Hamas is a U.S.-designated terrorist organization which has killed hundreds of Israeli citizens, as well as Americans, in suicide bombings and other terrorist attacks. Hamas has governed the Gaza Strip since it violently expelled the Palestinian Authority in 2007.
Latest
May 2025: On May 13, Israel launches an airstrike on a hospital in Khan Younis, reportedly killing Muhammad Sinwar. Neither Israel nor Hamas immediately confirm Sinwar’s death. At least 70 people are reportedly killed in the airstrikes on Khan Younis and around northern and southern Gaza. On May 21, Netanyahu declares that Sinwar is likely dead. On May 28, Netanyahu announces that Sinwar had been killed in the strike earlier that month.
Executive Summary
Hamas is an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood that emerged in the Gaza Strip in the late 1980s, during the first Palestinian intifada (uprising) against Israel. The group’s ideology blends Islamism and Palestinian nationalism and seeks the destruction of Israel and the creation of an Islamic state between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River.Since 2017, Hamas claims to have severed its ties to the Brotherhood. The group also receives financial and military support from Iran. Qatar has also provided significant funding for the group.
Hamas uses its provision of social services to build support amongst grassroots Palestinians, helping it to win the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections. However, the group’s engagement in politics and welfare has not tempered its commitment to terrorism. Hamas’s preferred methods include suicide bombings, rocket and mortar attacks, shootings, and kidnappings. Hamas as a whole or its armed faction have been labeled terrorist organizations by the United States, Israel, the United Kingdom, the European Union, New Zealand, Australia, and Japan.
Although Hamas formed a Palestinian Authority unity government with its rival Fatah in early 2006, the two groups continued to clash, often violently, leading Hamas to forcibly expel Fatah from the Gaza Strip in 2007. The terror group has ruled Gaza since, surviving on Iranian and Qatari aid, as well as income from the smuggling tunnels it has built beneath the Gaza-Egypt border. In 2013, the Egyptian army sealed off most of the tunnels, throwing Hamas and Gaza into a financial crisis.
Governance did not moderate Hamas. The group has been responsible for thousands of Qassam rockets fired at Israeli towns, a 2006 cross-border raid resulting in the five-year captivity of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, and three wars with Israel, most recently in the summer of 2014. In May 2017, Hamas unveiled a new guiding political document that seemingly accepted a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and east Jerusalem. In the same document, however, Hamas reaffirmed its refusal to recognize Israel, as well as its commitments to violence and the creation of a Palestinian state in the entirety of the land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. In October 2017, Hamas and Fatah agreed to allow the PA to reassert its authority in Gaza, but the two sides have stalled on discussions over Hamas’s weapons.
Hamas has thus far refused to disarm and its leaders have remained committed to the group’s strategy of so-called armed resistance. Despite the new political document and reconciliation agreement with Fatah, Hamas shows no signs of renouncing its dedication to violence or the creation of an Islamist state.
Doctrine
Hamas, the Palestinian offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, seeks to create an Islamist state of Palestine between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, replacing Israel, which Hamas does not recognize. Like its parent organization, the Muslim Brotherhood (and unlike the secular, nationalist PLO), Hamas strives to create an Islamist state based on the principles of sharia (Islamic law). Hamas views the entirety of the land of Mandate Palestine—excluding the 80 percent of Palestine that became modern-day Jordan—as an Islamic birthright that has been usurped. To that end, Hamas does not recognize Israel’s right to exist and has dedicated itself to violently seeking Israel’s destruction. Hamas’s slogan, spelled out in Article 8 of the organization’s 1988 charter, sums up the terror group’s belief system: “Allah is [our] target, the Prophet is [our] model, the Koran [our] constitution: Jihad is [our] path and death for the sake of Allah is the loftiest of [our] wishes.”“The Covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement,” Avalon Project, Yale Law School, August 18, 1988, http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp.
On May 1, 2017, Hamas unveiled a new political program to supplement its 1988 charter. The so-called Document of General Principles & Policies excised all references to the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas’s origins in the movement. Hamas accepted in principle the idea of a Palestinian state along the pre-1967 boundaries if approved by a Palestinian national referendum. However, Hamas at the same time reaffirmed its refusal to recognize Israel’s right to exist, and repeated its call for a Palestinian state “from the river to the sea.”“Document of General Principles & Policies,” Hamas, May 1, 2017, http://hamas.ps/en/post/678/a-document-of-general-principles-and-policies. The document also reaffirmed Hamas’s dedication to “armed resistance” as the “strategic choice for protecting the principles and the rights of the Palestinian people.”“Document of General Principles & Policies,” Hamas, May 1, 2017, http://hamas.ps/en/post/678/a-document-of-general-principles-and-policies.
1988 Charter
Hamas’s 1988 charter outlines four important themes crucial to Hamas’s doctrine:
Theme One: Relationship to the Muslim Brotherhood
Hamas is a direct descendent of the Muslim Brotherhood, growing out of the Brotherhood’s activities in Gaza, where it began setting up charitable organizations in the 1960s. Article 2 of the charter describes the Muslim Brotherhood as “a universal organization…. the largest Islamic Movement in modern times.“The Covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement,” Avalon Project, Yale Law School, August 18, 1988, http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp. Hamas is “one of the wings of the Moslem Brotherhood in Palestine.”“The Covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement,” Avalon Project, Yale Law School, August 18, 1988, http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp. As such, Hamas adheres to an ideology in which Islam dominates all areas of life such as “culture, creed, politics, economics, education, society, justice and judgment, the spreading of Islam, education, art, information, science of the occult and conversion to Islam.”“The Covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement,” Avalon Project, Yale Law School, August 18, 1988, http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp.
Theme Two: Palestine
According to Article 11 of the charter, Hamas declares the entirety of pre-1948 Palestine as “an Islamic Waqf [religious endowment] consecrated for future Moslem generations until Judgement Day. It, or any part of it, should not be squandered: it, or any part of it, should not be given up. Neither a single Arab country nor all Arab countries, neither any king or president, nor all the kings and presidents, neither any organization nor all of them, be they Palestinian or Arab, possess the right to do that. Palestine is an Islamic Waqf land consecrated for Moslem generations until Judgement Day.”“The Covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement,” Avalon Project, Yale Law School, August 18, 1988, http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp.
Theme Three: Nationalism
For Hamas, nationalism is part of its raison d’être, and it has intertwined nationalism with religious ideology, making it “part of the religious creed.” According to Article 12 of the charter, no need to fight is “more significant or deeper than in the case when an enemy should tread Moslem land.” The resistance and “quelling [of] the enemy become the individual duty of every Moslem, male or female.” The charter even allows for “a woman…. to fight the enemy without her husband’s permission, [as well as] the slave: without his master’s permission.”“The Covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement,” Avalon Project, Yale Law School, August 18, 1988, http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp. Hamas has elevated its actions in support of its nationalist agenda—violent and non-violent alike—to the level of religious obligations. Along these lines, Hamas views its struggle against Israel as a cosmic battle of good (Islam) versus evil (Israel). Hamas’s charter is filled with language defining its mission in religious terms, casting Israel as an enemy of God. Article 28, for example, specifies: “Israel, Judaism and Jews challenge Islam and the Moslem people. ‘May the cowards never sleep.’”“The Covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement,” Avalon Project, Yale Law School, August 18, 1988, http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp.
Theme Four: Israel and “armed resistance”
Hamas recognizes the fact that Israel exists, but does not recognize its legitimacy or right to exist. The introduction to the charter quotes Muslim Brotherhood founder Hassan al-Banna as saying “Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it.”“The Covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement,” Avalon Project, Yale Law School, August 18, 1988, http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp. Hamas upholds “armed resistance” as the only method to liberate Palestine. In Article 13 of the charter, Hamas renounces all peace plans or negotiations to resolve the issue of Palestine. Negotiations are a “contradiction to the principles of the Islamic Resistance Movement. Abusing any part of Palestine is abuse directed against [Islam]….”“The Covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement,” Avalon Project, Yale Law School, August 18, 1988, http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp.
Hamas’s Changing Strategies
Since Hamas joined the Palestinian Authority in 2006—and subsequently formed an independent government after its violent expulsion of the PA from Gaza – the international community has demanded that in order to gain international recognition, Hamas must renounce violence, recognize Israel, and recognize past agreements signed by the PLO. In a 2007 op-ed in the Los Angeles Times, Hamas’s deputy politburo chief Mousa Abu Marzouk rebuked international demands, asking, “[W]hy should any Palestinian ‘recognize’ the monstrous crime carried out by Israel’s founders and continued by its deformed modern apartheid state, while he or she lives 10 to a room in a cinderblock, tin-roof United Nations hut?”Mousa Abu Marzook, “Hamas’ Stand,” Los Angeles Times, July 10, 2007, http://www.latimes.com/la-oe-marzook10jul10,0,4334205.story#axzz2wYFiHYTy. Hamas has remained rigid in its core beliefs, but has demonstrated some flexibility in its positions and strategies.
Hamas’s adherence to its 1988 charter
In his 2007 Los Angeles Times op-ed, Abu Marzouk struck a conciliatory tone regarding Hamas’s charter, referring to it as a revolutionary document that must be looked at in the context of the time when it was written. “If every state or movement were to be judged solely by its foundational, revolutionary documents or the ideas of its progenitors, there would be a good deal to answer for on all sides,” he penned.Mousa Abu Marzook, “Hamas’ Stand,” Los Angeles Times, July 10, 2007, http://www.latimes.com/la-oe-marzook10jul10,0,4334205.story#axzz2wYFiHYTy. While Marzouk’s statement does not entirely annul the charter, it suggests the possibility of a pragmatic path toward moderation in which Hamas is not bound by inflexible dogma.
