Founding and ideology of the terrorist organization Hamas
The Terrororganisation Hamas was founded in 1987 during the First Intifada as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood. Co-founders were Sheik Ahmed Yassin, Abdel Aziz al-Rantissi and Mahmoud Zahar. The terrorist organization's ideology combines Palestinian nationalism with Islamic fundamentalism and advocates the establishment of an Islamic state in the territory of "historical Palestine."
Hamas's charter, published in 1988, emphasizes jihad as the primary means of achieving this goal and rejects any political compromise with Israel.
Early activities and development
Initially, Hamas focused on social services, including the construction of schools, hospitals, and charities, which earned it significant grassroots support.
However, it quickly became active as a terrorist organization against Israel, carrying out its first major terrorist attack against Israel in 1989, kidnapping and killing two Israeli soldiers. The deportation of over 400 Hamas activists to Lebanon in 1992 marked a turning point, as they received extensive training from Hezbollah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
Political rise and control of the Gaza Strip
In 2006, Hamas won a surprise victory in the Palestinian parliamentary elections, securing 74 of 132 seats. This victory led to a short-lived unity government with the rival Palestinian faction Fatah. However, escalating tensions between the two groups led to a violent conflict in 2007, during which Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip.
Support from Iran and Hezbollah
Hamas has received significant support from Iran and Hezbollah, both financial and military. This support has included training in advanced guerrilla warfare, the supply of weapons and rockets, and help in developing local weapons production capabilities. Iranian support has been critical in transforming Hamas from a relatively small militant group into a formidable military force with significant strategic capabilities, including a well-developed tunnel system and cyberwarfare units.
Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and the European Union. Its terrorist actions and resulting Israeli responses continue to shape the geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East and have far-reaching implications for regional stability and international relations.
Dead Hamas leaders - as far as publicly known
1. Ahmed Jabari (deceased): Former commander of the Qassam Brigades, killed in an Israeli airstrike in 2012.
2. Marwan Issa (deceased): Former deputy commander of the Qassam Brigades, died in an Israeli airstrike in 2024.
3. Abdel Aziz al-Rantisi (deceased): One of the leading figures of Hamas, killed in an Israeli airstrike in 2004.
4. Sheikh Ahmed Yassin (deceased): Co-founder and spiritual leader of Hamas, killed in an Israeli airstrike in 2004.
5. Mahmoud al-Mabhouh (deceased): Leading member of Hamas' military wing, assassinated in Dubai in 2010.
6. Salah Shehade (deceased): Leader of the Qassam Brigades, killed in an Israeli airstrike in 2002.
7. Nizar Rayan (deceased): Senior Hamas commander, killed in an Israeli airstrike in 2009.
8. Said Seyam (deceased): Former Hamas Interior Minister, killed in an Israeli airstrike in 2009.
9. Ismail Abu Shanab (deceased): Senior Hamas member, killed in an Israeli airstrike in 2003.
10. Jamal Abu Samhadana (deceased): Senior member of Hamas' military wing and founder of the Popular Resistance Committees, killed in an Israeli airstrike in 2006.
11. Mohammed Deif (deceased): Head of the Qassam Brigades military wing, known for planning numerous attacks and surviving several assassination attempts. Was killed on July 13 near Kan Yunis
12. Ismail Haniyeh (deceased): Supreme Leader of Hamas, died in a rocket attack on July 31, 2024.
Sources: DW, Wilson Center, BBC, Times of Israel
Living leaders of the terrorist organization Hamas (if known to be alive 07-2024):
Yehya Sinwar: Leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip since 2017, known for his military skills and brutal leadership. He is considered one of the main people responsible for the October 7, 2023 attack.
Khaled Mashaal: Former head of the political bureau, based in Qatar, central figure in Hamas' international relations.
Mahmoud al-Zahar: Senior leader and founding member, known for his tough stance against Israel and his role in Hamas's politics.
Mousa Abu Marzook: Deputy head of the political bureau, plays a major role in international relations and fundraising.
Hassan Yousef: Leader of Hamas in the West Bank, currently in Israeli custody,
Imad al-Alami: Leading political actor, heavily involved in international relations and known for his strategic planning.
Rawhi Mushtaha: Member of the Hamas political bureau and one of the leaders in Gaza, known for his operational role within the organization.
