Hamas a islamist political and militant organization that operates primarily in the Palestinian territories. Ealry 1987 during the first Intifada (Palestinian uprising against Israeli rule) Hamas comes into picture and play a major in Palestinian politics.
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Hamas is involved in armed conflicts with Israel and its resistance against Israeli occupation and its control of the Gaza Strip. Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by several countries, including the India, United States, Israel, and the European Union.
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How has Hamas challenged Israel?
Hamas has challenged Israel including armed conflict, political activities, and resistance against Israeli policies.
- Engaged in armed conflicts, launching rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory and involved in clashes with Israeli forces.
- In 2006 hamas gained control of the Gaza Strip, which led to a political and territorial division between Gaza Strip and West Bank.This control has given Hamas a significant support in the Palestinian territories.
- Participated in Palestinian politics and governance, challenging the legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority
- Established social service networks and institutions, providing assistance to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
- Got support from various countries and organizations specially from the Middle East countries.
Hamas’s attack on Israel in 2023
Hamas’s attack on south israel this year, their group’s leaders have called “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm,” was extraordinary in its strategy, scale, and secrecy. On 7th October morning, the Jewish Sabbath and an important Jewish holiday, with Hamas launching several rockets into southern and central Israel, hitting cities as far north as Tel Aviv. Militants of hamas also breached the heavily fortified Gaza border and entered in southern Israeli towns and villages, killing more than 1,400 people and wounding and kidnapping scores more.
Leader of hamas military, Mohammed Deif, said the group undertook assult because of Israel’s long-running blockade of Gaza, its occupation of Palestinian lands, and its alleged crimes against Muslims, including the desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
October 7 attack is the deadliest in the history of Israel’sand has inflicted a deep psychological trauma on its people. Some analysts compare this attack to the surprise Pearl Harbor and September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. Israeli and U.S. intelligence agencies reportedly had no indications that Hamas was planning an assault of this nature.