What Is Hamas?

Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

It was founded in 1987 by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, a Palestinian religious leader with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.

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Hamas published a charter in 1988 calling to "obliterate" Israel and establish a new Islamic society

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The United States designated Hamas as a foreign terrorist organization in 1997.

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Hamas has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2006 after winning local elections and has faced a 16-year blockade by Israel and Egypt.

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The surprise attack on Saturday was the deadliest since 2014 when tensions led to a seven-week retaliation.

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In May 2021, Hamas launched about 1,600 rockets into Israel, leading to a ceasefire negotiated with the help of the United States and Egypt.

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President Joe Biden pledged aid to Gaza for reconstruction while ensuring it doesn't benefit Hamas.

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The United States has provided significant military aid to Israel since the 1990s, with an annual increase to about $3.8 billion in 2019.

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