Ask Haviv Anything Episode 80: Who is Hamas and what do they want?
28 snips
Jan 19, 2026 Delving into the origins of Hamas, the discussion reveals its 1987 founding and links to the Muslim Brotherhood. The episode explores Hamas's ideology of Islamic revivalism and staunch rejection of a two-state solution. Notably, it highlights the antisemitic elements in Hamas's charter and their belief in Palestinians as redeemers of Islam. The conversation further uncovers Hamas's class rebellion narrative, its complex governance in Gaza, and strategic moves to draw Israel into conflict, illustrating its multifaceted and contentious identity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Islamic Revivalism As Core Ideology
- Hamas is a branch of the Muslim Brotherhood that seeks to restore Islam's historical power and purpose.
- It frames Islamic revival as the solution to modern Muslim weakness and Western dominance.
Absolute Rejection Of Israel
- Hamas rejects Israel's existence and historically frames the problem as global Jewish presence, not merely Zionism.
- Its 1988 charter uses explicitly anti-Semitic language and opposes a two-state solution.
Palestinians As Agents Of Islamic Redemption
- Hamas ties Palestinian struggle to a broader Islamic redemption narrative that valorizes sacrifice and conquest.
- Palestinians are cast as the vanguard to reverse centuries of Islamic decline by removing Israel.