Why Was Hamas Formed Origins And Key Motivations Explained

In the complex landscape of Middle Eastern politics, few organizations have drawn as much international attention—and controversy—as Hamas. Officially known as the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas emerged in the late 1980s as a distinct political and military force within the Palestinian territories. Its formation was not spontaneous but rooted in decades of political upheaval, occupation, and religious revivalism. Understanding why Hamas was formed requires examining the historical, social, and geopolitical currents that shaped its emergence and sustained its influence.

The Historical Context: Seeds of Resistance

The foundation of Hamas cannot be separated from the broader history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and the establishment of the State of Israel, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced—a period known as the Nakba, or \"catastrophe.\" This displacement created a deep sense of injustice and national trauma that would fuel resistance movements for generations.

By the 1960s and 1970s, secular nationalist groups like Fatah and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) dominated the resistance. However, many Palestinians began to question the effectiveness of these groups, especially after the PLO's expulsion from Lebanon in 1982 and its perceived diplomatic compromises. At the same time, a global wave of Islamic revivalism influenced political thought across the Arab world, including among Palestinians.

A key figure in this shift was Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, a Palestinian cleric who had been active in the Muslim Brotherhood since the 1950s. Yassin believed that armed struggle combined with Islamic principles could achieve liberation where secular nationalism had failed.

The First Intifada and Immediate Catalyst

Hamas was formally established in December 1987, at the outset of the First Intifada—a mass uprising against Israeli occupation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The immediate trigger was an incident in which an Israeli truck collided with Palestinian vehicles in Gaza, killing four Palestinians. Many believed the crash was intentional, sparking widespread protests and civil disobedience.

During this period, existing Palestinian leadership appeared disconnected from grassroots anger. In response, local activists and religious leaders, including Yassin, sought to organize a new kind of resistance—one grounded in Islamic identity and community networks. Mosques, charities, schools, and medical clinics run by the Muslim Brotherhood became centers of mobilization.

“Hamas was born not just from ideology, but from a vacuum of leadership and a surge of popular frustration.” — Dr. Khalil al-Anani, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute

Core Motivations Behind Hamas’s Formation

Hamas was not created solely as a militant group. It was envisioned as a holistic movement combining social services, religious education, and armed resistance. Its founding charter, released in 1988, outlines several core motivations:

• Resistance to Occupation: Hamas views armed struggle as a legitimate means to end Israeli control over Palestinian territories, particularly Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
• Islamic Identity: Unlike secular groups, Hamas frames the conflict as both national and religious, emphasizing jihad and divine support in its rhetoric.
• Rejection of Negotiated Solutions: Hamas has historically rejected peace agreements like the Oslo Accords, arguing they legitimize occupation and fail to secure Palestinian rights.
• Community Empowerment: Through its vast network of social institutions, Hamas built loyalty by providing education, healthcare, and welfare—services often lacking under weak governance.

Tip: When analyzing Hamas, distinguish between its political wing and military wing—though internationally, both are often treated as part of the same entity.

Evolution and Political Rise

While initially focused on guerrilla tactics and suicide bombings during the 1990s and early 2000s, Hamas gradually expanded its political role. A pivotal moment came in 2006 when it won parliamentary elections in the Palestinian Authority, defeating Fatah in a landslide. This victory shocked both regional and Western powers, as it marked the first time an Islamist group gained power through democratic means in the Arab world.

However, internal tensions led to violent clashes between Hamas and Fatah forces in 2007. Hamas took full control of the Gaza Strip, while Fatah retained authority in parts of the West Bank. Since then, Gaza has been governed by Hamas, enduring multiple conflicts with Israel and a prolonged blockade by Israel and Egypt.

Year	Event	Significance
1987	Founding of Hamas during First Intifada	Marked shift toward Islam-based resistance
1988	Publication of Hamas Charter	Formalized anti-Israel stance and religious ideology
2006	Victory in Palestinian legislative elections	Transition from underground movement to governing authority
2007	Takeover of Gaza Strip	Consolidation of power amid split with Fatah
2017	Revised policy document	Softened language on Israel but maintained rejection of two-state solution based on 1967 borders

International Perspectives and Designations

Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States, the European Union, Canada, and Israel. This designation is based on its use of violence, including attacks on civilians, rocket fire, and refusal to recognize Israel’s right to exist.

Conversely, other nations—including Turkey, Qatar, and some members of the Global South—view Hamas as a legitimate resistance movement fighting against military occupation. They argue that labeling all armed resistance as terrorism overlooks the context of self-determination and colonial oppression.

This divergence reflects a deeper global debate about the legitimacy of armed struggle in contexts of prolonged occupation. While most international law experts affirm the right to resist occupation, there is broad consensus that targeting civilians violates humanitarian norms.

Key Differences Between Hamas and Fatah

Aspect	Hamas	Fatah
Founded	1987	1959
Ideology	Islamist	Secular nationalism
Approach to Israel	Armed resistance; does not recognize Israel	Negotiations; recognizes Israel (since 1993)
Governing Territory	Gaza Strip	Parts of West Bank
International Support	Limited, primarily regional allies	Broad, including Western nations

FAQ

Does Hamas still follow its original 1988 charter?

Not entirely. In 2017, Hamas released a revised policy document that omitted some of the more extreme language of the original charter, such as explicit calls for Israel’s destruction. However, it still refuses to recognize Israel’s right to exist and maintains that all of historic Palestine belongs to Muslims.

Why does Hamas receive support despite being labeled a terrorist group?

Support stems from its role in resisting occupation, providing social services, and being seen by some Palestinians as more honest and less corrupt than other factions. Additionally, its defiance of foreign powers resonates with populations frustrated by decades of stalled peace efforts.

Can Hamas be part of a future peace process?

This remains highly contentious. While some analysts argue that lasting peace requires including all major Palestinian factions, others insist that any group committed to violence and denying Israel’s existence cannot be a credible partner in negotiations.

Conclusion: Understanding Beyond Headlines

Hamas did not emerge in a vacuum. It was born from decades of displacement, failed diplomacy, and a yearning for dignity and self-rule. While its methods remain deeply controversial, its origins reflect real grievances felt by millions of Palestinians. To understand Hamas is not to justify violence, but to recognize the conditions that allow such movements to take root.

Peace in the region will require addressing not only security concerns but also the underlying issues of statehood, freedom of movement, economic opportunity, and mutual recognition. As long as these remain unaddressed, movements like Hamas will continue to find resonance among those who feel abandoned by both their leaders and the international community.

💬 What do you think about the role of resistance movements in occupied territories? Share your thoughts below—let’s foster informed, respectful dialogue on one of the world’s most enduring conflicts.