Introduction
Few groups in the Middle East generate as much global debate as Hamas. Known simultaneously as a political organization, a social welfare provider, and an armed resistance movement, Hamas has evolved over decades of conflict, occupation, and geopolitical shifts. To understand today’s headlines, it’s essential to explore where Hamas came from, what shaped its ideology, and how it grew into one of the most influential and controversial actors in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
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| The History of Hamas: From Political Movement to Armed Resistance Group |
1. The Birth of Hamas (1987)
Hamas—short for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya (Islamic Resistance Movement)—was established in 1987 during the First Intifada, a large-scale Palestinian uprising against Israeli rule in the occupied territories.
Its founders were linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, a pan-Islamic movement focused on religious, political, and social reform. From the beginning, Hamas combined three pillars:
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Religious identity
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Political ambition
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Armed resistance
The group positioned itself as an alternative to the secular Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), promising to free Palestine through resistance, not negotiation.
2. Hamas as a Social and Political Force
Before becoming globally known for armed conflict, Hamas built influence through social services.
They established:
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Schools
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Clinics
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Charitable organizations
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Mosques
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Community programs
These services earned them deep support among many Palestinians facing poverty, unemployment, and lack of state structure.
3. The Move Into Politics
In the early 2000s, Hamas began shifting toward formal politics. Their biggest political milestone came in 2006, when they won a majority in the Palestinian Legislative Council elections.
This victory shocked the international community and created political tension with the rival faction, Fatah, which dominates the Palestinian Authority.
The divisions eventually led to violent clashes, resulting in Hamas taking full control of Gaza in 2007.
Since then:
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Hamas has governed Gaza
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Fatah rules parts of the West Bank
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Palestinian political unity remains fractured
This split dramatically influenced Palestinian politics and diplomacy.
4. The Armed Wing: Al-Qassam Brigades
Hamas’ military branch, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, was formed in the early 1990s.
The armed wing carries out:
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Rocket attacks
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Guerrilla operations
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Tunnel warfare
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Training and recruitment
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Defense operations within Gaza
Israel, the United States, the EU, Canada, and others classify Hamas as a terrorist organization due to attacks targeting civilians.
Meanwhile, many Palestinians view the group as a resistance movement fighting occupation.
This dual identity makes Hamas one of the most controversial organizations worldwide.
5. Conflicts With Israel
Since Hamas took control of Gaza, multiple wars and escalations have occurred, including major conflicts in:
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2008–2009 (Operation Cast Lead)
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2012 (Operation Pillar of Defense)
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2014 (Operation Protective Edge)
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2021 (11-Day War)
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2023–2024 Gaza War, one of the deadliest conflicts in the region
These wars caused widespread destruction and high civilian casualties on both sides, creating international debates over human rights, occupation, and political responsibility.
6. International Perception
Hamas is viewed very differently depending on the region:
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Western nations: terrorist organization
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Middle Eastern supporters: resistance movement
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Many Palestinians: political party and protector
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International diplomats: a major obstacle to peace, but also an unavoidable actor in negotiations
This complex identity makes any peace process extremely difficult.
7. The Future of Hamas
The future of Hamas depends on several factors:
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The political situation in Gaza
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Relations with regional powers like Iran, Qatar, and Egypt
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Internal Palestinian reconciliation efforts
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Global pressure from the U.S., EU, and Arab world
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Socioeconomic collapse in Gaza
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Public support among younger Palestinians
Whether Hamas evolves into a political-only movement or remains primarily an armed resistance group will shape the next chapter of Middle East history.
Conclusion
The history of Hamas is a story of conflict, religion, politics, poverty, resistance, and global tension. From its roots in community service and Islamic identity to its rise as a armed political force governing Gaza, Hamas continues to influence regional and global events.