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Hamas

Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist political and militant organization that has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist political and militant organization that has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007. It emerged in 1987 during the First Intifada and combines political activity, social services, and armed resistance against Israel. Several countries, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and members of the European Union, designate Hamas as a terrorist organization.

History

Hamas was founded in 1987 as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood during the First Intifada. It won the 2006 Palestinian legislative election and took de facto control of Gaza in 2007 after conflict with Fatah.

Ideology and aims

Hamas combines Palestinian nationalism with Islamist ideology. It rejects Israel's legitimacy and says it seeks a Palestinian state, while its earlier charter called for replacing Israel with an Islamic state.

Governance in Gaza

Since 2007, Hamas has been the de facto governing authority in the Gaza Strip. It operates as both a political movement and an armed organization, providing social services while maintaining armed resistance. Gaza has remained under blockade and has experienced repeated armed conflict.

Israel–Hamas conflict

Hamas has carried out attacks against Israeli civilians and military targets over many years. On 7 October 2023, it launched a major attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, triggering the ongoing war in Gaza and major regional and international attention.

Political rivalries

Hamas is the main rival of Fatah, the dominant faction in the Palestinian Authority. The split between the two groups has shaped Palestinian politics since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007.

Key facts

  • Hamas was founded in 1987 as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood.
  • It won the 2006 Palestinian legislative election and took de facto control of Gaza in 2007.
  • The group launched a major attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
  • Hamas rejects Israel’s legitimacy and says it seeks a Palestinian state; its earlier charter called for the destruction of Israel.
  • Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Israel, and others list Hamas as a terrorist organization.
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Canadian context

Canada lists Hamas as a terrorist organization, and Canadian readers encounter it mainly in coverage of the Israel–Hamas conflict, Middle East diplomacy, and security policy.

Frequently asked questions

What is Hamas?
Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist political and militant organization that has governed Gaza since 2007 and is considered a terrorist group by Canada and several other countries.
Why did Hamas attack Israel in 2023?
Hamas said the 7 October 2023 attack was tied to the Israeli occupation and to events at the al-Aqsa mosque compound, among other grievances.
Who is the leader of Hamas?
Hamas has had different leaders over time, and its leadership is not centered in one public office. Senior leadership has changed and has often operated from outside Gaza.
What is the goal of Hamas?
Hamas says it seeks to resist Israel and establish a Palestinian state, while its earlier charter called for replacing Israel with an Islamic state.
Is Hamas considered a terrorist group?
Yes. Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Israel, and others designate Hamas as a terrorist organization.
What is the difference between Hamas and Fatah?
Hamas is an Islamist movement that has ruled Gaza, while Fatah is a more secular Palestinian nationalist faction that dominates the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.

References

  1. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyv7w3gdy2o
    Supports: Founded in 1987; Gaza governance since 2007; 7 October 2023 attack; designation as terrorist organization; al-Aqsa reference
  2. Al Jazeera — https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/8/what-is-the-group-hamas-a-simple-guide-tothe-palestinian-group
    Supports: Meaning of Hamas; Gaza governance; relation to Fatah; stance on Israel; designation by multiple states including Canada
  3. Council on Foreign Relations — https://www.cfr.org/backgrounders/what-hamas
    Supports: Origins in Muslim Brotherhood; control of Gaza; rivalry with Fatah; ideological goals
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hamas
    Supports: Founded in 1987; ideology; use of violence; goals
  5. U.S. National Counterterrorism Center — https://www.dni.gov/nctc/groups/hamas.html
    Supports: Late-1987 formation; Muslim Brotherhood roots; charter goals; U.S. designation
  6. Anti-Defamation League — https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounder/hamas
    Supports: Designation by Canada and other states; goals; Gaza takeover; organizational description