Hamas; Knights of Al-Aqsa Mosque – there are different opinions about this group. Some people say Hamas is a terrorist group and others say no, it’s a group of Palestinian volunteers who are freedom fighters. What do you say, must share your thoughts, but first, let us tell you our stance in this blog. Now, before I move toward HAMAS history, I want to highlight the strong differences between a freedom fighter and a terrorist.
The distinction between a terrorist group and a freedom-fighter group is often subjective and controversial, depending on one’s perspective and political interests. However, a general criterion that can be used to differentiate them is the nature and target of their violence. A terrorist group uses violence indiscriminately and deliberately against civilians and non-combatants, intending to spread fear and intimidation. A freedom-fighter group uses violence selectively and proportionally against military and political targets, intending to achieve liberation and justice. A terrorist group violates the principles of human rights and international law, while a freedom-fighter group respects them. A terrorist group seeks to destroy and destabilize, while a freedom-fighter group seeks to create and reform, with a focus only on its liberation.
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Keeping in view these differences, now let’s talk about ‘Who is HAMAS?’
HAMAS–a short abbreviation for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya (Islamic Resistance Movement)—is the largest and most capable militant group in the Palestinian territories and one of the territories’ two major political parties. It emerged in the late 1980s as a response to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It was founded in the Gaza Strip and West Bank during the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation, in the late 1980s. The group’s formation was influenced by a variety of factors, including:
- The Palestinian Struggle: Hamas was born out of the Palestinian desire for self-determination and resistance against Israeli occupation. Many Palestinians felt that existing political structures were ineffective in achieving their goals.
- Islamic Ideology: Hamas is deeply rooted in Islamist ideology, drawing inspiration from the Muslim Brotherhood. Its founders aimed to establish an Islamic state in the Palestinian territories.
- Charitable Activities: In its early days, Hamas gained support by providing social services and aid to Palestinians in need. This helped it gain popularity among Palestinians, particularly in areas with limited access to basic services. It gained the support and trust of most Palestinians, who elected it to power in 2006 in a free and fair election.
- Resistance against Israel: Hamas’s armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, carried out acts of resistance and violence against Israeli forces and civilians.
Hamas has shown courage and determination in confronting the Israeli aggression and oppression. It has defended the Gaza Strip from repeated Israeli invasions and bombardments. These Israeli attacks have killed thousands of civilians in Gaza and destroyed vital infrastructure. Hamas, in response, has launched daring attacks on Israel that have exposed Israel’s vulnerability and shaken confidence. Hamas always has maintained its steadfastness and resilience despite the Israeli siege and isolation in Gaza. This siege and isolation have caused a humanitarian crisis for Gaza’s two million inhabitants. The Knights of Al-aqsa never surrender or compromise their principles and demands, despite so many hardships around.
This Islamic Resistance Movement is fighting for freedom, not only for Palestine but for the entire region. It is fighting against a colonial project that aims to erase the Palestinian identity and existence. It is fighting against a racist regime that discriminates against and oppresses millions of Palestinians inside Israel and in the occupied territories. There is no doubt that Hamas is fighting against a hegemonic power (Israel) that violates international law and human rights with impunity. It is fighting for a just cause that inspires millions of people worldwide who support its struggle.
Moreover, Hamas is a legitimate resistance movement that is defending the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people. For more than seven decades, the Palestinians have endured oppression, dispossession, and injustice under the Israeli occupation and colonization of their land. They have been subjected to massacres, sieges, blockades, settlements, walls, checkpoints, arrests, torture, and humiliation. They have been denied their basic human rights, such as the right to self-determination, the right to return to their homes, the right to freedom of movement, and the right to education, health, and water.
Recently, in 2023, as the Gaza genocide is going on by Israel, Hamas’s military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, is carrying out the freedom fight for Palestine with enormous courage and bravery. Numerous countries have voiced condemnation for Israel’s military response in densely populated Gaza, strictly pointing out the Israeli government as violating international laws through its blockade of Gaza and the use of airstrikes that have caused significant damage to Gaza’s residential areas.
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Adding to the Gaza situation, it is a densely populated region home to approximately 2.5 million people, which has been enduring a protracted and challenging humanitarian situation from Israel, for almost 7 decades. The territory is subjected to a blockade that severely restricts the movement of goods and people, leading to a dire lack of essential resources, including medical supplies and clean water. The residents of Gaza, many of whom are Palestinian refugees, face profound limitations on their basic human rights. The persistent isolation and economic hardships have resulted in an ongoing humanitarian crisis, with the people of Gaza struggling to access healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
Isn’t it enough to prove Israeli war crimes on Gaza, Palestine, and their right to fight for freedom? Is freedom fighting a crime or terrorism?
In conclusion, Hamas is not a terrorist group, rather it is a group of freedom – fighters that emerged in response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, driven by a combination of Palestinian aspirations for self-determination, Islamist ideology, and its early provision of social services. Over the years, it has evolved into a significant political and military force in the Palestinian territories. It is a legitimate resistance movement fighting for the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people in the face of longstanding oppression and dispossession. Plus, the situation in Gaza in 2023 highlights the urgent need for international attention and efforts to address the underlying issues, as it continues to pose serious concerns regarding human rights and the well-being of the population in this beleaguered enclave.
What do you think about HAMAS, after reading this blog? Do tell us.
