Hamas: A controversial history and recent escalation with Israel

The Middle East has once again found itself in the midst of turmoil, as Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist organization ruling the Gaza Strip since 2007, launched a shocking attack inside Israel. The attack has already resulted in hundreds of casualties and hostage situations, sending shockwaves not only through Israel but also across the world.

Here, all you want to know about the complex history and current state of Hamas.

The Birth of Hamas:
Hamas, an Arabic acronym for the Islamic Resistance Movement, was founded in 1987 by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, a Palestinian refugee residing in Gaza. Its inception coincided with the first intifada, a period marked by widespread Palestinian protests against Israel's occupation. Hamas was rooted in the ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood, a prominent Sunni organization founded in Egypt in the 1920s.

Violence and Terrorism:
From its inception, Hamas has vowed to annihilate Israel and has been responsible for numerous suicide bombings and deadly attacks on both civilians and Israeli soldiers. In 1997, the US designated Hamas as a terrorist group, a classification echoed by the European Union and other Western nations.

Political Ascent and Gaza Takeover:
In 2006, Hamas achieved a significant political victory by winning parliamentary elections. However, in 2007, it violently seized control of the Gaza Strip from the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority, which is dominated by its rival, the Fatah movement. The Palestinian Authority administers semi-autonomous areas in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The Gaza Blockade:
Israel responded to Hamas's takeover by imposing a blockade on Gaza, severely restricting the movement of people and goods to prevent the group from developing weapons. Palestinians argue that this blockade amounts to collective punishment and has taken a toll on Gaza's economy.

Shifting Alliances:
Over the years, Hamas has received support from various Arab countries, including Qatar and Turkey. However, recent developments have seen the group aligning more closely with Iran and its allies. Hamas leaders Yehia Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh realigned the group's leadership with Iran, Lebanon's Hezbollah. Many of its leaders have relocated to Beirut.

Military Capabilities:
Hamas's military wing, established under the leadership of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, has carried out suicide bombings and fired tens of thousands of rockets into Israel from Gaza. The group has also constructed tunnels, some for smuggling weapons from Egypt, and others for launching attacks into Israel.