Hamas: Between Terror and Realpolitik

Abstract

The Islamic Resistance Movement, better known by its Arabic acronym Hamas (Zeal, Enthusiasm), is perceived as the most inf luential spoiler of Palestinian–Israeli peace. Hamas rejected the Oslo Accords and has engaged in numerous terrorist operations against Israel. Historically related to the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by a majority of Western states, which have not recognized it as a legitimate political force. Nevertheless, Hamas was democratically elected during the Palestinian elections of 2006 and has held power in the Gaza Strip since defeating Fatah in a military confrontation there in June 2007. Since this time, parts of Hamas have adopted a more statesmanlike stance, focusing on institution-building and governing in the coastal strip (Table 2.1).