Hamas terrorists
צילום: רויטרס
Hamas
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Hamas is a radical Islamic terrorist group dedicated to the elimination of Israel and the establishment of an Islamic Palestinian state in its place.
Hamas is the Arabic acronym for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamia (Islamic Resistance Movement.) The word itself means “enthusiasm” in Arabic.
The organization’s main stronghold is the Gaza Strip, but it is also active in the West Bank. The group’s headquarters is in Syria, but its leadership is dispersed throughout the Middle East.
Hamas was founded in 1987 and is an outgrowth of the radical Muslim Brotherhood movement that originated in Egypt.
The organization operates openly in Palestinian territories, is active in mosques, and has created a network of social services. This allows the group to recruit more members and distribute propaganda.
Hamas has attacked numerous civilian targets, including buses and restaurants, as well as military facilities and personnel. Foreign nationals, including several Americans, have also died in Hamas attacks.
Group members have also targeted and executed Palestinians suspected of collaboration with Israel and clashed with other Palestinian factions.