However, just a year before Marzouk made this remark, Mahmoud Zahar, a co-founder of Hamas, declared that the group would “not change a single word in its covenant.”“Hamas in Their Own Words,” Anti-Defamation League, May 2, 2011, http://www.adl.org/anti-semitism/muslim-arab-world/c/hamas-in-their-own-words.html. Similarly, a senior Hamas leader, Sami Abu Zuhri, stated that the Palestinian legislative council, in preparing for the 2006 elections, would “[adhere] to the constants and strategies outlined in the [Hamas] charter.”“Hamas in Their Own Words,” Anti-Defamation League, May 2, 2011, http://www.adl.org/anti-semitism/muslim-arab-world/c/hamas-in-their-own-words.html.
Hamas’s 2017 political document
On May 1, 2017, Hamas convened a press conference in Qatar to unveil a new policy document, the first since the release of its organizational charter in 1988. The document—a supplement to Hamas’s 1988 charter—omits the original charter’s references to Jews and frames the Palestinian struggle as a nationalistic rather than religious one. Though the document accepts the idea of a Palestinian state along the pre-1967 lines, the charter continues to withhold recognition of the State of Israel. As the document outlines, Hamas continues to embrace “armed resistance” against Israel in its pursuit of the “liberation” of Palestine “from the river to the sea.”“A Document of General Principles & Policies,” Hamas Media Office, accessed May 2, 2017, http://hamas.ps/ar/uploads/documents/06c77206ce934064ab5a901fa8bfef44.pdf;
“New Hamas policy document ‘aims to soften image,’” BBC News, May 1, 2017, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39744551. The document also makes no mention of Hamas’s origins within the Muslim Brotherhood, which the group’s leaders have claimed to disavow. In March 2016, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri denied any links between Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.Jack Khoury, “Hamas Denies Links With Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and Elsewhere,” Haaretz, March 23, 2016, http://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/.premium-1.710423. Ahead of the document’s release, Hamas leaders said the new document does not replace the original 1988 charter, which remains in effect with its linkage to the Brotherhood.“New Hamas policy document ‘aims to soften image,’” BBC News, May 1, 2017, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39744551.
The potential acceptance of pre-1967 lines
Hamas leaders have suggested that they may be willing to accept a state of Palestine within the areas captured by Israel in 1967 (the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem), but without the recognition of Israel. In 2006, Hamas’s Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh stated that Hamas would accept a temporary Palestinian state within the pre-1967 areas and a 20-year truce with Israel.“Haniyeh Calls for Formation of Palestinian State on 1967 Lines,” Haaretz, December 19, 2006, http://www.haaretz.com/news/haniyeh-calls-for-formation-of-palestinian-state-on-1967-lines-1.207641.
Hamas leaders have alluded to their potential participation in and acceptance of a PLO-Israel peace accord, but only if it were approved by a popular referendum of the Palestinian people. As Hamas and the PLO negotiated their unity deal in June 2014, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri declared that while Hamas would continue to not recognize Israel, the group would not “obstruct” any future negotiations between Israel and the PLO.Elhanan Miller, “Hamas: We Will Never Recognize Israel,” Times of Israel, April 27, 2014, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-official-denies-group-could-recognize-israel/.
Hamas’s offers of a temporary truce, or hudna, however, demonstrate that it remains committed to the long-term goal of destroying Israel, and that Hamas sees a Palestinian state as a step in that direction.
Hudna
Hudna is an Arabic word for “truce” or “quiet.” Hamas co-founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin stated in 2003 that a hudna does not only signify the cessation of terrorist attacks; Israel would also be expected to “release prisoners, stop killing and dismantle settlements.”Saud Abu Ramadan, “Interview: Hamas Head Sheikh Ahmed Yassin,” UPI, June 16, 2003, http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2003/06/16/Interview-Hamas-head-Sheikh-Ahmed-Yassin/UPI-87751055774665/.
In 2004, Hamas co-founder Abdel Azziz al-Rantisi offered a 10-year hudna in exchange for Israel withdrawing from all the territories captured in 1967, including east Jerusalem, saying: “we accept a state in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. We propose a 10-year truce in return for (Israeli) withdrawal and the establishment of a state.”Matthew Tostevin, “Israel Scorns Hamas 10-Year Truce Plan,” Reuters, January 26, 2004, http://web.archive.org/web/20040306192510/http://ads.eircom.net/hserver/acc_random=1408048099911/site=eircom/area=news/aamsz=135×57/pos=15. Israel rejected the offer, fearing that Hamas would use the 10-year lull to rearm and Israel, having given up all of the disputed territories, would find itself a victim of renewed Hamas terrorism. Indeed, Rantisi clarified that the hudna offer did not signify an end to the conflict.Matthew Tostevin, “Israel Scorns Hamas 10-Year Truce Plan,” Reuters, January 26, 2004, http://web.archive.org/web/20040306192510/http://ads.eircom.net/hserver/acc_random=1408048099911/site=eircom/area=news/aamsz=135×57/pos=15.
Hamas offered Israel a hudna twice after that: in 2006 then-Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh offered a 20-year truce for a temporary state in the territories,“Haniyeh Calls for Formation of Palestinian State on 1967 Lines,” Haaretz, December 19, 2006, http://www.haaretz.com/news/haniyeh-calls-for-formation-of-palestinian-state-on-1967-lines-1.207641. and in 2008 then-politburo leader Khaled Meshaal called for a 10-year hudna in exchange for Israel’s evacuation from the territories. Meshaal told former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, that the offer of a 10-year hudna was “proof” of Hamas’s tacit recognition of Israel, while still avoiding any formal recognition of the Jewish state.Associated Press, “Hamas Offers Truce in Return for 1967 Borders,” NBC News, April 21, 2008, http://www.nbcnews.com/id/24235665/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/t/hamas-offers-truce-return-borders/#.U-0eFYBdV5w. Despite Israel’s dismissal of the offer as a re-arming strategy for Hamas, Carter accepted the hudna as proof that Hamas had begun to accept Israel’s right to “live as a neighbor next door in peace.”Associated Press, “Hamas Offers Truce in Return for 1967 Borders,” NBC News, April 21, 2008, http://www.nbcnews.com/id/24235665/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/t/hamas-offers-truce-return-borders/#.U-0eFYBdV5w.
During the summer of 2015, Hamas and Israel reportedly discussed a long-term ceasefire of 10 to 15 years, according to various reports. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied direct or indirect contacts with Hamas. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was reportedly meeting with Hamas to discuss a long-term truce.Khaled Abu Toameh, “Hamas, Fatah spar over peace talks with Tony Blair,” Jerusalem Post, August 13, 2015, http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Hamas-holds-talks-with-Fatah-on-recent-efforts-to-reach-truce-with-Israel-412048. Fatah condemned Blair’s rumored role and said Hamas should coordinate its ceasefire talks through the PLO.Khaled Abu Toameh, “Hamas, Fatah spar over peace talks with Tony Blair,” Jerusalem Post, August 13, 2015, http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Hamas-holds-talks-with-Fatah-on-recent-efforts-to-reach-truce-with-Israel-412048.
In September 2017, Hamas co-founder Hassan Yousef told the Jerusalem Post that Hamas was “prepared to make a long-term cease-fire” with Israel in exchange for lifting the blockade of Gaza instituted in 2007.Adam Rasgon, “Hamas Leader to JPost: We’re Ready For Long-Term Ceasefire With Israel,” Jerusalem Post, September 6, 2017, http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Hamas-leader-to-JPost-Were-ready-for-long-term-cease-fire-with-Israel-504435.
The gun is the ‘only response’
Despite what may be cracks in Hamas’s rigidity, the group remains committed to its foundational goals and the role in which it has cast Israel. In 2013, Haniyeh reaffirmed Hamas’s refusal to compromise or renounce violence, declaring the “gun” the “only response” to Israel.“Haniyeh: No Compromise, Only Armed Resistance,” Jerusalem Post, February 13, 2012, http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Haniyeh-No-compromise-only-armed-resistance. He argued that Hamas would obtain its goals “only through fighting and armed resistance,” and that “no compromise should be made with the enemy.”“Haniyeh: No Compromise, Only Armed Resistance,” Jerusalem Post, February 13, 2012, http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Haniyeh-No-compromise-only-armed-resistance. In May 2014, just weeks after Hamas and the PLO announced their intention to form a unity government, Abu Marzouk referred to the recognition of Israel as “a red line” that Hamas would never cross.Adnan Abu Amer, “Hamas’ Abu Marzouk Says Recognizing Israel a ‘Red Line,’” Al-Monitor, May 5, 2014, http://www.al-monitor.com/pulseen/originals/2014/05/interview-abu-marzouk-hamas-israel-fatah-reconciliation.html.
Hamas and Fatah signed a reconciliation agreement in October 2017 to allow the PA to reassert its control over Gaza. But the sides delayed negotiation on Hamas’s armed wing. Abbas had demanded that Hamas disarm, while Hamas has insisted it will maintain its weapons.Hamza Hendaqi and Fares Akram, “Palestinian rivals reach preliminary deal on governing Gaza,” Associated Press, October 12, 2017, https://apnews.com/28b183dff81c41cc9e2bbd1e62361b26/Palestinian-rivals-reach-preliminary-deal-on-governing-Gaza;
Dov Lieber, “Translation of leaked Hamas-Fatah agreement,” Times of Israel, October 13, 2017, https://www.timesofisrael.com/translation-of-leaked-hamas-fatah-agreement/;
Dov Lieber, “In deal with Fatah, Hamas said to agree to halt attacks from West Bank,” Times of Israel, October 15, 2017, https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-deal-with-fatah-hamas-said-to-agree-to-halt-attacks-from-west-bank/.
