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[[Image:Hamas.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Hamas]]

[[Image:Hamas.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Hamas]]

'''Hamas''' ([[Arabic]]: '''حركة حماس''' "zeal") is a radical [[Islamic]] political and militant organization in [[Gaza]] and the [[West Bank]]. The group is regarded as a [[terrorist]] organization by the [[United States]], the [[EU]], [[Australia]], [[Canada]], [[Israel]], [[Japan]], [[Jordan]] and moderate Islamic leader [[Faisal Abdul Rauf]]. The name Hamas is an acronym of ''Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya'' (Islamic Resistance Movement). Hamas combines Palestinian nationalism with [[Islam]]ic fundamentalism, and "regards the territory of the present-day State of Israel — as well as the Gaza Strip and the West Bank — as an inalienable Islamic ''waqf'' or religious bequest, which can never be surrendered to non-Muslims."<ref>''Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement'' [http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3377113,00.html YNet] Accessed July 18, 2007</ref> Its charter commits the group to the destruction of Israel, the replacement of the Palestinian Authority with an Islamist state on the West Bank and Gaza, and to raising "the banner of Allah over every inch of [[Palestine]]."

'''Hamas''' ([[Arabic]]: '''حركة حماس''' "zeal") is a radical [[Islamic]] political and militant organization in [[Gaza]] and the [[West Bank]]. The group is regarded as a [[terrorist]] organization by the [[United States]], the [[EU]], [[Australia]], [[Canada]], [[Israel]], [[Japan]], [[Jordan]] and moderate Islamic leader [[Faisal Abdul Rauf]]. The name Hamas is an acronym of ''Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya'' (Islamic Resistance Movement). Hamas combines "[[Palestinian]]" nationalism with [[Islam]]ic fundamentalism, and "regards the territory of the present-day State of Israel — as well as the Gaza Strip and the West Bank — as an inalienable Islamic ''waqf'' or religious bequest, which can never be surrendered to non-Muslims."<ref>''Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement'' [http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3377113,00.html YNet] Accessed July 18, 2007</ref> Its charter commits the group to the destruction of Israel, the replacement of the Palestinian Authority with an Islamic state on the West Bank and Gaza, and to raising "the banner of Allah over every inch of [[Palestine]]."

Before [[Arab Spring]], Hamas had its headquarters in [[Damascus]], [[Syria]] under the protection and support of that country's dictator, [[Bashar al-Assad]]. Hamas also receives much support from theocratic [[Iran]].

Before [[Arab Spring]], Hamas had its headquarters in [[Damascus]], [[Syria]] under the protection and support of that country's dictator, [[Bashar al-Assad]]. Hamas also receives much support from theocratic [[Iran]].

== Name ==

== Name ==

''Hamas'' is an [[Acronym and initialism|acronym]] of the [[Arabic language|Arabic]] phrase حركة المقاومة الاسلامية, or '''Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya''' or "Islamic Resistance Movement". Ami Isseroff on ''MidEast web'' states that the acronym is also the Arabic word for "zeal".<ref>[http://www.mideastweb.org/hamashistory.htm "A History of the Hamas Movement"]. Copyright 1999-2002. ''MidEast Web''.</ref>

''Hamas'' is an [[Acronym and initialism|acronym]] of the [[Arabic language|Arabic]] phrase حركة المقاومة الاسلامية, or '''Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya''' or "Islamic Resistance Movement". Ami Isseroff on ''MidEast web'' states that the acronym is also the Arabic word for "zeal".<ref>[http://www.mideastweb.org/hamashistory.htm "A History of the Hamas Movement"]. Copyright 1999-2002. ''MidEast Web''.</ref>

== History ==

== History ==

 

Hamas was founded by terrorist Sheik Ahmed Yassin as the [[Egypt]]ian [[Muslim Brotherhood|Muslim Brotherhood's]] local political arm in December 1987, following the outbreak of the first [[intifada]]. Hamas published its official charter in 1988. From the 1990s it achieved notoriety for its use of the tactic of [[suicide bombing]], principally against civilian targets in Israel. Hamas members started carrying out terrorist attacks starting in the late 1980s, at first in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The first Hamas suicide bombing took place on April 26, 1993, when Saher al-tamam attacked two Israeli buses in front of a coffee shop in Mehola, killing and injuring several Israelis. It is believed to have killed more than 1500 people in more than 350 separate terrorist attacks since then.  

