Formation of Hamas and It's Military Power

Hamas, formally known as the Islamic Resistance Movement, is a Palestinian organization with a complex and controversial history. Its origins can be traced back to a combination of historical, political, and ideological factors. In this article, we will delve into how, where, and why Hamas was formed, shedding light on the intricacies of this significant organization.

 

image credit: vox

What is Hamas: Unraveling the Complex Story


Hamas, short for the Islamic Resistance Movement, is a Palestinian political and military organization that has played a pivotal role in the complex political landscape of Palestine for decades. Formed in 1987, Hamas has evolved into a significant player in the region's politics, leading to varied perspectives and opinions. In this article, we will unravel the multifaceted nature of Hamas, shedding light on its origins, objectives, political activities, and its place in the Palestinian territories, military power etc.

Historical Roots

Hamas traces its historical roots to the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation in 1987. It was founded as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, a pan-Arab Islamic organization. Hamas emerged as a response to the perceived failure of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and Fatah, its dominant faction, in achieving Palestinian self-determination.

Objectives

Hamas has maintained a dual identity as both a political and military organization, reflecting its multifaceted objectives:

1. Resisting Israeli Occupation: One of Hamas's primary objectives is to resist Israeli occupation and advocate for the rights of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

2. Establishing an Islamic State: Hamas's ideological foundation includes the establishment of an Islamic state in historic Palestine, based on Islamic principles and laws.

3. Charitable Work: In addition to its political and military activities, Hamas operates a wide array of charitable and social service organizations, providing education, healthcare, and social support to Palestinians.

Governance in Gaza

Hamas's political wing has had a significant impact on the governance of the Gaza Strip. In 2006, Hamas won the Palestinian legislative elections, leading to a division of power between Gaza and the West Bank. Since then, it has maintained de facto control over Gaza, although it is not internationally recognized as the legitimate government of Palestine.

International Designations

Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States, the European Union, and Israel. This designation is primarily due to the organization's history of armed resistance and acts of violence against civilians.

Relations with Other Palestinian Factions

Hamas's relationship with other Palestinian factions, particularly Fatah, has been characterized by conflict and cooperation. Despite their differences, they have at times engaged in unity governments and reconciliation efforts.

Challenges and Opportunities

Hamas faces various challenges, including the Israeli blockade of Gaza, internal political divisions, and international isolation. At the same time, it holds opportunities for influencing Palestinian politics and diplomacy.

How Was Hamas Formed?

Hamas emerged during the First Intifada, which was a Palestinian uprising against Israeli rule in the late 1980s. The organization was officially founded in December 1987. Its creation was influenced by several key factors:

1. Political Vacuum: At the time of its formation, there was a perceived political vacuum in Palestinian leadership. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), led by Yasser Arafat, was facing difficulties, and many Palestinians believed that new leadership was needed.

2. Religious Motivation: Hamas was founded with a strong Islamic identity, emphasizing the importance of religion in the struggle for Palestinian rights. Its founders sought to create an organization that combined resistance to Israeli occupation with religious principles.

3. Social Services: Hamas was not solely a military or political organization. It also provided essential social services to Palestinians, such as schools, hospitals, and charities. This approach helped it gain popular support.

4. Support from External Actors: Hamas received support from various external actors, including Iran, which provided funding and weaponry. This support allowed the organization to grow and become a formidable player in Palestinian politics.

Where Was Hamas Formed?

Hamas was formed in the Palestinian territories, primarily in the Gaza Strip. The founders of Hamas included prominent figures like Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and Abdel Aziz al-Rantisi, who were leaders in the Gaza Strip. The Gaza Strip became the organization's stronghold, and it continues to exert significant influence there.

Why Was Hamas Formed?

The formation of Hamas was driven by a combination of political, religious, and socio-economic factors:

1. Political Resistance: Hamas was established as a resistance movement against Israeli occupation. Its founders believed that armed struggle was necessary to regain Palestinian rights and territories.

2. Religious Identity: The organization's strong Islamic identity emphasized the role of religion in the struggle. For Hamas, the conflict was not only political but also religious, as it viewed Palestine as an Islamic trust.

3. Social Services: Hamas provided essential services to Palestinians, addressing socio-economic issues and gaining the trust and support of the population.

4. Counter to PLO: Some Palestinians were dissatisfied with the leadership of the PLO, perceiving it as corrupt and ineffective. Hamas offered an alternative to the PLO's approach.

The Military Power of Hamas: A Comprehensive Analysis

In recent years, the world has witnessed the complex and evolving military power of Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist organization that controls the Gaza Strip. Understanding the intricacies of their military capabilities is crucial for international observers, policymakers, and security experts. In this article, we will delve into the military power of Hamas and provide a comprehensive analysis that will help you grasp the nuances of this contentious issue.

Background

Hamas, or the Islamic Resistance Movement, was founded in 1987 during the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation. From its inception, Hamas has combined political and military activities, aiming to resist Israeli control and advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people. Over the years, their military wing, known as the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, has grown in strength and sophistication.