Hamas maintains “all types of legitimate resistance” are acceptable against Israel, including “armed resistance” as a means to an end—the liberation of Palestine.“About Hamas,” Hamas website, accessed August 3, 2021, https://hamas.ps/en/page/5/About-Hamas.
Antisemitism
Hamas asserts its conflict is with the State of Israel, not because they are Jews but because they are occupiers. Hamas claims it “has no problem with anyone because of their religion, race, sect or idea; its key contradiction, however, is with the occupiers and aggressors.”“About Hamas,” Hamas website, accessed August 3, 2021, https://hamas.ps/en/page/5/About-Hamas. Nonetheless, Hamas has a history of embracing and promoting antisemitism. Its 1988 charter reiterates a Quranic call for Muslims to “fight the Jews (killing the Jews)” before the arrival of Judgment Day.“The Covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement,” Avalon Project, Yale Law School, accessed December 26, 2014, http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp.
Hamas members have used “Jews” and “Israel” interchangeably. When Hamas unveiled a new dirt road near the Gaza-Israel border in August 2015, Qassam Brigades member Abu Almajd declared, “We built this road in spite of the Jews. Now we are closer to the Jews, only meters between. The Jews’ road is straight, and the Jakar road is straight. We can watch each other during cease-fires and during wars.”Jodi Rudoren, “A Dirt Road in Gaza, Devised by Hamas as a Message to Israel,” New York Times, August 4, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/05/world/middleeast/a-dirt-road-in-gaza-intended-to-send-a-message.html. In July 2014, Hamas’s representative in Lebanon, Osama Hamdan, recalled “how the Jews used to slaughter Christians, in order to mix their blood in their holy matzot. This is not a figment of imagination or something taken from a film. It is a fact, acknowledged by their own books and by historical evidence. It happened everywhere, here and there.”“Top Hamas Official Osama Hamdan: Jews Use Blood for Passover Matzos,” MEMRI, July 28, 2014, https://www.memri.org/tv/top-hamas-official-osama-hamdan-jews-use-blood-passover-matzos. Hamdan later defended his use of the antisemitic blood libel by declaring he had Jewish friends.Sarah Smith, “Hamas aide: ‘I have Jewish friends,’” Politico, August 4, 2014, https://www.politico.com/story/2014/08/hamas-spokesman-osama-hamdan-i-have-jewish-friends-109708. Also that month, a sermon in Gaza’s Deir al-Balah Mosque airing on Hamas’s al-Aqsa TV stated flatly Hamas’s “doctrine in fighting you [the Jews] is that we will totally exterminate you. We will not leave a single one of you alive, because you are alien usurpers of the land and eternal mercenaries. Research the history, my brothers. Wherever the Jews lived, they spread corruption.”Ariel Ben Solomon, “Hamas Invites Hezbollah to Join in Fighting against Israel,” Jerusalem Post, July 30, 2014, http://www.jpost.com/Operation-Protective-Edge/Hamas-invites-Hezbollah-to-join-in-fighting-against-Israel-369379.
When Hamas unveiled its new political document in 2017, it purposely removed all references to Jews from its charter to promote the message that it opposes Israel specifically, not Jews themselves. Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said the group’s message was it is “a pragmatic and civilized movement. We do not hate the Jews. We only fight who occupies our lands and kills our people.”“New Hamas policy document ‘aims to soften image,’” BBC News, May 1, 2017, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39744551. However, Hamas members continue to include blatant antisemitism in their propaganda. In February 2018, for example, former Hamas official Mustafa al-Lidawi accused Jews of using the blood of non-Jews to prepare pastries for Purim.Juliane Helmhold, “Former Hamas official: Jews use blood of non-Jews to prepare Purim pastry,” Jerusalem Post, March 2, 2018, https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/former-hamas-official-jews-use-blood-of-non-jews-to-prepare-purim-pastry-544048. In July 2019, senior Hamas official and former interior minister Fathi Hamad called on Palestinians around the world to “attack every Jew possible in all the world and kill them.”“Kill all the Jews, says senior Hamas figure,” Times (London), July 16, 2019, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/kill-all-the-jews-says-senior-hamas-figure-zvx9jshbb. Hamas later condemned the comments, saying its fight was with Israel and not with worldwide Jewry.“Kill all the Jews, says senior Hamas figure,” Times (London), July 16, 2019, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/kill-all-the-jews-says-senior-hamas-figure-zvx9jshbb. Hamad again called for violence against Jews in a speech aired on Al-Aqsa TV in May 2021, when he accused Jews of spreading corruption and urged Arabs in Jerusalem to “cut off the heads of the Jews.”“Senior Hamas Official Fathi Hammad To Palestinians In Jerusalem: Buy 5-Shekel Knives And Cut Off The Heads Of The Jews,” MEMRI, May 7, 2021, https://www.memri.org/tv/snr-hamas-official-fathi-hammad-urges-people-jerusalem-cut-off-heads-jews-knives-day-reckoning-moment-destruction.
Organizational Structure:
Hamas is organizationally split across four sectors: the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, the Palestinian diaspora, and Israeli prisons. These subdivisions are overseen by Hamas’s political bureau, which is led by Ismail Haniyeh. Hamas holds internal elections every four years to elect new leaders to oversee these bureaus, as well as for its overall political leader, local leaders, and the Shura Council, which is responsible for vetting and selecting candidates. These elections take place every four years.“Mapping Palestinian Politics,” European Council on Foreign Relations, accessed August 4, 2021, https://ecfr.eu/special/mapping_palestinian_politics/politburo/; Aaron Boxerman, “Khaled Mashaal tapped as Hamas’s diaspora director,” Times of Israel, April 12, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/khaled-mashaal-tapped-as-hamass-international-director/. Various Hamas leaders have made contradictory claims on whether the group’s military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, operates independently or under the direction of the political bureau.
Political bureau
The bureau is the Hamas’s principal authority. It is headed by Ismail Haniyeh, who took over from Khaled Meshaal in May 2017.Isabel Kershner and Majd Al Waheidi, “Hamas Picks Ismail Haniya as Leader as Power Balance Shifts to Gaza,” New York Times, May 6, 2017, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/06/world/middleeast/hamas-leader-ismail-haniya-gaza.html?_r=1. The bureau was previously based in Syria until Hamas leaders fled in 2012, having endorsed the rebellion against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Meshaal moved to Qatar, while other Hamas leaders relocated to Egypt.“Hamas Political Chiefs Exit Syria,” BBC News, February 28, 2012, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17192278;
Fares Akram, “In Break, Hamas Supports Syrian Opposition,” New York Times, February 24, 2012, http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/25/world/middleeast/hamas-leader-supports-syrian-opposition.html?_r=0. In June 2016, Meshaal announced his intention to step down by the end of the year ahead of Hamas’s internal elections.Dov Lieber, “Khaled Mashaal to step down as Hamas leader – report,” Times of Israel, June 15, 2016, http://www.timesofisrael.com/khaled-mashaal-to-step-down-as-hamas-leader-report/. On February 13, 2017, Yahya Sinwar, a founding member of the group’s armed wing, won internal elections to replace Haniyeh as Hamas’s top political leader in Gaza. Hamas also elected lawmaker Khalil al-Hayya as Gaza’s deputy political leader.Fares Akram, “Hamas names shadowy militant as new leader in Gaza,” Associated Press, February 13, 2017, http://bigstory.ap.org/article/9854bb8c51b14fe29f52fb943c07c14a/hamas-names-top-militant-new-leader-gaza;
Rory Jones, “Hamas Puts Militant Yahya Sinwar in Charge of Gaza,” Wall Street Journal, February 13, 2017, https://www.wsj.com/articles/hamas-puts-militant-yahya-sinwar-in-charge-of-gaza-1487001168.
The Shura Council (Majlis al-Shura), Hamas’s central consultative body, is primarily responsible for making decisions. Smaller Shura committees are employed to supervise various government activities anywhere from military operations to media relations, and then report back to the Shura Council.Mathew Levitt, “Playing Hardball Within Hamas,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, January 6, 2009, http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/political-hardball-within-hamas-hardline-militants-calling-shots-in-gaza. The Shura Council is responsible for vetting and selecting candidates to run in Hamas’s internal elections to run the political bureau. These elections take place every four years.“Mapping Palestinian Politics,” European Council on Foreign Relations, accessed August 4, 2021, https://ecfr.eu/special/mapping_palestinian_politics/politburo/.
Gaza government
Ismail Haniyeh is the former prime minister of Gaza’s Hamas government, responsible for the daily rule of the Gaza Strip since Hamas forcibly expelled the Palestinian Authority (PA) in 2007. In April 2014, Haniyeh stepped down and assumed the role of deputy leader of Hamas as part of a failed reconciliation agreement with the Palestine Liberation Organization.Jodi Rudoren and Isabel Kershner, “Israel Warns Against Embracing Newly Reconciled Palestinian Government,” New York Times, June 1, 2014, http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/02/world/middleeast/israel-warns-against-embracing-newly-reconciled-palestinian-government.html. As part of that deal, a new PA prime minister, Rami Hamdallah, assumed control of Gaza and the West Bank under a consensus government in June 2014, but the PA has since failed to extend its control over the coastal enclave. Hamas remains firmly in control of Gaza’s government institutions and security services. In October 2016, the Palestinian Legislative Council in Gaza announced that Hamdallah would no longer have authority over Gaza and that Haniyeh would replace him as prime minister.Becca Noy, “Ismail Haniyeh named prime minister in Gaza,” Jerusalem Online, http://www.jerusalemonline.com/news/middle-east/the-arab-world/ismail-haniyehs-comeback-24198;
Ahmad Abu Amer, “Hamas calls for return of Haniyeh government,” Al-Monitor, October 21, 2016, http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/10/hamas-return-haniyeh-government-gaza.html. On February 13, 2017, Hamas elected Yahya Sinwar as its political chief in the Gaza Strip, replacing Haniyeh ahead of his then-expected ascendency to politburo chief.Fares Akram, “Hamas names shadowy militant as new leader in Gaza,” Associated Press, February 13, 2017, http://bigstory.ap.org/article/9854bb8c51b14fe29f52fb943c07c14a/hamas-names-top-militant-new-leader-gaza;
Rory Jones, “Hamas Puts Militant Yahya Sinwar in Charge of Gaza,” Wall Street Journal, February 13, 2017, https://www.wsj.com/articles/hamas-puts-militant-yahya-sinwar-in-charge-of-gaza-1487001168.