Hamas was founded by terrorist Sheik Ahmed Yassin as the [[Egypt]]ian [[Muslim Brotherhood|Muslim Brotherhood's]] local political arm in December 1987, following the outbreak of the first [[intifada]]. Hamas published its official charter in 1988. From the 1990s it achieved notoriety for its use of the tactic of [[suicide bombing]], principally against civilian targets in Israel. Hamas members started carrying out terrorist attacks starting in the late '80s, at first in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The first Hamas suicide bombing took place on April 26, 1993, when Saher al-tamam attacked two Israeli buses in front of a coffee shop in Mehola, killing and injuring several Israelis. It is believed to have killed more than 1500 people in more than 350 separate terrorist attacks since then.  

=== Opinion of Fatah ===

=== Opinion of Fatah ===

 

It also set itself in opposition to the [[secular]] [[Fatah]] movement. In the 2006 elections to the [[Palestinian Authority]] legislature Hamas gained a majority of seats; its government was dissolved in June 1997 by "Palestinian" president [[Mahmoud Abbas]] following the military takeover by Hamas of the [[Gaza Strip]] after several days of fighting between Hamas and Fatah.

It also set itself in opposition to the [[secular]] [[Fatah]] movement. In the 2006 elections to the [[Palestinian Authority]] legislature Hamas gained a majority of seats; its government was dissolved in June 1997 by Palestinian President [[Mahmoud Abbas]] following the military takeover by Hamas of the [[Gaza Strip]] after several days of fighting between Hamas and Fatah.

On the other hand, Hamas has also cooperated with the Fatah in its campaign of terror against Israel. For example, after the failure of the 2000 peace talks former leader of the Fatah movement [[Yasir Arafat]] ordered Hamas to start launching attacks against Israel.<ref>[http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=189549 Arafat ordered Hamas attacks against Israel in 2000 - Jerusalem Post]</ref> In his later years Arafat also sought to create an leadership organization which would have included the Hamas and Islamic Jihad movements.<ref>[http://archive.frontpagemag.com/readArticle.aspx?ARTID=13434 Arafat's Hamas Honeymoon -FrontPage Magazine]</ref>

On the other hand, Hamas has also cooperated with the Fatah in its campaign of terror against Israel. For example, after the failure of the 2000 peace talks former leader of the Fatah movement [[Yasir Arafat]] ordered Hamas to start launching attacks against Israel.<ref>[http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=189549 Arafat ordered Hamas attacks against Israel in 2000 - Jerusalem Post]</ref> In his later years Arafat also sought to create an leadership organization which would have included the Hamas and Islamic Jihad movements.<ref>[http://archive.frontpagemag.com/readArticle.aspx?ARTID=13434 Arafat's Hamas Honeymoon -FrontPage Magazine]</ref>

=== Islam ===

=== Islam ===

 

Like the [[Muslim Brotherhood]], which Hamas branched off from, Hamas believes the rules of Islam, or the [[Sharia]] to be a sufficient guide for all areas of life. Since Hamas sees Islam as a sufficient guide for all areas in life, and as a way of life, they, as the Covenant of Hamas says, tries to make Islam its program.<ref name = "hamascovenant">[http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Hamas_Covenant Hamas Covenant]</ref>

Like the [[Muslim Brotherhood]], which Hamas branched off from, Hamas believes the rules of Islam, or the [[Sharia]] to be a sufficient guide for all areas of life. Since Hamas sees Islam as a sufficient guide for all areas in life, and as a way of life, they, as the Covenant of Hamas says, tries to make Islam its programme.<ref name = "hamascovenant">[http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Hamas_Covenant Hamas Covenant]</ref>

=== Freemasons, Lions Club and the Rotarians ===

=== Freemasons, Lions Club and the Rotarians ===

Hamas views the [[Freemasons]], [[Lions Club]], and the [[Rotarians]] as groups that help support [[Zionism|Zionist]] interests, and it believes that they were created with zionist money and are driving forces behind the drug trade and [[alcoholism]].<ref name = "hamascovenant"/>

