Hamas came into power through a series of political and military developments over several decades. Founded in 1987 during the First Intifada as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, it initially gained popularity as an Islamist resistance movement against Israeli occupation. In 2006, Hamas won the Palestinian legislative election, defeating the ruling Fatah party largely due to widespread dissatisfaction with Fatah's corruption and the stalled peace process. Following electoral victory, conflicts with Fatah escalated, culminating in Hamas’s violent takeover of the Gaza Strip in June 2007. Since then, Hamas has governed Gaza separately from the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. The group refuses to recognize the State of Israel and has maintained both military and political control in Gaza despite opposition and blockades by Israel and Egypt.
Origins and Early Support
Hamas was established by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin as part of the Muslim Brotherhood network, aiming to Islamicize Palestinian society and resist Israeli occupation. Initially, Israel discreetly tolerated Hamas as a counterbalance to the secular Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).
Electoral Victory and Political Shift
In 2006, Hamas ran in the Palestinian parliamentary elections and won a majority of seats, capitalizing on Palestinian frustration with Fatah corruption and failure in peace efforts. The international community demanded Hamas recognize Israel and renounce violence, which Hamas rejected, leading to aid cuts.
Armed Takeover of Gaza
Tensions with Fatah led to armed clashes, with Hamas eventually conducting a violent coup in Gaza in 2007, driving out Fatah forces and consolidating control over the territory. This marked Hamas’s transition from a political movement to de facto rulers of Gaza.
Current Governance
Hamas has since enforced a totalitarian regime in Gaza, controlling civilian life while maintaining a stance of armed resistance against Israel. This has drawn wide international designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization.
