This podcast delves into the origins and ideology of Hamas, exploring the historical context of its formation and the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood. It also discusses the impact of Hezbollah and the Oslo Accords on Hamas, as well as the complex relationship between Israel and the organization. The podcast highlights the Hamas attacks in the 1990s and the fractured nature of the Palestinian Authority. Overall, it provides a comprehensive understanding of Hamas and its significance in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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Quick takeaways
Hamas emerged as an Islamist resistance movement during the first Intifada, prioritizing religion and violence as means to achieve liberation.
Hamas's refusal to meet international demands and the subsequent isolation led to a violent split with Fatah, resulting in Hamas taking control of Gaza and worsening living conditions in the region.
Deep dives
Origins of Hamas
Hamas was born out of frustration and anger during the first Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation. In 1987, a military truck collision sparked widespread protests, leading to the emergence of Hamas as an Islamist resistance movement. Unlike other Palestinian factions, Hamas placed Islam at the center of its political program and rejected diplomacy and compromise. Hamas aimed to establish a Palestinian state in historical Palestine and used violence as a means to achieve liberation.
Hamas's Engagement in Violence
Hamas escalated its resistance tactics in the 1990s, carrying out attacks on Israeli civilians and engaging in suicide bombings. These violent activities aimed to derail the peace process and prevent a compromise two-state solution. The Hebron massacre in 1994, in which Hamas member Baruch Goldstein killed 29 Palestinians, marked a turning point as Hamas began targeting civilians. Their attacks, coupled with Israel's responses and the failure of the Oslo Accords, further fueled tensions and pushed Palestinians towards despair.
Internal Conflict and Siege in Gaza
Following their electoral victory in 2006, Hamas faced internal and external challenges. The refusal of Hamas to meet international demands, such as recognizing Israel, led to the isolation of the Palestinian Authority, which resulted in a violent split between Hamas and Fatah in Gaza. In 2007, Hamas routed Fatah forces and took full control of the Gaza Strip. Israel responded by imposing a blockade on Gaza, severely limiting essential supplies and exacerbating the economic and humanitarian crisis in the region.
Hamas Today
Hamas continues to rule Gaza, focusing on resistance against Israeli occupation rather than improving the situation of Palestinians. It has fought multiple wars with Israel, while also receiving support from Iran. The blockade and Hamas's rule have led to dire living conditions in Gaza, with high unemployment rates and limited access to basic necessities. Despite international condemnation, Hamas remains a significant player in the Palestinian Liberation Project, embodying the aspirations for self-determination and the struggle for Palestinian rights.
On October 7th, the organization Hamas, which is also the ruling government of Gaza, perpetrated an attack just across the border in Israel. The Israeli government says that the attack killed around 1200 people, most of them civilians. And Hamas also kidnapped hundreds more, including women and children, and took them back to Gaza as hostages. In response, Israel has bombarded and invaded Gaza. More than 11,000 people have been killed, and many more displaced. Since that day we've heard from many of you, our listeners, with questions about Hamas. So we took a few weeks to talk to experts on all sides to answer those questions – people who know the history deeply, and have even participated in it. Today on the show: the origins of Hamas, the context in which it developed, and what it represents to Palestinians, Israelis, and the rest of the world.