Hamas views the [[Freemasons]], [[Lions Club]], and the [[Rotarians]] as groups that help support [[Zionism|Zionist]] interests, and it believes that they were created with zionist money and are driving forces behind the drug trade and [[alcoholism]].<ref name = "hamascovenant"/>

=== Anti-Semitism ===

=== Anti-Semitism ===

 

The group has anti-Semitic beliefs such as Jews as plotting to control the world, Jews acquire wealth by stealing, that the Jews control the media, government and finance.<ref>http://www.adl.org/PresRele/IslME_62/4877_62.htm</ref> Also, the co-creator of Hamas said that the Holocaust is the greatest of lies created by the Zionists.<ref>http://www.imra.org.il/story.php3?id=18086</ref>

The group has anti-semitic beliefs such as Jews as plotting to control the world, Jews acquire wealth by stealing, that the Jews control the media, government and finance.<ref>http://www.adl.org/PresRele/IslME_62/4877_62.htm</ref> Also, the co-creator of Hamas said that the Holocaust is the greatest of lies created by the Zionists.<ref>http://www.imra.org.il/story.php3?id=18086</ref>

===Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades===

===Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades===

In 1991, Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades became the armed branch of the group Hamas. It is names after Ezzedeen Al-Qassam, an Islamic militant who was killed in 1935. The stated goals of the brigade are as followed:to fight Israel, take over Israel, and invoke a spirit of Jihad among the Palestinians. The group is made up of many different cells. Secrecy is important, and sometimes cells do not know what other cells are doing. The group said by September 2000, more than 800 of its members had been killed. The leader of the militant wing is Muhamad Deif.<ref>http://www.alqassam.ps/english/?action=aboutus</ref>

In 1991, Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades became the armed branch of the group Hamas. It is names after Ezzedeen Al-Qassam, an Islamic militant who was killed in 1935. The stated goals of the brigade are as follows: to fight Israel, take over Israel, and invoke a spirit of Jihad among the "Palestinians". The group is made up of many different cells. Secrecy is important, and sometimes cells do not know what other cells are doing. The group said by September 2000, more than 800 of its members had been killed. The leader of the militant wing is Muhamad Deif.<ref>http://www.alqassam.ps/english/?action=aboutus</ref>

===Social Programs ===

===Social Programs ===

Hamas conducts numerous social welfare actions, known as ''Dawa'', including relief and education programs, school funding, soup kitchens, and sports leagues. These programs are viewed as propaganda and recruitment exercises, or both. In December 2001, the Bush administration seized the assets of the Holy Land Foundation, the largest Muslim charity in the United States, upon finding proof it was funding Hamas.<ref>''ibid.''</ref>  

Hamas conducts numerous social welfare actions, known as ''Dawa'', including relief and education programs, school funding, soup kitchens, and sports leagues. These programs are viewed as propaganda and recruitment exercises, or both. In December 2001, the Bush administration seized the assets of the Holy Land Foundation, the largest Muslim charity in the United States, upon finding proof it was funding Hamas.<ref>''ibid.''</ref>  

=== Popularity ===

=== Popularity ===

 

Hamas is still fairly popular among many "Palestinian" people, but it is not as popular as it was at one point in time. Their total unwillingness to negotiate with the nation of [[Israel]] has weakened Hamas's support. The people are starting to get weary of the violence there.

Hamas is still fairly popular among many Palestinian people, but it is not as popular as it was at one point in time. Their total unwillingness to negotiate with the nation of [[Israel]] has weakend Hamas's support. The people are starting to get weary of the violence there.

<ref>http://www.cfr.org/publication/8968/#12</ref>

<ref>http://www.cfr.org/publication/8968/#12</ref>

In January 2006 the political wing of Hamas won many seats in the Palestinian elections.<ref>http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2006/02/mil-060218-voa05.htm</ref>

In January 2006 the political wing of Hamas won many seats in the "Palestinian" elections.<ref>http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2006/02/mil-060218-voa05.htm</ref>

<center>

<center>

[[Image:Palestinians inspect homes in Gaza, 2009.jpg|center]]

[[Image:Palestinians inspect homes in Gaza, 2009.jpg|center]]

Palestinians inspect homes destroyed near the border with Egypt in Gaza, 2009.