Hamas’s Gaza government has been largely shunned by a large segment of the international community, while it has struggled to pay the salaries of 40,000 municipal workers in the strip.Avi Issacharoff, “As Qatar solves Gaza’s wages crisis, could Hamas have Liberman to thank?,” Times of Israel, July 25, 2016, http://www.timesofisrael.com/as-qatar-solves-gazas-wages-crisis-could-it-be-that-hamas-has-liberman-to-thank/. In 2017, the PA made several moves to pressure Hamas to reconcile. That April, the PA drastically reduced salaries of thousands of civil employees in Gaza.Isra Namey, “Gaza pay cuts deepen rift between PA and Hamas,” Al Jazeera, April 11, 2017, http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2017/04/gaza-pay-cuts-deepen-rift-pa-hamas-170410101939251.html. PA President Mahmoud Abbas also announced that the PA would no longer pay Israel for the electricity powering the Gaza Strip. As Israel does not engage directly with Hamas, the PA had continued to pay for Israeli electricity to the coastal enclave following Hamas’s violent takeover in 2007. The PA’s announcement threatened to cut power to more than 2 million in Gaza. Hamas accused the PA of collaborating with Israel, while Hamdallah called for Hamas to turn Gaza back over to PA control.Nidal al-Mughrabi, “Abbas turns screws on Hamas by cutting Gaza’s electricity,” Reuters, April 27, 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-gaza-abbas-idUSKBN17T1J0. The PA ended its electricity payments to Israel that June, citing Hamas’s failure to reimburse it for the electricity costs.Nidal al-Mughrabi and Jeffrey Heller, “Israel reduces power supply to Gaza, as Abbas pressures Hamas,” Reuters, June 12, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-palestinians-power/israel-reduces-power-supply-to-gaza-as-abbas-pressures-hamas-idUSKBN1931XK.
In September 2017, Hamas announced its intention to dissolve its government in Gaza and called on the PA to immediately resume responsibility for the Gaza Strip. Hamas agreed to the PA’s demand to hold new parliamentary elections in the West Bank and Gaza for the first time since 2006. The move followed talks in Cairo between Hamas and the Egyptian government.Fares Akram, “Hamas invites Abbas to resume control of Gaza,” Associated Press, September 20, 2017, https://apnews.com/e8438c54e9384220a423bcd33ed7fa5c/Hamas-invites-Abbas-to-resume-control-of-Gaza;
Mohamed Daraghmeh, “Hamas says it accepts reconciliation demands,” Associated Press, September 17, 2017, https://apnews.com/aec26df1cc2740c791033b3637e82d27/Hamas-says-it-accepts-reconciliation-demands;
Dov Lieber, “Abbas talks reconciliation with Hamas leader, but is mum on ending sanctions,” Times of Israel, September 18, 2017, https://www.timesofisrael.com/abbas-talks-reconciliation-with-hamas-leader-but-is-mum-on-ending-sanctions/;
“Press Release issued by Hamas,” Hamas website, September 17, 2017, http://hamas.ps/en/post/965/press-release-issued-by-hamas. That October, Hamas and Fatah signed a reconciliation agreement in Cairo to allow the PA to resume control of Gaza by December 1 and later take control of Gaza’s border crossings. The sides delayed negotiation on Hamas’s armed wing.Hamza Hendaqi and Fares Akram, “Palestinian rivals reach preliminary deal on governing Gaza,” Associated Press, October 12, 2017, https://apnews.com/28b183dff81c41cc9e2bbd1e62361b26/Palestinian-rivals-reach-preliminary-deal-on-governing-Gaza;
Dov Lieber, “Translation of leaked Hamas-Fatah agreement,” Times of Israel, October 13, 2017, https://www.timesofisrael.com/translation-of-leaked-hamas-fatah-agreement/;
Dov Lieber, “In deal with Fatah, Hamas said to agree to halt attacks from West Bank,” Times of Israel, October 15, 2017, https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-deal-with-fatah-hamas-said-to-agree-to-halt-attacks-from-west-bank/.
West Bank
Hamas maintains a regional political bureau that oversees the affairs of Palestinians in the West Bank.“Mapping Palestinian Politics,” European Council on Foreign Relations, accessed August 4, 2021, https://ecfr.eu/special/mapping_palestinian_politics/politburo/. Hamas elected Saleh al-Arouri to a four-year term to lead its West Bank bureau during its 2021 internal elections.Reuters and Jerusalem Post staff, “Haniyeh reelected to lead Hamas in internal elections – report,” Jerusalem Post, August 1, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/haniyeh-reelected-to-lead-hamas-in-internal-elections-report-675521.
Palestinian Diaspora
Hamas maintains a regional political bureau that oversees the affairs of Palestinians in the diaspora.“Mapping Palestinian Politics,” European Council on Foreign Relations, accessed August 4, 2021, https://ecfr.eu/special/mapping_palestinian_politics/politburo/. Hamas elected former political bureau chief Khaled Meshaal to a four-year term as leader of this branch in April 2021. Hamas also elevated Meshaal to position of deputy leader under Haniyeh.Nidal Al-mughrabi, “Hamas elects former chief Meshaal to head diaspora office,” Reuters, April 12, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-elects-former-chief-meshaal-head-diaspora-office-2021-04-12/; Aaron Boxerman, “Khaled Mashaal tapped as Hamas’s diaspora director,” Times of Israel, April 12, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/khaled-mashaal-tapped-as-hamass-international-director/.
Prisons
Hamas maintains a regional political bureau that oversees the affairs of Palestinians in Israeli prisons.“Mapping Palestinian Politics,” European Council on Foreign Relations, accessed August 4, 2021, https://ecfr.eu/special/mapping_palestinian_politics/politburo/. Hamas elected Salameh Katawi to a four-year term to lead its prisons bureau during its 2021 internal elections.Reuters and Jerusalem Post staff, “Haniyeh reelected to lead Hamas in internal elections – report,” Jerusalem Post, August 1, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/haniyeh-reelected-to-lead-hamas-in-internal-elections-report-675521.
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades
The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades comprise Hamas’s military wing. Created in 1991 with the reported aim to block negotiations between Israel and the PLO, the wing is named after a Muslim preacher who, in 1930, formed the “Black Hand,” an anti-Zionist and anti-British organization.Jack Khoury, “Jabari deputy likely to be Hamas’ next military commander,” Haaretz, November 25, 2012, http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/jabari-deputy-likely-to-be-hamas-next-military-commander.premium-1.480253; “Hamas’ Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades,” Australian National Security, accessed August 5, 2021, https://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/Listedterroristorganisations/Pages/HamassIzzal-Dinal-QassamBrigades.aspx. The stated goal of the Qassam Brigades is: “To contribute in the effort of liberating Palestine and restoring the rights of the Palestinian people.”“About Us,” Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades, accessed August 5, 2021, https://en.alqassam.ps/page/1. Qassam Brigades leader Mohammad Deif is widely suspected of having ordered suicide bombings and other attacks carried out by the Brigades.Martin Asser, “Profile: Hamas Commander Mohammed Deif,” BBC News, September 26, 2002, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2284055.stm. The Qassam Brigades claim to work as independent cells organized throughout the Gaza Strip and West Bank.“About Us,” Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades, accessed August 5, 2021, https://en.alqassam.ps/page/1.
Political scientists Ilana Kass and Bard O’Neill described Hamas’s relationship with the Brigades as reminiscent of Sinn Féin’s relationship to the military arm of the Irish Republican Army, quoting a senior Hamas official who said, “The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigade is a separate armed military wing, which has its own leaders who do not take their orders [from Hamas] and do not tell us of their plans in advance.”Ilana Kass and Bard E. O’Neill, The Deadly Embrace: The Impact of Israeli and Palestinian Rejectionism on the Peace Process (Lanham: University Press of America, 1997), 267. However, senior Hamas leaders have themselves pointed out that a neat separation between the political and military wing does not exist. Hamas’s founder Sheikh Ahmad Yasin stated in an interview with Reuters that Hamas did not have uncoordinated wings: “we cannot separate the wing from the body. If we do so, the body will not be able to fly. Hamas is one body.”Matthew Levitt, “Hamas from cradle to grave,” Middle East Quarterly, Winter 2004, http://www.meforum.org/582/hamas-from-cradle-to-grave. This view was supported by Hamas military commander Salah Shehadeh, who said: “the political apparatus is sovereign over the military apparatus, and a decision of the political [echelon] takes precedence over the decision of the military [echelon], without intervening in military operations.”Matthew Levitt, “Hamas from cradle to grave,” Middle East Quarterly, Winter 2004, http://www.meforum.org/582/hamas-from-cradle-to-grave.
