Hamas, a Palestinian armed group and political movement based in the Gaza Strip, carried out an attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the taking of more than 250 hostages. This led to a large-scale Israeli military offensive in Gaza, causing the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians. Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by the US, UK, Israel, and other nations, continued to launch rockets into Israel. On 15 January 2025, Israel and Hamas reached a deal aimed at ending the conflict and potentially leading to the release of hostages and prisoners.
Hamas, which originated from the Muslim Brotherhood in 1987, seeks to establish an Islamic state in place of Israel on what it considers Palestinian land. It has also indicated a willingness to accept an interim Palestinian state in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. Hamas has faced significant losses in terms of fighters during the conflict, including the deaths of key leaders like Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar.
Hamas’s most important ally is Iran, providing the group with financial, weapons, and political support. The attack on Israel in October 2023 was seen as a response to what Hamas perceives as Israeli oppression and aggression, as well as efforts to control the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem. The conflict between Hamas and Israel has resulted in accusations of war crimes and human rights abuses from both sides.
The Gaza Strip, where Hamas has been the ruling authority since 2007, is a small territory located between Israel, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea. The region has been the site of numerous conflicts between Hamas and Israel over the years, with significant civilian casualties on both sides.