What To Know About Hamas
By DB KELLY
History - Science
Founding
"Hamas" is an Arabic acronym that translates to Islamic Resistance Movement. It was formed in 1987 by Sheik Ahmed Yassin, a former leader of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Yassin established a rhetoric of lauding the martyrdom of suicide bombers and other jihadists who acted in the interests of establishing Israel as a nation belonging to Islam.
It’s Different
Hamas is very different from other terrorist groups due to its strong nationalist presence, government rule in Gaza, complex infrastructure, and terrorist tactics.
Daniel Ayalon, Israel’s former U.S. ambassador, said on NPR, "They send terrorists strapped in explosives into markets [...] coffee shops, and into school buses and kindergartens."
Hamas Inc.
So many Hamas-connected businesses have sprung up throughout Gaza that it's called "Hamas Inc.," including shopping centers and wedding chapels.
Hamas' business presence in Gaza has made it an unavoidable part of everyday life. Its income gets rolled over into more of its assets, which means more income for Hamas.
Hamas Vs. Isis
In 2018, ISIS actually declared war on Hamas for not prioritizing God's law when they got involved in elections, and for their communications with Egypt and Iran.
Columbia University's Tareq Baconi told NPR, "The two are not allies [...] to even put them together as extremist organizations might overlook a lot of [their differences]."
Recruiting Methods
Hamas takes recruitment as a multi-pronged attack, appealing to the young men who are prime targets for transformation into suicide bombers.
Hamas sets up recruiters in a social services network in mosques and schools that teaches families to value martyrdom and that it’s honorable to have a terrorist in the family.