Deif has survived two assassination attempts, leaving him wheelchair-bound after losing his arms and legs in a July 2006 Israeli airstrike, as well as an eye in a September 2002 helicopter strike. Deif has since gone into hiding, and his deputy, Ahmad Jabari, took over the Brigades’ leadership, with Deif remaining as the group’s figurehead. Jabari was himself killed by an Israeli strike in November 2012, marking the beginning of Israel’s Operation Pillar of Defense. Israeli authorities suspect that Deif resumed command of the Brigades after Jabari’s death and that he was responsible for ordering the terrorist rocket fire attacks launched during Israel’s summer 2014 conflict with Hamas.Elhanan Miller, “Is Prime Israel Target Muhammad Deif Overseeing Hamas’s Strategy?” Times of Israel, July 23, 2014, http://www.timesofisrael.com/is-prime-israel-target-muhammad-deif-overseeing-hamass-strategy/.
Membership estimates of the Qassam Brigades range from several thousand to 27,000.“Hamas’ Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades,” Australian National Security, accessed August 5, 2021, https://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/Listedterroristorganisations/Pages/HamassIzzal-Dinal-QassamBrigades.aspx. Hamas had an estimated 20,000 fighters, with another 20,000 in its police and security forces.Yasmine Saleh, “Exclusive: With Muslim Brotherhood Crushed, Egypt Sets Sights on Hamas,” Reuters, January 14, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/14/us-egypt-gaza-idUSBREA0D09D20140114. Following the 2014 reconciliation agreement between Hamas and the PLO, it was revealed that some 25,000 Hamas employees in Gaza work in the security services, and that a majority of them belong to the Qassam Brigades.Adnan Abu Amer, “Hamas Not Giving up Military Wing, despite Agreement,” Al-Monitor, May 2, 2014, http://www.al-monitor.com/pulseen/originals/2014/05/qassam-weapons-hamas-fatah-reconciliation.htm. According to one Qassam official, these employees would take orders from the Brigades—and not the Ministry of Interior—after the formation of a unity government with the PLO.Adnan Abu Amer, “Hamas Not Giving up Military Wing, despite Agreement,” Al-Monitor, May 2, 2014, http://www.al-monitor.com/pulseen/originals/2014/05/qassam-weapons-hamas-fatah-reconciliation.htm.
Financing:
In the six years following Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, Hamas’s budget reportedly grew from $40 million to $540 million.“Report: 13-fold increase in Hamas budget since 2005,” Ma’an News Agency, last updated April 24, 2011, http://www.maannews.com/Content.aspx?id=381277. Hamas’s budget in 2013 was more than $700 million, with $260 million earmarked to the administrative costs of running Gaza.Nidal al-Mughrabi, “Isolated Hamas Faces Money Crisis in Gaza Strip,” Reuters, October 9, 2013, http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/09/us-palestinian-hamas-crisis-idUSBRE99804P20131009. In 2014, the Hamas government in Gaza signed a reconciliation agreement with the Palestinian Authority (PA) that called for the Hamas government to dissolve and for the PA to reassert control. The Hamas government’s budget prior to its dissolution was reportedly $530 million. As of 2016, Hamas reportedly had an approximate military budget of $100 million, with $40 million specifically earmarked for construction of tunnels beneath the Gaza-Israel border.Avi Issacharoff, “Hamas spends $100 million a year on military infrastructure,” Times of Israel, September 8, 2016, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-spends-100-million-a-year-on-military-infrastructure/.
Hamas has since become more financially isolated as the Palestinian Authority began imposing financial sanctions on Gaza in 2017 in a bid to convince Hamas to turn over total control of the coastal enclave. As a result, Hamas has struggled to pay its municipal and military employees.Adnan Abu Amer, “Salary saga continues for PA employees in Gaza,” Al-Monitor, April 10, 2019, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/04/palestinian-authority-salaries-employees-hamas-government.html. Hamas has relied heavily on Qatari aid to pay its municipal salaries. By 2023, Hamas reportedly paid approximately $34.5 million per month in salaries, largely relying on international donors to cover the expense. As of July 2023, however, Hamas reportedly was unable to pay its 50,000 municipal employees because of delays in a monthly payroll grant from Qatar.Nidal Al-Mughrabi, “Hamas unable to pay salaries in Gaza after Qatari aid delay, officials say,” Reuters, July 16, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-unable-pay-salaries-gaza-after-qatari-aid-delay-officials-say-2023-07-16/.
To fill its coffers and fund its administrative and terrorist activities, Hamas turns to several sources: funding, weapons, and training from Iran; donations from the Palestinian global diaspora;“Country Reports on Terrorism,” U.S. Department of State, accessed June 24, 2014, http://www.state.gov/j/ct/rls/crt/2007/103714.htm. and fundraising activities in Western Europe and North America.“Country Reports on Terrorism,” U.S. Department of State, accessed June 24, 2014, http://www.state.gov/j/ct/rls/crt/2007/103714.htm. Hamas has also sought to use Palestinian businesses to collect and transfer money. In June 2021, for example, Israeli authorities raided two money-exchange companies in the West Bank—the Beit Al-Maqdes Company in Tulkarm and the Marish Company for Money Exchange in Hebron—accused of transferring money to Hamas. According to Israeli authorities, the two companies transferred approximately $410,000 to Hamas members in the West Bank. According to authorities, the businesses collected the funds from Palestinian businesses in the West Bank. Hamas has also allegedly used money-exchange companies in Gaza to transfer money from Iran.Ahmed Melhem, “Israel raids exchange companies for allegedly transferring funds to Hamas,” Al-Monitor, June 21, 2021, https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/06/israel-raids-exchange-companies-allegedly-transferring-funds-hamas.
Charities
Global charities affiliated with Hamas collect donations on its behalf. These charities operate in countries that label Hamas a terrorist organization, and are often themselves designated as terrorist organizations when exposed by authorities. For example, Ottawa labeled the Canadian charity International Relief Fund for the Afflicted and Needy a terrorist organization, and launched a “terrorist financing investigation,” which revealed the organization’s funneling of approximately $14.6 million worth of resources to various groups affiliated with Hamas between 2005 and 2009.Olivia Ward, “Canadian Charity with Alleged Ties to Hamas Listed as ‘terrorist’ Organization,” Toronto Star, April 29, 2014, http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/04/29/canadian_muslim_charity_listed_as_terrorist_organization.html.
On December 6, 2001, the United States froze the funds of the Holy Land Foundation, then the largest Muslim charity in the United States. Following a long investigation by the FBI into the activities of the organization, five of its leaders were convicted on charges of funneling money and supplies to Hamas. Hamas had previously been designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization in the United States. According to the findings of the court, the charity, which was set up in the 1980s, gave millions of dollars to charities in Gaza and the West Bank, which were Hamas social institutions.Terry Baynes, “Muslim charity leaders lose appeal in Hamas case,” Reuters, December 7, 2011, http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/08/us-crime-hamas-idUSTRE7B707L20111208. According to an FBI report of a bugged meeting of the foundation, the then-head of the American political arm of Hamas, Mousa Abu Marzouk, stated that the Holy Land Foundation was the “primary fund-raising entity in the United States” of the Palestinian resistance movement.Glenn R. Simpson, “Holy Land Foundation Allegedly Mixed Charity Money With Funds for Bombers,” Wall Street Journal, February 27, 2002, http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB101476025597651120.
During the Second Intifada, Middle East charities created by Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and other governments collected and funneled millions of dollars to Hamas and other terror organizations for so-called martyr payments.Josh Lipowsky, “‘A Way to Thwart Their Funding,’” Jewish Standard, August 1, 2014, http://jstandard.com/index.php/content/item/a_way_to_thwart_their_funding/. A group of terror victims’ families took the Jordan-based Arab Bank to task for facilitating funding to Hamas terrorists through these “charities” in the first civil case against a financial institution accused of violating the U.S. Anti-Terrorism Act. On September 22, 2014, after a 10-year legal process, a U.S. jury found Arab Bank liable for helping finance about two dozen Hamas suicide bombings.Erik Larson and Christie Smythe, “Arab Bank Found Liable for Hamas Terrorist Attacks,” Bloomberg, September 23, 2014, http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-22/arab-bank-found-liable-for-hamas-terrorist-attacks.html.
Taxes and the tunnel economy
Hamas has spent years building a network of tunnels beneath the Gazan-Egyptian border in order to smuggle weapons and other goods. According to a 2012 Journal of Palestine Studies report, at least 160 children have died while digging the elaborate tunnel system.Nicolas Pelham, “Gaza’s Tunnel Phenomenon: The Unintended Dynamics of Israel’s Siege,” Journal of Palestine Studies 41, no. 4 (Summer 2012), http://palestine-studies.org/jps/fulltext/42605. The underground smuggling tunnels between Gaza and Egypt has provided Hamas with a flow of tax revenue on smuggled goods, comprising roughly $500 million of Hamas’s annual budget for Gaza of just under $900 million. The Egyptian military closed the tunnels in late 2013 after it deposed the Muslim Brotherhood government, sending Gaza into an economic crisis.Karin Laub and Ibrahim Barzak, “Hamas in Worst Cash Crisis since Seizing Gaza,” Associated Press, March 13, 2014, http://news.yahoo.com/hamas-worst-cash-crisis-since-seizing-gaza-181239758.html.
Constructing the tunnels was not a cheap endeavor, as each tunnel is believed to have cost between $80,000 and $200,000. To pay for the tunnels’ construction, Hamas turned to Gazan-based mosques and charities, which reportedly began offering pyramid schemes to invest in the tunnels with high rates of return. The number of tunnels reportedly grew from a few dozen in 2005, with annual revenue of $30 million per year, to at least 500 by December 2008, with annual revenue of $36 million per month.Nicolas Pelham, “Gaza’s Tunnel Phenomenon: The Unintended Dynamics of Israel’s Siege,” Journal of Palestine Studies 41, no. 4 (Summer 2012), http://palestine-studies.org/jps/fulltext/42605.
