Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh
Hamas, also known as the Islamic Resistance Movement, emerged in 1987 during the First Intifada. Founded by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, a Palestinian refugee living in Gaza, it has its roots in the Muslim Brotherhood, a prominent Sunni Muslim organisation established in Egypt in the 1920s
In 1988, Hamas published its charter, which called for the complete destruction of Israel and the establishment of an Islamic society in historic Palestine. Despite a 2017 document presenting a moderated image, Hamas still refused to recognise Israel
Over the years, Hamas has been responsible for multiple acts of violence, including suicide bombings and rocket attacks on Israel. These actions have led to its designation as a terrorist organization in various countries. It has also maintained close ties with Iran, Turkey, and Qatar
While recent years saw Hamas focus on governing Gaza, the group utilized this period to enhance its military capabilities. The attack on October 7 by Hamas, signalled a shift from its apparent focus on economic development in Gaza. Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas's military wing, is believed to have masterminded these attacks
Hamas is currently led by a group of leaders consisting of Yahya Sinwar in Gaza, Ismail Haniyeh in Doha, and Khaled Mashaal. They realigned Hamas leadership with Iran and its allies, with many relocating to Lebanon. The Politburo oversees their overarching strategy. The military wing, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, is headed by Marwan Issa and Mohammed Deif, while the Hamas government in Gaza is led by Prime Minister Issam Al-Daalis
Yahya Sinwar, born in 1962 in a Palestinian refugee camp at Khan Yunis, Gaza, is the highest-ranking Hamas official in Gaza. As the de facto ruler of Gaza, he holds significant influence and is considered the second most powerful member of Hamas, following Ismail Haniyeh. Sinwar gained a reputation as a hardliner who refuses to compromise with Israel, earning him the nickname 'the Butcher of Khan Yunis.' He survived Israeli imprisonment and was released in 2011, becoming a central figure in Hamas' leadership
Mohammed Deif, also known as the elusive chief of Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, is believed to be the mastermind behind recent attacks. Born as Mohammad Masri in 1965 in the Khan Yunis Refugee Camp, Deif is a highly secretive figure who avoids public appearances due to the constant threat of assassination. He has played a significant role in developing the Al-Qassam Brigades' capabilities, including the design of the Qassam rocket. Deif's whereabouts are currently unknown, but he is believed to be hiding in Gaza
Abu Obaida serves as the current spokesperson of the Al-Qassam Brigades. His true identity and personal details remain concealed, as he rarely appears in public and is often seen wearing a keffiyeh to cover his face. Notably, he announced the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006, showcasing his central role within the Al-Qassam Brigades and Hamas
Ismail Haniyeh, the main political leader of Hamas, resides outside of Gaza in Doha, Qatar. Born in the Al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza in 1962, Haniyeh's family had become refugees during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. He studied at the Islamic University of Gaza, where he became involved with Hamas and graduated in Arabic literature in 1987. Haniyeh's prominence within Hamas grew over the years, and he became the head of the Hamas list that won the Palestinian legislative elections in 2006, subsequently becoming prime minister
Mahmoud al-Zahar, believed to be around sixty years old, has been a part of Hamas since its founding and was closely associated with Hamas founder Ahmed Yassin. He co-founded Hamas and is a member of the Hamas leadership in the Gaza Strip. Al-Zahar served as foreign minister in the Hamas-dominated Palestinian Authority Government of March 2006. He was born in Gaza and studied medicine in Cairo, becoming a surgeon and personal doctor to Yassin
Ziyad al-Nakhalah leads the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) since 2018, a group designated as a terrorist organization by several countries. He is believed to reside in either Lebanon or Syria and maintains strong ties with Iran. PIJ has strong backing from Iran and has participated in the recent attacks alongside Hamas, holding Israeli hostages and demanding the release of Palestinian prisoners