Understanding Hamas: A Brief Overview

Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement founded in 1987, has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007. Designated as a terrorist group by the US, EU, and other Western countries, Hamas has carried out suicide bombings and attacks on civilians and Israeli soldiers. The group's leaders, including Yehia Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh, have aligned with Iran and its allies. Hamas aims to liberate occupied Palestinian territories and destroy Israel, but in recent years, it has focused more on governing Gaza. The recent attack on Israel by Hamas was motivated by Israeli crackdowns, settlement construction, prisoner issues, and the ongoing blockade of Gaza.