New Hamas' through Its New Documents". Journal of Palestine Studies. 35 (4): 6. 

Levitt, M. (2007). Hamas: Politics, Charity, and Terrorism in the Service of Jihad. New York, NY: Yale University Press 

Mishal, S.l & Sela, A. (2006). The Palestinian Hamas: Vision, Violence, and Coexistence. New York: Columbia University Press. 

Roy, S. (2011). Hamas and Civil Society in Gaza: Engaging the Islamist Social Sector. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.