Who created Hamas? Who are Hamas allies?

Hamas, officially known as the Islamic Resistance Movement, is a prominent Palestinian organization with a complex history and a wide range of allies and opponents in the Middle East and beyond. In this article, we delve into the origins of Hamas and the alliances it has formed over the years.

Founding Figures: Hamas was founded on December 10, 1987, approximately 35 years ago, during the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation. The organization emerged as a breakaway faction from the Muslim Brotherhood, a global Islamist movement. Key founding figures include Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and Abdel Aziz al-Rantissi, among others.

Military Wing: Hamas’s military wing, known as the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, has been at the forefront of the group’s armed activities. It is responsible for various militant actions aimed at achieving Palestinian statehood and countering Israeli forces. The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades have played a central role in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Ideological Foundations: Hamas’s ideology is a blend of Palestinian nationalism, Islamism, Islamic nationalism, anti-Zionism, anti-communism, and, at times, antisemitism. The organization draws its ideological inspiration from Sunni Islam, and its platform emphasizes the liberation of Palestinian territories.

Political Alliances: Hamas has formed political alliances to advance its goals. One such alliance is the “Alliance of Palestinian Forces,” a coalition of various Palestinian factions. In 2006, Hamas secured a majority of seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), holding 74 out of 132 seats, marking a significant electoral victory.

International Allies: Hamas has garnered support from several countries and entities. State allies have included Afghanistan’s Taliban, Iran, Qatar, and Syria (until 2011). These nations have variously offered political, financial, and military support to the organization.

Non-State Allies: Hezbollah, the Shiite militant group based in Lebanon, has been a key non-state ally of Hamas. This partnership has provided Hamas with valuable military and logistical support.

Opponents: Hamas faces significant opposition, both regionally and internationally. State opponents include Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The United States has designated Hamas as a terrorist organization, reflecting its stance on the group’s militant activities and ideological positions.

Designation as a Terrorist Group: Several countries and organizations have designated Hamas as a terrorist group, including Australia, Canada, the European Union, Israel, Japan, Jordan, the Organization of American States, Paraguay, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Hamas’s history is marked by its origins in the First Intifada, its ideological foundations, and a complex web of alliances and opposition. The organization’s influence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on the broader geopolitics of the Middle East continue to be subjects of international scrutiny and debate.