Sources
- https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-hamas
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is a reputable think tank that provides an authoritative overview of Hamas, including its origins, objectives, and designation as a terrorist organization. - https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/
The U.S. Department of State's official list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations includes Hamas, confirming its designation by the U.S. government. - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67039975
BBC News provides reliable reporting on the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, including details on the scale of the assault and the Israeli response. - https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-palestinian-dispute-hinges-statehood-jerusalem-refugees-2023-10-10/
Reuters offers an in-depth analysis of the historical and political context of the Israel-Hamas conflict, including Hamas' governance in Gaza. - https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/17/world/middleeast/gaza-hospital-explosion.html
The New York Times provides investigative reporting on the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital bombing, including evidence suggesting the blast may have been caused by a failed Palestinian rocket launch.
Key Points
- Hamas is a Palestinian militant and political group founded in 1987 during the First Intifada.
- Its primary goal is the liberation of Palestine, including present-day Israel, and establishing an independent Palestinian state.
- Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the U.S., Canada, the EU, and others due to its violent actions.
- Since 2007, Hamas has governed the Gaza Strip, facing internal conflicts with Fatah and blockades by Israel and Egypt.
- On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched 'Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,' firing over 5,000 rockets into Israel and conducting coordinated attacks.
- The attack resulted in over 1,200 Israeli casualties, including 120 soldiers, and 200 hostages taken to Gaza.
- The Al-Ahli Arab Hospital bombing in Gaza appears to have been caused by a failed Palestinian rocket launch, not an Israeli airstrike.
- Evidence includes surveillance videos, rapid Hamas casualty claims, and damage consistent with a fire rather than a missile explosion.
- Hamas's unanticipated offensive triggered a significant Israeli military response, escalating the current conflict.
Summary
Hamas is a Palestinian militant and political group founded in 1987, aiming to establish an independent Palestinian state and designated as a terrorist organization by several countries. The recent conflict began with Hamas' October 2023 attack on Israel, which led to significant casualties and triggered a strong Israeli military response. Evidence suggests the Gaza hospital blast was caused by a failed Palestinian rocket launch, though initial casualty claims remain unverified.
Who is Hamas?
Identification:
Hamas, an acronym for Harakat al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyyah (Islamic Resistance Movement), emerged as a Palestinian militant and political entity during the First Intifada in 1987. It encompasses a military faction known as the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
Principal Objectives:
Hamas articulates its primary objective as the liberation of Palestine, encompassing present-day Israel, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state across the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem.
Terrorist Designation:
Israel, the United States, Canada, the European Union, among others, have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization, attributing this status to its extensive history of hostile acts, including suicide bombings and rocket assaults targeting both civilian and military entities.
Governance:
Post its takeover of the Gaza Strip in 2007, Hamas’ rule has been characterized by internal conflicts, particularly with the Palestinian faction Fatah, and a blockade enforced by both Israel and Egypt.
Origins of the Recent Conflict:
Conflict Outbreak:
On October 7, 2023, under the banner of “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” Hamas unleashed over 5,000 rockets into Israel from the Gaza Strip within a 20-minute timeframe, followed by a coordinated assault via land, air, and sea.
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Hamas combatants breached deep into Israeli-held regions, targeting military bases and temporarily occupying several settlements.
Israeli Casualties
The offensive led to over 1,200 Israeli casualties, including more than 120 soldiers, with an additional 200 Israelis taken hostage into the Gaza Strip.
This unanticipated offensive by Hamas triggered a substantial Israeli military response on Gaza, marking the onset of the current conflict.
Gaza Al-Ahli Arab Hospital Bombing
- Several surveillance videos and an Al Jazeera livestream showed rocket launches at the time.
- The rapidity with which Hamas claimed 200 or 500 dead. There is no reason to believe this number.
- Images of damage on the ground are more consistent with a fire rather than an explosion from a missile.
