Hamas
Accusation: Hamas is described as a resistance movement or a legitimate political party fighting for Palestinian freedom, rather than a terrorist organization.
The Short Answer
Hamas is an Islamist terrorist organization founded in 1987 as a branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. Its founding charter calls for the destruction of Israel and the killing of Jews.
It seized Gaza by force in 2007, has not held an election since, and carried out the October 7 massacre. The United States, the European Union, Britain and Canada all list it as a terrorist group.
Where Hamas Came From
Hamas was founded in December 1987 by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin at the start of the First Intifada. It grew out of the Muslim Brotherhood in Gaza. Its name is an Arabic acronym for the Islamic Resistance Movement.
From the beginning, Hamas rejected any peace with Israel. In the 1990s it launched waves of suicide bombings to destroy the Oslo peace process. Over the years it has been funded and armed by Iran, and its political leaders lived for years in Qatar.
What the Hamas Charter Says
The 1988 Hamas charter is not subtle. It calls for an Islamic state in place of Israel, rejects every peace initiative, and quotes a religious tradition saying that even the stones and trees will call out to Muslims that a Jew is hiding behind them, so that they may kill him.
In 2017 Hamas published a new document of principles with softer language. It still refused to recognize Israel and still called for the liberation of all of Palestine “from the River Jordan in the east to the Mediterranean in the west.”
How Hamas Rules Gaza
Hamas won Palestinian legislative elections in 2006. In 2007 it took over Gaza in a violent coup against the rival Fatah movement, killing its opponents. No election has been held in Gaza since then.
Under Hamas, cement, fuel and aid were diverted to build hundreds of kilometers of tunnels and to manufacture rockets. Thousands of rockets were fired at Israeli towns over the years, while Hamas leaders abroad lived in comfort.
October 7 and After
On October 7, 2023, Hamas led the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust. About 1,200 people were murdered and 251 were kidnapped. A UN envoy found reasonable grounds to believe that sexual violence, including rape, took place. Read more: Did Israel Provoke October 7?
Soon after the attack, senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad said in a television interview that the group would repeat October 7 again and again. Hamas has also refused to disarm under the ceasefire that began in October 2025.
Key Facts About Hamas
Founded in 1987 as the Gaza branch of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Designated a terrorist organization by the US, the EU, the UK, Canada and others.
Seized Gaza by force in 2007 and has held no elections since.
Built a vast tunnel network under homes, schools and hospitals.
Its leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar were both killed in 2024.
How to Respond
Ask whether a group that rapes, burns families alive and kidnaps babies can be called a resistance movement.
Quote the Hamas charter and the 2017 document. Hamas says plainly what it wants.
Remind people that Palestinians in Gaza have not been able to vote Hamas out since 2007.
Separate Hamas from the people of Gaza, who have suffered most under its rule.
Conclusion
Hamas is not a freedom movement. It is a terrorist organization whose stated goal is the destruction of Israel. Peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike begins with Hamas no longer ruling Gaza.