"Palestinians" inspect homes destroyed near the border with Egypt in Gaza, 2009.

</center>

</center>

==Mosab Hassan Yousef==

==Mosab Hassan Yousef==

The revelation that Mosab Hassan Yousef, son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, a founder and leader of the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, had spied for Israel for 10 years, and that he had also converted to Christianity, sent reverberations through the Middle East.  Mosab worked alongside his father in the West Bank from the second Intifada to the current stalemate, and during that time he became one of the top spies for Israel's internal security arm, the Shin Bet.   

The revelation that Mosab Hassan Yousef, son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, a founder and leader of the "Palestinian" terrorist group Hamas, had spied for Israel for 10 years, and that he had also converted to Christianity, sent reverberations through the Middle East.  Mosab worked alongside his father in the West Bank from the second Intifada to the current stalemate, and during that time he became one of the top spies for Israel's internal security arm, the Shin Bet.   

The younger Mr. Yousef's disillusionment with Hamas and Islam came as a result of his continued exposure to Hamas cruelty in prison. In 1996, Mosab was arrested by the Israelis for buying weapons, and while he was beaten and tortured badly in custody, he was more shocked by the way the maj'd, Hamas's security wing, dealt with other prisoners in the Megiddo prison in northern Israel. By agreeing to work with the Shin Bet, he got out of prison early..

The younger Mr. Yousef's disillusionment with Hamas and Islam came as a result of his continued exposure to Hamas cruelty in prison. In 1996, Mosab was arrested by the Israelis for buying weapons, and while he was beaten and tortured badly in custody, he was more shocked by the way the maj'd, Hamas's security wing, dealt with other prisoners in the Megiddo prison in northern Israel. By agreeing to work with the Shin Bet, he got out of prison early.

"Every day, there was screaming; every night, torture. Hamas was torturing its own people!" he writes. The Muslims he met in jail "bore no resemblance to my father" and "were mean and petty . . . bigots and hypocrites."   

"Every day, there was screaming; every night, torture. Hamas was torturing its own people!" he writes. The Muslims he met in jail "bore no resemblance to my father" and "were mean and petty . . . bigots and hypocrites."   

"I converted to Christianity because I was convinced by Jesus Christ as a character, as a personality. I loved him, his wisdom, his love, his unconditional love. I didn't leave [the Islamic] religion to put myself in another box of religion."<ref>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703915204575103481069258868.html#printMode</ref>  

"I converted to Christianity because I was convinced by Jesus Christ as a character, as a personality. I loved him, his wisdom, his love, his unconditional love. I didn't leave [the Islamic] religion to put myself in another box of religion."<ref>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703915204575103481069258868.html#printMode</ref>  

After the deceased PLO chief [[Yasser Arafat]] turned down the Israeli offer of 90% of the West Bank with East Jerusalem as the capital of a new Palestinian state, an outbreak of the second Intifada in September 2000 led to  Mosab being fully activated as a spy.

After the deceased PLO chief [[Yasser Arafat]] turned down the Israeli offer of 90% of the West Bank with East Jerusalem as the capital of a new "Palestinian" state, an outbreak of the second Intifada in September 2000 led to  Mosab being fully activated as a spy.

In an interview with the [[Wall Street Journal]],  Matthew Kaminski reported,  

In an interview with the [[Wall Street Journal]],  Matthew Kaminski reported,  

Mosab Hassan Yousef converted to Christianity, and he later moved to the United States in 2007.<ref>[bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/print/news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8533952.stm?ad=1 BBC NEWS ''Hamas man's son was Israeli spy''] February 24, 2010</ref>     

Mosab Hassan Yousef converted to Christianity, and he later moved to the United States in 2007.<ref>[bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/print/news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8533952.stm?ad=1 BBC NEWS ''Hamas man's son was Israeli spy''] February 24, 2010</ref>     

The United States is currently in the process of determining whether he qualifies for political asylum, as Islam requires the death of those who convert.   

The United States is currently in the process of determining whether he qualifies for political asylum, as Islam demands the death of those who leave the ideology.   

In an Associated Press interview, Mosab stated,  

In an Associated Press interview, Mosab stated,