The other major Palestinian power is Hamas

Hamas has two meanings. The English translation is “zeal.” But Hamas is also the acronym for Harakat Al-Muqawama Al-Islamia, or “the Islamic Resistance Movement.”

Established in the Gaza Strip in 1987, Hamas defines itself as the branch of the Muslim Brotherhood in Palestine. Some in the West erroneously think that Hamas’s final objective is to create a Palestinian state.

However, Hamas is a part of the Muslim Brotherhood and therefore adheres to political Islam. Therefore, ideologically, Hamas objects to the concept of a particularistic nationalism, including Palestinian nationalism. Therefore, ideologically, Hamas objects to an independent Palestinian state.

As adherents of political Islam, Hamas’s goal is the creation of a global caliphate.

However, like all political Islam organizations Hamas can be pragmatic (not moderate). Please note I said pragmatic. Not moderate. They are not interchangeable terms and are not the same thing. This is important to emphasize because people in the West often misinterpret pragmatism for moderation. Islamists are marathon runners. Islamists are not moderate. However, they can be pragmatic.

So, for the time being, on the road to the caliphate, Hamas is willing to accept the existence of a Palestinian State.

Hamas’s founding charter (1987) vows to eliminate Israel through violence (jihad).

Hamas rejects any compromise.

Hamas does not accept Israel’s right to exist.

Hamas’s charter also expresses extreme anti-Jewish and anti-Western rhetoric.

Hamas is a member of the Iranian-backed axis of resistance.

Since 2007 Hamas has ruled the Gaza Strip while the PA rules parts of the West Bank

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