By October 2013, Egypt claimed to have destroyed 90 percent of Gaza’s smuggling tunnels. According to Ala al-Rafati, the Hamas-appointed economy minister, the resulting losses to the Gaza economy between June and October 2013 amounted to $460 million.Nidal al-Mughrabi, “Isolated Hamas Faces Money Crisis in Gaza Strip,” Reuters, October 9, 2013, http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/09/us-palestinian-hamas-crisis-idUSBRE99804P20131009.
Cryptocurrencies
Hamas seeks to bypass international financial sanctions through the use of cryptocurrencies, the movement of which is harder to trace than traditional currencies.Nathaniel Popper, “Terrorists Turn to Bitcoin for Funding, and They’re Learning Fast,” New York Times, August 18, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/18/technology/terrorists-bitcoin.html. The Qassam Brigades website provides an animated instructional video on how to create a Bitcoin wallet—the decentralized digital method of storing Bitcoins—and make an anonymous donation to Hamas that cannot be traced by authorities. The site is available in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, French, and Russian.Ezzedeen AlQassam Brigades website, accessed August 20, 2019, https://fund.alqassam.net/. To further avoid detection, Hamas’s website generates links to individual Bitcoin wallets—making each transaction unique—on its site instead of using a cryptocurrency exchange, which can be more easily tracked by authorities.Nathaniel Popper, “Terrorists Turn to Bitcoin for Funding, and They’re Learning Fast,” New York Times, August 18, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/18/technology/terrorists-bitcoin.html.
Screenshot of the Qassam Brigades website. August 20, 2019.
In 2019, the Qassam Brigades created a portal on its website to collect donations through the cryptocurrency Bitcoin.Ezzedeen AlQassam Brigades website, accessed August 20, 2019, https://www.qassam.ps/. In May 2019, U.S. authorities arrested a New Jersey man who had sent a donation of $20 in Bitcoin through the Qassam Brigades’ website in April 2019, two months after explaining how the site worked to an undercover FBI agent. The suspect had previously sent $100 to a Hamas member in Gaza via the wire transfer service Moneygram.“Somerset County Man Charged With Attempts To Provide Material Support To Hamas, Making False Statements, And Making Threat Against Pro-Israel Supporters,” U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey, May 22, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/somerset-county-man-charged-attempts-provide-material-support-hamas-making-false. According to terrorism experts and the U.S. Treasury, Bitcoin is a small but growing medium for terror financing.Nathaniel Popper, “Terrorists Turn to Bitcoin for Funding, and They’re Learning Fast,” New York Times, August 18, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/18/technology/terrorists-bitcoin.html. In August 2020, U.S. authorities seized more than $1 million in cryptocurrency assets linked to Hamas’s armed wing. Hamas allegedly saw a surge in bitcoin donations during and after its 11-day conflict with Israel in May 2021. Between May 10 and May 20 that year, the Qassam Brigades’ website, alqassam.ps, saw an increase in traffic and engagement. During the same period, the Qassam Brigades’ Telegram channel increased by 261,000 followers. Following the May 2021 conflict, one Hamas senior official claimed a continuous rise in the proportion of cryptocurrency in Hamas’s finances.Benoit Faucon, Ian Talley, and Summer Said, “Israel-Gaza Conflict Spurs Bitcoin Donations to Hamas,” Wallstreet Journal, June 2, 2021, https://www.wsj.com/articles/israel-gaza-conflict-spurs-bitcoin-donations-to-hamas-11622633400; Dylan Tokar, “U.S. Seizes Fake Website, Cryptocurrency Assets From Terrorist Groups,” Wall Street Journal, August 13, 2020, https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-seizes-fake-website-cryptocurrency-assets-from-terrorist-groups-11597343549. Israel began seizing digital cryptocurrency wallets belonging to Hamas in July 2021.“Israel says it’s targeting Hamas’ cryptocurrency accounts,” Associated Press, July 8, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/hamas-middle-east-israel-cryptocurrency-business-5fe4e70d357545ffd22a152eb4358980.
Foreign investors
Iran
Iran has provided hundreds of millions of dollars to Hamas since the 1990s. In the U.S. case Weinstein v. Iran, the court noted that 1995-1996 “was a peak period for Iranian economic support of Hamas because Iran typically paid for results, and Hamas was providing results by committing numerous bus bombings such as the one on February 25, 1996.”Matthew Levitt, “Hezbollah Finances: Funding the Party of God,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy February 2005, http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/hezbollah-finances-funding-the-party-of-god.
After Hamas’s victory in the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections, Iran provided Hamas an estimated £13-15 million a month for governing expenses.Robert Tait, “Iran Cuts Hamas Funding over Syria,” Telegraph [U.K.], May 31, 2013, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/10091629/Iran-cuts-Hamas-funding-over-Syria.html. However, Iranian aid to Hamas has decreased since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war. While Iran has sided with the embattled Assad regime, Hamas has supported Syrian rebels seeking to overthrow Assad. As a result, Iran cut as much as £15 million a month to Hamas. In May 2013, Hamas’s deputy foreign minister Ghazi Hamad acknowledged that Iran had financially supported Hamas since 2006, but was sending the group only a “tiny amount” of money to maintain ties to the Palestinian cause.Robert Tait, “Iran Cuts Hamas Funding over Syria,” Telegraph [U.K.], May 31, 2013, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/10091629/Iran-cuts-Hamas-funding-over-Syria.html. By March 2014, Iranian parliament speaker Ali Larijani said that relations between Hamas and Iran had returned to normal and that Iran continued to support Hamas as a “resistance organization.”Elhanan Miller, “Hamas and Iran Admit Increased Cooperation,” Times of Israel, March 12, 2014, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-and-iran-admit-increased-cooperation/.
Senior Hamas leader Moussa Abu Marzouk said in July 2015, however, that all Iranian aid to Hamas “has stopped—both civilian aid to the Gaza Strip and military assistance to Hamas.”Jack Moore, “Iran Ceases Financial Aid to Hamas in Gaza, Officials Claim,” Newsweek, July 28, 2015, http://europe.newsweek.com/iran-ceases-financial-aid-hamas-gaza-official-claims-330889?rx=us. Marzouk said that relations between Hamas and Iran had not advanced in a direction that “interested” Hamas and accused Iranian officials later that month of lying about their support.“Iran has stopped giving money to Hamas, top official says,” Times of Israel, July 28, 2015, http://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-has-stopped-giving-us-money-top-hamas-official-says/. According to Marzouk, Hamas had not received any Iranian money since 2009.“Hamas slams Iranian ‘lies’ of financial, military support,” i24News, January 31, 2016, http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/middle-east/101236-160131-hamas-slams-iranian-lies-about-financial-military-support.
Hamas and Iran reportedly renewed their financial ties in 2017. That August, Hamas’s political leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, deemed the restored relationship as “excellent, or very excellent.”Fares Akram and Josef Federman, “New Hamas leader says it is getting aid again from Iran,” Associated Press, August 28, 2017, https://apnews.com/0427f88fe857479caa633fad5683aa96/New-Hamas-leader-says-it-is-getting-aid-again-from-Iran. Sinwar also called Iran the “largest backer financially and militarily” of Hamas.“Hamas leader in Gaza: Ties with Iran now ‘fantastic’; we’re preparing battle for Palestine,” Times of Israel, August 28, 2017, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-leader-in-gaza-ties-with-iran-now-fantastic-were-preparing-battle-for-palestine/.
As of August 2018, Iran reportedly transferred $70 million annually to Hamas.Elior Levy, “Iran’s $100 million aid to Hamas and Islamic Jihad,” Ynet News, August 3, 2018, https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5321985,00.html. Israeli authorities reported in August 2019 that Iran was increasing its funding to Hamas to $30 million per month in order to obtain more intelligence on Israel’s missile stockpiles.Michael Bachner and staff, “Iran said increasing Hamas funding to $30m per month, wants intel on Israel,” Times of Israel, August 5, 2019, https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-agrees-to-increase-hamas-funding-to-30-million-per-month-report/. In November 2018, U.S. Special Envoy on Iran Brian Hook announced U.S. intentions to target Iran’s funding of Hamas and Hezbollah as part of a series of renewed sanctions on Iran.Herb Keinon, “U.S. Envoy: Iran Sanctions Help Cut Streams to Hamas and Hezbollah,” Jerusalem Post, November 15, 2018, https://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/US-envoy-Iran-sanctions-help-to-cut-fund-streams-to-Hamas-and-Hezbollah-571980.
Iran’s support of Hamas has since continued. Ahead of Hamas’s 11-day conflict with Israel in May 2021, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh wrote to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei asking the Muslim world to support Hamas.Tzvi Joffre, “Jerusalem Day festivities shaken by rockets, violent riots,” Jerusalem Post, May 10, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/jerusalem-day-riots-break-out-on-temple-mount-667735; “Palestinians say nine killed in Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip,” Jerusalem Post, May 10, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israel-striking-gaza-in-response-to-rocket-barrage-directed-at-jerusalem-667776; “Hamas chief writes to Leader, asks Muslim world to support al-Quds,” Tehran Times, May 9, 2021, https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/460758/Hamas-chief-writes-to-Leader-asks-Muslim-world-to-support-al-Quds. During a July 2021 speech to Christians United For Israel, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley declared that during that conflict Israel not only fought against Hamas, but “against Iranian weapons, Iranian money and Iranian trained terrorists.”Jacob Kornbluh, “Nikki Haley: ‘Iran is the sugar daddy of Hamas,’” Forward, July 18, 2021, https://forward.com/fast-forward/473134/nikki-haley-iran-is-the-sugar-daddy-of-hamas/. As such, Haley referred to Iran as “the sugar daddy of Hamas.”Jacob Kornbluh, “Nikki Haley: ‘Iran is the sugar daddy of Hamas,’” Forward, July 18, 2021, https://forward.com/fast-forward/473134/nikki-haley-iran-is-the-sugar-daddy-of-hamas/.
