What is Hamas?

Response

Hamas is a Palestinian nationalist group that aims to eradicate the nation of Israel and establish an Islamic state. Hamas is an abbreviation for Ḥarakat al-Muqāwamah al-Islāmiyyah, which translates to “Islamic Resistance Movement” in English.

Hamas is a militant Islamic group that operates through various semi-independent branches, each specializing in areas such as charity, media, or military activities. While their social welfare efforts are commendable, the group’s use of violence and anti-Semitic propaganda has led to its classification as a terrorist organization by numerous countries globally. The group is primarily active in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip of Israel. Hamas receives significant support from countries like Iran, Qatar, and Turkey.

The military actions of Hamas are consistently condemned as acts of terrorism. These include suicide bombings, indiscriminate rocket attacks, and other assaults directly targeting Israeli civilians. Critics have also accused Hamas of intentionally storing weapons and military assets in civilian areas. Some have even alleged that the group uses Palestinians as human shields. Attempts to refute these accusations often rely on technicalities and legal arguments. Undoubtedly, Hamas has demonstrated a willingness to put Palestinian lives at risk to advance their political and religious objectives.

Hamas is also involved in disseminating anti-Semitic propaganda through various media channels. This includes programming aimed at children that promotes martyrdom, incites hatred towards Jews, and endorses terrorist activities. Despite claims of separation between Hamas’s different branches, it is argued that these radio, television, and print productions do not accurately reflect the group’s true beliefs. However, considering that the branches of Hamas share common resources, leadership, and goals, this defense is not convincing.

Criticism of Hamas is not solely from pro-Israeli, Western, or anti-Semitic sources.i-Islamic voices. Many Palestinian individuals also disagree with Hamas’s tactics. Some also reject their more extreme objectives. Although Hamas is nominally a Sunni Muslim organization, numerous Muslims disapprove of the group. Irrespective of one’s perspective on the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict, organizations primarily engaged in hatred and terrorism, such as Hamas, should not receive support.

Hamas’s goals are, biblically speaking, contrary to God’s plan for Israel. Hamas seeks Israel’s destruction while God aims to bless Israel and establish peace «Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: They shall prosper that love thee. », (Psalm 122:6). Hamas’s animosity towards Israel places it under God’s curse «and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. », (Genesis 12:3).