Izzat al-Rishq: Member of the Hamas political bureau
Jamila Shanti: Founder of the women's wing of Hamas and former candidate for the Palestinian Legislative Council,
International findings and assessments
International Criminal Court (ICC): Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has requested arrest warrants against leading Hamas members for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. These include killings, destruction and hostage-taking since the start of the Gaza conflict in October 2023 (UNRIC).
Human rights violations: There are numerous reports of gender-based and sexual violence by Hamas fighters during the attack on October 7, 2023. These crimes are being investigated by international bodies such as the ICC, and criminal complaints have already been filed in various countries, including Germany
The Hamas blood trail - verifiable terrorist attacks by Hamas (incomplete overview as examples)
April 13, 1994, Afula: A suicide bomber blows himself up in a bus, killing 8 people and injuring 55.
October 19, 1994, Tel Aviv: A suicide bomber blows himself up in a bus, killing 22 people and injuring 50.
February 25, 1996, Jerusalem: A suicide bomber blows himself up in a bus, killing 26 people and injuring 80.
June 1, 2001, Tel Aviv: A suicide bomber blows himself up in a nightclub, killing 21 people and injured 132.
March 9, 2002, Jerusalem: A suicide bomber blows himself up in a cafe, killing 11 people and injuring 54.
March 27, 2002, Netanya: A suicide bomber blows himself up in the Park Hotel during Passover, killing 30 people and injuring 140.
June 1, 2003, Jerusalem: A suicide bomber blows himself up in a bus, killing 17 people and injuring 100.
December 27, 2008, Southern Israel: During Operation Cast Lead, Hamas fires over 60 rockets and mortar shells.
August 21, 2010, Hebron: Hamas fighters kill 4 Israeli civilians in an ambush.
November 18, 2014, Jerusalem: Two men attack a synagogue with knives, axes and guns, killing 4 rabbis and a police officer and wounding 7 others.
June 8, 2016, Tel Aviv: Two Palestinian men open fire in a cafe, killing 4 people and wounding 16.
November 15, 2018, Netiv HaAsara: A Hamas gunman kills an Israeli soldier.
May 2021, Israel: During Operation Guardian of the Walls, 13 people were killed by rocket and mortar fire, including Hava Vaknin and Gershon Franko.
October 7, 2023, Israel: Hamas launches a large-scale offensive using rocket attacks and ground units, killing about 1,200 people and wounding thousands. This attack is considered the deadliest since the founding of Israel.
Hamas weapons and weapon systems (excerpt)
1. Rockets and rocket launchers :
- Qassam rockets : Locally manufactured with a range of up to 10 km.
- Quds 101 rockets : Another locally produced model with a range of about 16 km.
- M75 rockets : Long-range rockets with a range of about 75 km that can reach central parts of Israel.
- Fajr-5 rockets : Supplied by Iran, with a range of up to 75 km.
2. Anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles :
- Kornet and Fagot : Anti-tank guided missiles sourced from Iran and other allies.
- MANPADS : Shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles that allow Hamas to threaten aircraft.
3. Mortars and IEDs :
- Various types of mortars and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), often produced locally.
4. Small arms :
- Includes assault rifles, machine guns, and sniper rifles, sourced from various countries or produced locally.
Verifiable origin of weapons:
- Iran : A major supplier of advanced missiles and military training. Iran's support is crucial to Hamas's arsenal, providing both weapons and technical know-how.
- Syria : Another key ally that facilitates arms transfers and provides logistical support.
- Sudan and Libya : Previously used as transit points for smuggling weapons into Gaza.
- Tunnels under the Egypt-Gaza border : A sophisticated system of tunnels has historically been used to smuggle weapons into Gaza, although Egyptian efforts to close these tunnels have increased.
International support for the terrorist organization Hamas:
Hamas receives direct and indirect support from various international actors, both state and non-state:
Iran : The most significant supporter, providing financial aid, weapons and training. Iran's Revolutionary Guards play a crucial role in maintaining Hamas' military capabilities.
Hezbollah : The Lebanese terrorist organization Hezbollah supports Hamas by providing training and sharing tactical knowledge.
Turkey and Qatar : Provide political support and humanitarian aid that indirectly strengthen Hamas' governance in the Gaza Strip and allow them to focus resources on military activities.
Sources include: PolitiFact, The Conversation, Deutsche Welle, BBC
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