On July 12, 2021, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia found Iran, Syria, the IRGC, the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security, and three Iranian banks—Markazi, Melli, and Saderat—liable for an October 1, 2015, Hamas terror attack that killed Israeli-American Eitam Henkin and his wife, Naama, in the West Bank. The orphaned Henkin children and the Henkins’ estate filed the lawsuit in 2019 under the terrorism exception to the U.S. Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. The ruling was the first time a U.S. court found Markazi, Melli, or Saderat liable for a terror attack by a foreign terrorist organization against a U.S. national.Globe Newswire, “In Historic Ruling, Court Finds Iran, Syria and Iranian Banks Responsible for Murder of American Citizen in Israel,” Yahoo News, July 13, 2021, https://finance.yahoo.com/news/historic-ruling-court-finds-iran-182600941.html; “US court: Iran, Syria liable for deaths of Israeli couple in 2015 terror attack,” Times of Israel, July 15, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-court-rules-iran-syria-liable-for-deaths-of-israeli-couple-in-2015-attack/.
Qatar
Qatar has invested heavily in the Gazan economy. In October 2012, the country launched a $254 million plan to modernize Gaza.“Qatar Funds Major Project to Rebuild Gaza,” Reuters, October 16, 2012, http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/qatar-funds-major-project-to-rebuild-gaza-1.470405. The country later upped its investment to $400 million.“Qatar Ups Gaza Investment to $400 Million,” Agence France-Presse, October 23, 2012, http://tribune.com.pk/story/455921/hamas-qatar-ups-gaza-investment-to-400-million/. After Hamas and Fatah signed a reconciliation agreement in April 2014, the PA refused to pay the salaries of Hamas civil servants in Gaza. In June, Qatar stepped in and attempted to transfer hundreds of millions of dollars to Hamas through Arab Bank to pay the salaries of 44,000 civil servants, but the United States reportedly blocked the transfers.Elhanan Miller, “US Blocked Qatari Funds Intended for Hamas Employees,” Times of Israel, July 15, 2014, http://www.timesofisrael.com/us-blocked-qatari-funds-intended-for-hamas-employees/. In November 2018, Qatar transferred $15 million to the Hamas government to pay civil servants. Israel reportedly approved the payment on condition it did not go directly to Hamas. Qatari monitors oversaw the direct distribution of the funds to civil servants. Qatar promised to pay $90 million over a six-month period.Nidal al-Mughrabi, “Qatar pays Gaza salaries to ease tensions; Israel says money’s not for Hamas,” Reuters, November 9, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-palestinians-gaza/qatar-pays-gaza-salaries-to-ease-tensions-israel-says-moneys-not-for-hamas-idUSKCN1NE1ET. A U.S. lawsuit filed in June 2020 alleged Qatar provided funding to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) through three Qatari financial institutions, the Qatar Charity, Masraf Al Rayan, and Qatar National Bank. The Qatar Charity is a member of the U.S.-sanctioned Union of Good charity network. All three institutions have links to members of the Qatari royal family. The plaintiffs are friends and family members of 10 U.S. citizens who died in terror attacks in Israel carried out by Hamas and PIJ. The lawsuit accuses Qatar of coopting “several institutions that it dominates and controls to funnel coveted U.S. dollars (the chosen currency of Middle East terrorist networks) to Hamas and PIJ under the false guise of charitable donations.”Ray Hanania, “Lawsuit names Qatar’s royal family in killings of 10 Americans in Israel,” Arab News, June 11, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1688051/middle-east; Adam Kredo, “Lawsuit Alleges Qatar Secretly Financed Terror Attacks that Killed Americans,” Washington Free Beacon, June 10, 2020, https://freebeacon.com/national-security/lawsuit-alleges-qatar-secretly-financed-terror-attacks-that-killed-americans/. On June 26, 2020, Qatar transferred $30 million to Hamas. The terror group claimed one-third of the amount would be distributed to 100,000 needy families.Agence France-Presse, “Gaza families receive Qatari financial aid,” Yahoo! News, June 27, 2020, https://news.yahoo.com/gaza-families-receive-qatari-financial-aid-104017621.html.
Further, Qatar has provided a safe haven for Hamas’s political leadership since 2012. In January 2015, then-Qatari Foreign Minister referred to then-Hamas politburo chief Khaled Meshaal as the country’s “dear guest.”Peter Kovessy, “Qatar FM: Hamas leader to remain in Dohas as ‘dear guest,’” Doha News, January 13, 2015, https://dohanews.co/qatar-fm-hamas-leader-remain-doha-dear-guest/. Hamas has utilized Qatari hotels and business centers for meetings and press conferences, such its May 1, 2017, press conference at Doha’s Sheraton hotel to announce the group’s new political document.Patrick Wintour, “Hamas presents new charter presenting a Palestine based on 1967 borders,” Guardian, May 1, 2017, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/01/hamas-new-charter-palestine-israel-1967-borders.
In April 2017, Yousef al-Ghariz, adviser to Qatar’s ambassador to the Palestinian territories and head of the Qatari Committee for Reconstruction of the Gaza Strip told Al-Monitor that Qatar works with both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. He also said that Qatar “doesn’t get involved in any internal Palestinian political disputes.”Khaled Abu Amer, “ Qatar’s lifeline to Gaza,” Al-Monitor, April 3, 2017, http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/03/palestine-qatar-reconstruction-committee-gaza-consensus.html.
“Qatar can’t continue to be an American ally on Monday that sends money to Hamas on Tuesday,” then-Senator John Kerry said in 2009.Jonathan Schanzer, “Opinion: Confronting Qatar’s Hamas Ties,” Politico, July 10, 2014, http://www.politico.com/story/2013/07/congress-qatar-stop-funding-hamas-93965.html. In July 2014, Congressmen Peter Roskam (R-IL) and John Barrow (D-GA) collected signatures from 22 of their colleagues on a letter to Qatar’s ambassador to the United States, Mohammed Bin Abdullah al-Rumaihi, demanding Qatar end its support of Hamas.“Roskam, Barrow Lead Effort Urging Qatar to Abandon Support for Hamas,” Office of U.S. Representative Peter Roskam, August 2, 2013, https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/roskam-barrow-lead-effort-urging-qatar-to-abandon-support-for-hamas; “End Hamas support, 24 U.S. Reps tell Qatar,” Jewish News Service, August 7, 2013, https://www.jns.org/news-briefs/2013/8/7/us-house-letter-calling-on-qatar-to-sever-hamas-ties-gets-24-signatures#.WfDzgFtSy70=. Qatar has continued to provide financial support to the Gaza Strip and provide shelter for Hamas’s leaders in the country.
As of 2023, Qatar reportedly provided $30 million per month in stipends for families, fuel for electricity, and aid in paying municipal salaries. As of May 2023, Qatar had provided half of a $5 million grant to Hamas to pay municipal salaries. Qatar reportedly suspended payments that June. By July, Hamas reportedly was unable to pay its 50,000 municipal employees because of delays in a monthly payroll grant from Qatar. Hamas had not paid salaries since May and faced a new economic crisis, Hamas financial sources told international media. Hamas called on Qatar to increase its payroll grant from $5 to $7 million to cover increased spending and debt repayment.Nidal Al-Mughrabi, “Hamas unable to pay salaries in Gaza after Qatari aid delay, officials say,” Reuters, July 16, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-unable-pay-salaries-gaza-after-qatari-aid-delay-officials-say-2023-07-16/. Talks between Hamas and Qatar to resume the funding were reportedly frozen as of mid-September 2023. Gaza media reported Qatari envoy Mohammed al-Emadi had “conveyed a clear message” to Hamas, explaining that “Qatar cannot always” transfer funds to the Strip, and a “permanent and better solution” was required.“Palestinians left without aid as Hamas, Qatar squabble over delays,” Jerusalem Post, last updated September 17, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-759366.
Saudi Arabia
During the Second Intifada Saudi Arabia passed millions of dollars to Hamas terrorists under the guise of charity. The Saudi Committee in Support of the Intifada al Quds transferred hundreds of millions of dollars to the families of suicide bombers, prisoners, and those wounded in the intifada as a financial incentive for terrorism. According to a de-classified U.S. State Department memoranda, “the United States provided evidence to Saudi authorities in 2003 that Saudi Arabia’s al Quds Intifadah Committee was “forwarding millions of dollars in funds to the families of Palestinians engaged in terrorist activities, including those of suicide bombers.”Yonah Jeremy Bob and Frank G. Runyeon, “Arab Bank found liable over Hamas attacks, US jury says,” Jerusalem Post, September 22, 2014, http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Arab-Bank-found-liable-over-Hamas-attacks-US-jury-says-376094.
Saudi Arabia has also invested in Gaza, pledging $1 billion to rebuild infrastructure after Hamas’s 2008 war with Israel.“Saudi Arabia to Donate $1B to Gaza,” Washingtion Times, January 19, 2009, http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jan/19/saudi-arabia-donate-1-billion-rebuild-gaza/.
