Updates on the tension between Israel and Palestine

Hamas was founded in December 1987 by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, a Palestinian cleric who was inspired by the Muslim Brotherhood. It emerged during the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. Hamas's initial goal was to provide social services and religious education to Palestinians, but it quickly became involved in the armed struggle against Israel.Show more

Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. It is known for its use of suicide bombings and other forms of violence against Israeli civilians. Hamas also controls the Gaza Strip, where it has been accused of human rights abuses and corruption.

Despite its designation as a terrorist organization, Hamas receives support from a number of countries, including:

Iran: Iran is Hamas's largest state sponsor, providing it with financial and military assistance.
Qatar: Qatar provides Hamas with financial assistance and has hosted Hamas leaders.
Turkey: Turkey has close ties to Hamas and has provided it with political and economic support.
Russia: Russia has provided Hamas with diplomatic support and has blocked UN resolutions condemning Hamas's attacks on Israel.
China: China has provided Hamas with diplomatic support and has blocked UN resolutions condemning Hamas's attacks on Israel.
It is important to note that not all of the countries that support Hamas do so openly. For example, Iran and Qatar provide Hamas with support through covert channels.

In addition to state sponsors, Hamas also receives support from a number of non-state actors, including:

The Muslim Brotherhood: The Muslim Brotherhood is a transnational Sunni Islamist movement that is ideologically aligned with Hamas.
Hezbollah: Hezbollah is a Lebanese Shia Islamist militant group that is supported by Iran.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad: Palestinian Islamic Jihad is another Palestinian militant group that is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and other countries.
Hamas's support from state and non-state actors has enabled it to continue its armed struggle against Israel. Despite the fact that Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organization, it remains a powerful force in Palestinian politics and society.