The Rise Of Hamas: A Much Needed Palestinian Lesson #3

 Nadene Goldfoot                                              

Hamas was established during the First intifada against the Israeli occupation in 1987, and has its origins in Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood movement, which had been active in the Gaza Strip since the 1950s and gained influence through a network of mosques and various charitable and social organizations. In the 1980s the Brotherhood emerged as a powerful political factor, challenging the influence of the PLO, and in 1987 adopted a more nationalist and activist line under the name of Hamas, that means "Islamic Resistance Movement"..  During the 1990s and early 2000s, the organization conducted numerous suicide bombings and other attacks against Israel.

In the Palestinian legislative election of January 2006, Hamas campaigned on armed resistance against the Israeli occupation and gained a large majority of seats in the Palestinian Parliament, defeating the ruling Fatah party. After the elections, conflicts arose between Hamas and Fatah, which they were unable to resolve.  Both wanted to be the main ruler.  

     Leaders of both Hamas and Fatah, sticking together for only a short while.  The primary leader of Fatah is Mahmoud Abbas, who serves as the Chairman of the movement and President of the Palestinian Authority (PA). The overall leadership of Hamas is currently directed by its Shura Council, with senior members including Khaled Mashal and Khalil al-Hayya.

              

                      President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah         

                                                       

                                  Khaled Mashal of Hamas

                                                    

         Khalil al-Hayya-He has advocated for maintaining strong relations with Iran

In June 2007, Hamas defeated Fatah in a series of violent clashes, and since that time Hamas has governed the Gaza portion of the Palestinian Territories, while at the same time the unity government of which they formed a part in the West Bank was dissolved by the Palestinian Authority. Israel and Egypt then imposed an economic blockade on Gaza and largely sealed their borders with the territory.

After acquiring control of Gaza, Hamas-affiliated and other militias launched rocket attacks upon Israel, which Hamas ceased in June 2008 following an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire. The ceasefire broke down late in 2008, with each side accusing the other of responsibility. In late December 2008, Israel attacked Gaza, withdrawing its forces in mid-January 2009.

 Since 2009, Hamas has faced multiple military confrontations with Israel, notably the 2012 and 2014 Gaza Wars, leading to substantial casualties. Hamas has maintained control over Gaza, often clashing with the Palestinian Authority led by Fatah. Efforts at reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah have seen limited success. Hamas has continued to face international isolation and blockades, while engaging in sporadic rocket attacks and tunnel construction activities against Israel.

 In 2023, Hamas launched the October 7 attack on Israel, starting the ongoing Gaza war.On October 7, 2023, thousands of Hamas and other terrorists launched a massive, coordinated surprise attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip. It was the deadliest day for Israel since its independence and the most lethal single day for Jews since the Holocaust,  

Mass Fatalities: Approximately 1,200 people were killed, including over 800 civilians. The victims included entire families, children, and the elderly who were hunted down in their homes. 

Nova Music Festival Massacre: Militants overran the Supernova outdoor music festival near Re'im, shooting into crowds of young attendees and killing 364 people.

Systematic Brutality: The massive assault involved severe human rights abuses, including torture, mutilation, and widespread, systemic sexual violence across kibbutzim, villages, and the festival site. 

Hostage Crisis: Militants abducted 251 civilians and soldiers, dragging them back into the Gaza Strip as hostages and prisoners. 

Tactical Scope: The invasion began with a massive rocket barrage of at least 2,200 missiles to overwhelm the Iron Dome defense system. Militants then used explosives and bulldozers to breach the heavily fortified security barrier at dozens of locations, seizing control of more than 20 Israeli communities. 

Tis best not to even mention a Palestine next door to Israel.  After that demonstration of brotherly love, who needs it to understand the situation of today.  Ever since I started blogging in defense of Israel in 2004, I've found examples of trying to help the Palestinians to a better life.   They have constantly refused.  You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.  The Arabs should know of that rule well.  The Strong horse rules in the Middle East.  Right now it's Israel.