The history of Hamas, and its likely grim future - with Jonathan Schanzer
Oct 11, 2023
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Jonathan Schanzer discusses the history of Hamas, its emergence during the first Intifada, rise to power after Israel's withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, and potential decline. The chapter explores Hamas' strategic tactics like suicide bombings, implications of their electoral victory in 2006, and future challenges for Gaza post-Hamas. It also highlights the importance of reliable institutions in ensuring stability and security in the West Bank.
Hamas, recognized as a terrorist organization, aims to kill as many Jews and Israelis as possible. Despite Israel's advanced status, nuclear weapons, and undeclared power, Hamas harbors false hopes of overtaking the country. The organization fuels its followers with a consistent diet of hatred and delusional beliefs about conquering Israel, though this is deemed unachievable.
Historical Background: Gaza's Control and Israeli Involvement
Gaza's historical control shifted from the Egyptians to the Israelis post the 1948 War. From 1948 to 1967, Egypt governed the region until Israel's conquest in 1967 due to terrorist threats. The Gaza Strip grew densely populated over the years, with peace hopes exchanged for territorial control issues.
Hamas Emergence: Intifada, Conflict with PLO
The emergence of Hamas during the first Intifada triggered new violence aspects against Israel. As the PLO and Hamas clashed for leadership, Yasser Arafat engaged in the Oslo Peace Process, concerned about being outdone by Hamas. A rift appeared, leading to intensified violence and brutal tactics like suicide bombings.
Hamas Operations and Iran's Influence
Hamas' operations escalated beyond territorial disputes into rocket wars, suicide bombings, and hostage-taking. Iran's sponsorship facilitated Hamas' access to weaponry, funds, and attack strategies. Iran's deep-seated aim to destroy Israel led to the strategic infiltration of Hamas into Gaza and intensified regional threats.
Implications and Future Challenges
The recent escalation reveals a significant shift from tactical to strategic threat by Hamas. Israel's response aims at not only eliminating Hamas but also reestablishing deterrence. The aftermath of Hamas's potential demise in Gaza raises concerns about governance, regional stability, and infrastructure revitalization post-conflict.
We have been getting a lot of questions about the history of Hamas, its ideological roots and objectives, its allies and rivalries, how it wound up in charge of Gaza, the origins of this war, and whether there could actually be a post-Hamas Gaza. For this tutorial, our guest is Dr. Jonathan Schanzer, who is senior vice president for research at Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
Jon previously worked as a terrorism finance analyst at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where he played an integral role in the designation of numerous terrorist financiers. Jon's latest book is "Gaza Conflict 2021: Hamas, Israel and Eleven Days of War". His other books include: "State of Failure: Yasser Arafat, Mahmoud Abbas, and the Unmaking of the Palestinian State", and "Hamas vs. Fatah: The Struggle for Palestine", which is still the only book on the market that analyzes the ongoing Palestinian civil war.
Jonathan has studied Middle East history in four countries. He earned his PhD from King’s College London, where he wrote his dissertation on the U.S. Congress and its efforts to combat terrorism in the 20th century. He speaks Arabic and Hebrew.
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