HamasIslamic Resistance Movement

Hamas

“Devotion and zeal in the path of Allah”

Founded in 1988 Mahmoud Al-Zahar Sheikh Ahmed Yassin

Hamas Charter

Creation of an Islamic state in Palestine Replace Israel and Palestinian Territories Obliteration or nullification of Israel

Renouncing any part of Palestine means renouncing part of the religion

Tolerance of other religions Only if other religions don’t stand in the way

of stated objectives of Hamas

Muslim Brotherhood in PalestineMembers are Muslims who “fear

Allah and raise the banner of Jihad in the face of the oppressors” Resisting and stopping the enemy is

duty of every MuslimZionists are behind events and

disasters as far back as French Revolution

Arab Israeli Conflict is irreconcilable struggle Jews vs. Muslims Judaism vs. Islam

Not a territorial conflict Conflict between believers and

infidelsJihad is only solution until victory

or martyrdom

Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades

Military wing of Hamas Founded in 1992 by Yahya Ayyash

Primary objective Build coherent military organization

to support goals of HamasTerrorist organization for many

countries: EU, US, Australia

Independent cells Cells often unaware of work of other

cellsIdentities remain secret until

deathCurrent leader is Mohammed Deif

Bombing Attacks and Casualties

Suicide Bombings and Rocket Attacks

786 casualties from 1993 – 2008 171 attacks

10-yr Truce

January 26, 2004 Abdel Aziz al-Rantissi offers 10 year

truce to Israel Complete withdrawal of Israel from

territories captured during 6-Day War Establishment of Palestinian state within

Israel Truce would last ten years, but no longer

Israel refuses to accept because they cannot trust Hamas

Ahmed Yassin

Spiritual leader of Hamas

Assassinated March 22, 2004

Missile fired by Israeli gunship following morning prayer

Hamas and Children

Israel accuses Hamas of using children as human shields

Arab news video of military training of children under the age of 15 Spotters Transport explosives and weapons Deter Israeli attacks Unknowingly used as bombers

Children’s magazine Al-Fateh Al-Aqsa TV