Hamas, a Sunni Islamist militant organization, is internationally recognized as a terrorist group. This group recently initiated a surprise attack on Israel, leading to escalated tensions in the region. In this article, we will delve into the history of Hamas, its origins, and the prominent leaders who influence its operations.
Hamas: A Brief Overview
Hamas, also known as the Islamic Resistance Movement, or Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya in Arabic, was established in 1987 during the First Intifada. It was founded by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, a Palestinian refugee residing in Gaza. The group has its roots in the Muslim Brotherhood, a prominent Sunni Muslim organization established in Egypt in the 1920s.
Sheikh Ahmed Yassin:
The founder, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, a Palestinian cleric, initially engaged with local branches of the Muslim Brotherhood. He devoted his early life to Islamic scholarship and charitable work in the West Bank and Gaza, which were captured by Israel after the 1967 Six-Day War. In 1987, Yassin, a quadriplegic who used a wheelchair, established Hamas as the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in Gaza to counter Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), another Islamist militant organization that threatened to divert support away from the Brotherhood.
Hamas's Controversial Charter
In 1988, Hamas published its charter, advocating for the complete destruction of Israel and the establishment of an Islamic society in historic Palestine. Despite a 2017 document aimed at projecting a more moderate image to Western audiences, Hamas still refuses to recognize Israel.
Leadership and Notable Figures
Over the years, Hamas has been involved in various acts of violence against Israel. One of its early military leaders was Salah Shehade, who was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike in 2002. The group's leadership has shifted over time, with key figures such as Mohammed Deif emerging as influential military leaders.
The following are some brief profiles of top Hamas Figures in Hamas
1. Sheikh Ahmed Yassin: The founder of Hamas, Sheikh Yassin, played a pivotal role in shaping the organization's early trajectory.
2. Salah Shehade: An influential Hamas military leader, Shehade was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike in 2002.
3. Mohammed Deif: The chief of Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, Deif is believed to be the mastermind behind recent attacks on Israel. He has survived multiple Israeli assassination attempts.
4. Yahya Sinwar: The highest-ranking Hamas official in Gaza, Sinwar is the de facto ruler of the territory and a key leader of Hamas. He is a hardliner who opposes compromise with Israel.
5. Abu Obaida: The spokesman of the Al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Obaida's identity and personal details are mostly unknown. He rarely appears in public.
6. Ismail Haniyeh: Haniyeh is Hamas' main political leader, residing outside Gaza in Doha, Qatar. He has served as prime minister and replaced Khaled Mashal as Hamas' political chief in 2017.
7. Mahmoud al-Zahar: A co-founder of Hamas, al-Zahar has been instrumental in the organization's leadership in Gaza. He is often referred to as a hardliner.
8. Abd al-Fattah Dukhan: A founding member of Hamas, Dukhan was killed in an Israeli airstrike. He helped write the group's charter in 1987.
9. Zachariah Abu Ma'amar: Part of Hamas' senior forum, Abu Ma'amar played a role in decision-making and planning terrorist activities against Israel.
10. Jawad Abu Shamala: Abu Shamala managed Hamas' finances and directed terrorism activities in Gaza. He was a senior Hamas leader.
11. Ziyad al-Nakhalah: While leading the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), also a designated terrorist organization, al-Nakhalah maintains strong ties with Iran and Syria. PIJ, along with Hamas, participated in the recent attacks on Israel.
Hamas Today
Hamas won the 2006 parliamentary elections and took control of the Gaza Strip in 2007, leading to a blockade by Israel to prevent the group from acquiring weapons. Despite periods of relative calm, recent attacks in Israel suggest that Hamas has been using this time to bolster its military capabilities.
The Mastermind Behind Recent Attacks
Mohammed Deif, the chief of Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, is believed to be the mastermind behind the recent attacks. His strategic deception led Israel to underestimate Hamas's readiness for conflict.
Factors Behind Recent Attacks
Hamas leaders cite various reasons for the recent attacks, including Israeli actions in the West Bank, settlement construction, prisoners in Israeli jails, Gaza's blockade, and perceived violations at the Al-Aqsa mosque. Some also suspect Iranian influence, as Iran is a primary supporter of Hamas and may want to disrupt potential normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Hamas Leadership Today
Hamas' leadership is split between Gaza and exile. Key figures include Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, and Mahmoud al-Zahar. The group's general policy is set by the Politburo, with local committees overseeing regional affairs.
Abu Obaida, the current spokesman of the Al-Qassam Brigades, maintains a low profile, concealing his identity. His pseudonym may allude to an Islamic historical figure.
Ismail Haniyeh, residing in Doha, Qatar, has played a significant political role within Hamas and succeeded Khaled Mashaal in 2017.
Mahmoud al-Zahar, a co-founder of Hamas, has been instrumental in the group's history, and he remains a prominent figure in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas, known for its militant activities and controversial charter, has been a significant player in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Its leadership, characterized by a blend of political and military figures, continues to influence the group's actions and strategy. Recent attacks demonstrate that Hamas remains a complex and dynamic entity in the region, with shifting motivations and alliances.
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