Tareq Baconi, expert on Hamas, discusses the importance of understanding its political aspirations separate from violence. They also explore the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Hamas's shift towards armed struggle, the emergence of suicide bombings, their rise to power in Gaza, and the challenges they face as a governing authority.
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Quick takeaways
Hamas aimed to reform the PLO and challenge concessions made by recognizing Israel, prioritizing resistance and a radical stance.
Hamas entered Palestinian Authority elections to engage in political reform and challenge concessions made by recognizing Israel, facing international efforts to undermine them.
Hamas won elections by presenting itself as a resistance movement against Israeli occupation and offering good governance and anti-corruption measures as an alternative to Fatah.
Hamas pursued a dual approach, participating in the Palestinian Authority for governance while maintaining its commitment to resistance, aiming to challenge the existing framework and push for a more radical stance.
Deep dives
Hamas's Vision for Reforming the PLO
Hamas sought to reform the PLO to be a more inclusive and representative body for the Palestinian people. They believed that their movement had enough legitimacy to be a part of this umbrella organization fighting for liberation. Their goal was to challenge the concessions made by the PLO, including recognition of Israel, and shift the focus to a more resistant and radical stance.
Hamas's Decision to Enter Elections
Although Hamas saw the Palestinian Authority (PA) as compromised and illegitimate, they decided to enter the elections due to a broader goal of political engagement and reforming the framework of Palestinian politics. They aimed to use their entry into the PA as a stepping stone to participate in the PLO and open up debates around the concessions made by the PLO, such as recognizing Israel. However, their entry into elections was met with international efforts to undermine them and a subsequent coup attempt by Fatah.
Hamas's Victory in the Elections
Hamas won the elections based on a combination of factors. It was seen as a resistance movement that stood against Israeli occupation, and many Palestinians were disillusioned with Fatah's corruption. Hamas presented itself as an alternative with a focus on good governance and a commitment to combat corruption. Their victory was also seen as a protest vote against Fatah's failed negotiations with Israel. However, their governance approach also included a continued commitment to resistance against Israel, which resonated with many Palestinians.
Hamas's Approach to Governance and Resistance
Hamas envisioned a dual approach to governance and resistance. While participating in the Palestinian Authority, they aimed to provide good governance and address issues such as corruption. However, they also maintained their commitment to resistance against Israeli occupation. They saw their role in the PA as a means to challenge the existing framework and push for a more radical stance within the Palestinian political landscape.
Hamas's Political Program and Connection with Palestinians
Hamas put forward a coherent and astute political program focused on cleaning up the Palestinian authorities. It advocated reform, pushed back against corruption, and addressed the needs of Palestinians under occupation. This resonated with Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Hamas's resistance project was also admired as a form of defense against Israeli aggression.
Hamas's Ambivalence Towards Governance
Hamas didn't want to emerge as a governing authority. Its focus was on using governance to mobilize people under occupation and shift their focus towards resistance. In the Gaza Strip, where Hamas governed, it built infrastructure to withstand the blockade and made Palestinian resistance more effective in terms of forcing Israel to offer certain concessions.
The Violent Equilibrium and Blockade
The Israeli blockade of Gaza created a violent equilibrium between Hamas and Israel. Israel aimed for calm while the blockade persisted, while Palestinians in Gaza demanded an end to the blockade. This led to periodic escalations of violence, which resulted in temporary ceasefires and limited easing of restrictions. However, the blockade remained, reinforcing the perception that Hamas was the reason for the blockade and serving as an excuse for its continuation.
Featuring Tareq Baconi on the history of Hamas. This is the context we need. And it is precisely what mainstream discourse mystifies, denies, and disavows.
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