Military Infrastructure

Weaponry:

Hamas's military arsenal has evolved significantly, encompassing an array of weaponry. Their inventory includes short-range and long-range rockets, mortars, and anti-tank missiles. Notably, they have developed locally manufactured rockets, such as the Qassam and M-75, which have posed a significant threat to Israel. These rockets have increasingly longer ranges, reaching as far as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Tunnels and Bunkers:

One of Hamas's most distinctive features is its extensive network of tunnels and underground bunkers. These subterranean structures serve multiple purposes, including the storage of weapons and munitions, hiding from airstrikes, and launching surprise attacks. These tunnels have played a pivotal role in Hamas's military strategy and their ability to withstand Israeli military campaigns.

Naval Assets:

Hamas has also ventured into naval warfare with the formation of the Naval Commando Unit. While their naval capabilities are not as advanced as their terrestrial arsenal, they have managed to launch naval attacks and deploy naval mines in the Mediterranean Sea.

Military Strategy:

Hamas employs a multifaceted military strategy, which includes guerilla warfare, asymmetric tactics, and terrorism. Their ability to blend into the civilian population of Gaza makes it challenging for Israeli forces to target them without causing collateral damage.

Tunnel Warfare:

Tunnel warfare is a cornerstone of Hamas's military strategy. These underground passages allow them to infiltrate Israeli territory for surprise attacks, smuggling, and evading airstrikes. Hamas invests heavily in tunnel construction and maintenance.

Rocket Attacks:

Hamas's rocket attacks are used not only for direct military engagements but also as a form of psychological warfare. The frequent rocket barrages on Israeli cities have a profound impact on the psychological well-being of civilians and disrupt daily life.

Funding and Support:

Hamas's military capabilities are sustained by a complex network of funding and support. While they generate some revenue through taxation and local businesses in Gaza, the organization relies heavily on external support from countries like Iran. This support enables them to acquire weapons, build infrastructure, and maintain their military operations.

Challenges and Limitations:

Despite their formidable military power, Hamas faces several challenges and limitations. The Israeli military's technological superiority and the ongoing blockade of Gaza restrict their access to resources and weapons. Additionally, international pressure to demilitarize and the need to maintain political control in Gaza pose a dilemma for Hamas's leadership.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Is Hamas a political or military organization?

A: Hamas is both a political and military organization. It operates as a political party in Palestinian territories and also has an armed wing responsible for resistance activities.

Q: What is the main goal of Hamas?

A: Hamas's primary goal is to establish an independent Palestinian state in historic Palestine, with Jerusalem as its capital. It seeks to end the Israeli occupation and secure the rights of Palestinians.

Q: Is Hamas considered a terrorist organization?

A: Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by some countries, including Israel, the United States, and the European Union. However, it is also recognized as a legitimate political entity by others.

Q: How has the formation of Hamas affected the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

A: The formation of Hamas has had a significant impact on the conflict. It has contributed to the complexity of the situation, with the organization's resistance activities and control over Gaza influencing the overall dynamics of the conflict.

Q: What are the major challenges facing Hamas today?

A: Hamas faces several challenges, including governance in Gaza, relations with the Palestinian Authority, and managing its armed wing. It also deals with regional dynamics and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Q: What is Hamas's military wing called, and when was it founded?

A: Hamas's military wing is known as the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. It was founded in conjunction with Hamas itself in 1987 during the First Intifada.

Q: What types of weaponry does Hamas possess?

A: Hamas's weaponry includes short-range and long-range rockets, mortars, and anti-tank missiles. They have also developed locally manufactured rockets like the Qassam and M-75.

Q: How does Hamas utilize tunnels and bunkers in its military operations?

A: Hamas uses tunnels and underground bunkers for storing weapons, evading airstrikes, and launching surprise attacks. These structures are essential to their military strategy.

Q: What is the significance of Hamas's naval assets?

A: While not as advanced as their terrestrial arsenal, Hamas's naval assets, like the Naval Commando Unit, enable them to launch naval attacks and deploy naval mines in the Mediterranean Sea.

Q: What are the key elements of Hamas's military strategy?

A: Hamas employs guerilla warfare, asymmetric tactics, and terrorism. They use tunnel warfare for infiltration, rocket attacks for both military engagement and psychological warfare, and they blend into the civilian population to evade detection.

Q: How does Hamas fund and sustain its military operations?

A: Hamas generates revenue through taxation and local businesses in Gaza, but their main source of support comes from external actors, notably Iran, which provides funding and weapons.

7. What challenges and limitations does Hamas face in terms of its military power?

A: Hamas faces challenges from Israel's technological superiority, the blockade of Gaza, international pressure to demilitarize, and the need to balance political control with military operations.

Q: Why is understanding Hamas's military power important?

A: Understanding Hamas's military power is crucial for comprehending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader Middle East geopolitical landscape. It provides insight into regional dynamics.

Q: How has Hamas's military power evolved over the years?

A: Hamas has seen an evolution in its military capabilities, with an increase in the range and sophistication of its weaponry, including locally manufactured rockets, and the expansion of its tunnel network.

Q: What is the impact of Hamas's rocket attacks on Israel?

A: Hamas's rocket attacks not only have a direct military impact but also significantly affect the psychological well-being of Israeli civilians and disrupt daily life.