Turkey
Turkey reportedly planned to donate $300 million to Gaza’s Hamas government in 2011,Saed Bannoura, “Turkey to Grant Hamas $300 Million,” International Middle East Media Center, December 3, 2011, http://www.imemc.org/article/62607. while other reports cited that this would become an annual donation to Hamas.Zvi Bar’el, “Turkey May Provide Hamas with $300 Million in Annual Aid,” Haaretz, January 28, 2012, http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/turkey-may-provide-hamas-with-300-million-in-annual-aid-1.409708. Turkey has reportedly limited its financial investments in Gaza to non-governmental bodies to avoid directly providing aid to Hamas. After Israel and Turkey reestablished normalized ties in 2016, Turkey announced an investment of about $3.5 billion for Gaza. In October 2018, the Palestinian Authority (PA) reached an agreement with Turkey for the country to boost is investments in both the PA-administered West Bank and the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.Adnan Abu Amer, “Turkey steps up ties with Palestinian Authority,” Al-Monitor, October 3, 2018, https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2018/10/turkey-balancing-ties-hamas-palestinian-authority-agreements.html.
Foreign Investment
Despite international sanctions, Hamas has invested in multiple foreign businesses and front companies. Hamas’s Shura Council and Executive Committee maintain oversight and control of Hamas’s international investment portfolio, but the group’s Investment Office oversees the day-to-day operations of Hamas’s investment portfolio. As of May 2022, Hamas’s Investment Office held assets estimated to be worth more than $500 million, including companies operating in Sudan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and the United Arab Emirates.“Treasury Targets Covert Hamas Investment Network and Finance Official,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 24, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0798.
In September 2019, the United States sanctioned Turkey-based Zaher Jabarin, a Hamas official overseeing Hamas’s financial office. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, Jabarin developed a financial network in Turkey to allow Hamas to raise, invest, and launder money prior to transferring it to Gaza and the West Bank. The United States also sanctioned Turkey-based Redin Exchange, which was involved in transferring $10 million to the Qassam Brigades earlier that March and had aided in the transfer of tens of millions of dollars to Hamas through Iran’s IRGC and Hezbollah since 2017. “Treasury Targets Wide Range of Terrorists and Their Supporters Using Enhanced Counterterrorism Sanctions Authorities,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 10, 2019, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm772. Redin’s leadership dissolved the company shortly after the designation.Abdullah Bozkurt, “Hamas shell company in Turkey had funneled Quds Force funds to Qassam Brigades for years,” Nordic Monitor, March 16, 2021, https://nordicmonitor.com/2021/03/hamas-shell-company-in-turkey-had-funneled-quds-force-funds-to-qassam-brigades-for-years/.
In May 2021, an unnamed Iranian diplomat told Reuters Hamas has investment portfolios worth hundreds of millions of dollars in companies across the Middle East. According to this source, Hamas “controls about 40 companies in Turkey, UAE, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Algeria which deal mainly in real estate and infrastructure.”Arshad Mohammed, Jonathan Saul, John Irish, and Parisa Hafezi, “Israel’s Gaza challenge: stopping metal tubes turning into rockets,” Reuters, May 23, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-gaza-challenge-stopping-metal-tubes-turning-into-rockets-2021-05-23/. Hamas conceals approximately $500 million in assets through these companies.Arshad Mohammed, Jonathan Saul, John Irish, and Parisa Hafezi, “Israel’s Gaza challenge: stopping metal tubes turning into rockets,” Reuters, May 23, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-gaza-challenge-stopping-metal-tubes-turning-into-rockets-2021-05-23/. Based off this Reuters report, the Double Cheque website determined most of Hamas’s investments are managed from within Turkey.“The Double Cheque investigation: Hamas manages a covert investment portfolio using 40 global companies and assets worth hundreds of millions of dollars,” Double Cheque, accessed November 19, 2021, https://www.doublecheque.online/financial-institutions/hamas-money-laundry-systtem/hamas-manages-a-covert-investment-portfolio-using-40-global-companies. Double Cheque identified Turkish investment company Trend GYO, which has five Turkish subsidiaries run by members of Hamas.“Hamas Secret Investment Portfolio: Trend Gyo subsidiaries in Turkey,” Double Cheque, accessed November 19, 2021, https://www.doublecheque.online/financial-institutions/hamas-money-laundry-systtem/trend-gyo-subsidiaries-in-turkey.
On May 24, 2022, the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Trend GYO for being owned, controlled, or directed by, directly or indirectly, Hamas. According to OFAC, as of 2018 Hamas elements held about 75 percent of Trend GYO’s issued capital. The Treasury Department further charged that Hamas intended to privately issue more than $15 million of Trend GYO’s shares to senior officials in the investment portfolio. OFAC also designated senior Investment Office officials Ahmed Sharif Abdallah Odeh and Usama Ali, as well as Turkey-based Hisham Younis Yahia Qafisheh, who aided the transfer of funds on behalf of various companies linked to Hamas’s investment portfolio. Qafisheh served as the deputy chairman of the board of Trend GYO. OFAC also sanctioned ‘Abdallah Yusuf Faisal Sabri, a Kuwait-based Jordanian national who has worked as a longtime accountant in the Hamas Finance Ministry. Additionally, OFAC designated five other companies affiliated with those designated individuals.“Treasury Targets Covert Hamas Investment Network and Finance Official,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 24, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0798.
Also Known As:
Harakat al-Muqawana al-Islamiya (Islamic Resistance Movement);
Al-Tiar Al-Islami (The Islamic Stream);
Al-Athja Al-Islami (The Islamic Trend)“HAMAS- The Islamic Resistance Movement,” Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, January 1, 1993, http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFA-Archive/1993/Pages/HAMAS%20-%20The%20Islamic%20Resistance%20Movement%20-%20Jan-93.aspx.Key Leaders
History
Violent Activities
Hamas maintains that “all types of legitimate resistance are practiced to end the oppressions and injustices imposed by Israel” and that it is Hamas’s right to “resist with all means, including armed resistance, guaranteed by divine and international laws,” according to its English-language website.“About Hamas,” Hamas website, accessed November 7, 2016, http://hamas.ps/en/page/2/. Hamas has employed various violent tactics against Israeli military and civilian targets.
In May 2017, Hamas unveiled a new political platform that continued to call for “armed resistance” as Hamas’s primary strategy to liberate all of Palestine from the river to the sea.“Document of General Principles & Policies,” Hamas, May 1, 2017, http://hamas.ps/en/post/678/a-document-of-general-principles-and-policies; Patrick Wintour, “Hamas presents new charter accepting a Palestine based on 1967 borders,” Guardian (London), May 1, 2017, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/01/hamas-new-charter-palestine-israel-1967-borders.
Al-Aqsa Storm—the October 7, 2023, attacks and the Swords of Iron War
On October 7, 2023, a day after the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War and as Israel was marking the Jewish holidays of Simchat Torah and Shabbat, Hamas launched a massive attack on Israel, killing at least 1,200 and wounding almost 4,000. Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) also took hostage 256 people, mostly civilians.Ammar Awad and Maayan Lubell, “Gunmen in homes, captives abducted leave Israelis in shock,” Reuters, October 7, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gunmen-homes-captives-abducted-gaza-leave-israelis-shock-2023-10-07/; Lauren Frayer, “Israel revises down its death toll from the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks to about 1,200,” NPR, November 11, 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/11/11/1212458974/israel-revises-death-toll-hamas-attacks-oct-7; “Swords of Iron: An Overview,” Institute for National Security Studies, last updated May 24, 2024, https://www.inss.org.il/publication/war-data/. During the attack, Hamas fighters blew up part of the border fence and then used bulldozers to widen the gap before sending hundreds of fighters into Israel on motorbikes. At the same time, Hamas launched thousands of rockets as far north as Tel Aviv. The Hamas fighters spread into more than a dozen Israeli communities and military bases within 15 miles of the Gaza border. An Israeli military spokesman called the attack Israel’s 9/11 and admitted that Hamas caught Israel by surprise.Samia Nakhoul and Jonathan Saul, “How Israel was duped as Hamas planned devastating assault,” Reuters, October 8, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/how-israel-was-duped-hamas-planned-devastating-assault-2023-10-08/. A December 2023 IDF investigation found that Hamas had used an unspecified but toxic flammable substance in its attack on the Nahal Oz IDF base, which surveilled the Gaza border. According to the investigation, Hamas attackers threw the substance through the entrance of the building that housed the surveillance soldiers’ command center, causing suffocation and loss of consciousness within a few minutes.“Hamas used toxic substance to kill Nahal Oz troops on Oct. 7, IDF probe said to show,” Times of Israel, December 13, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/nahal-oz-troops-killed-by-toxic-gas-during-oct-7-hamas-attack-idf-probe-said-to-show/. Hamas claimed it had launched 5,000 rockets toward Israel on the first day of the war. Hamas designated its attack “Al-Aqsa Storm,” though it has also been labeled “Al-Aqsa Flood.”Ibrahim Dahman and Abeer Salman, “Hamas announces ‘Al-Aqsa Storm,’ claims to have fired 5,000 rockets,” CNN, October 7, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/al-aqsa-storm-militants-infiltrate-israel-after-gaza-rockets-10-07-intl-hnk/h_644aa5e5d02286051f5cc307e229566a; “Al-Aqsa Flood was a ‘fully Palestinian operation’, Iran’s IRGC says,” New Arab, December 28, 2023, https://www.newarab.com/news/al-aqsa-flood-fully-palestinian-operation-irans-irgc. Beginning on October 7, Hamas launched more than 12,000 rockets toward Israel during the war.“Hamas rockets target Tel Aviv area for first time in a week,” Jewish News Service, December 19, 2023, https://www.jns.org/hamas-rockets-target-tel-aviv-area-for-first-time-in-a-week/.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and other top Hamas leaders watched the attack unfold from Haniyeh’s office in Doha, Qatar. The Hamas leaders cheered the attack and prostrated themselves before God.Matt Drake, “How Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh watched attack on Israel on TV from his office in Qatar as he celebrated with other officials,” Daily Mail (London), October 8, 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12608271/How-Hamas-leader-Ismail-Haniyeh-watched-attack-Israel-TV-office-Qatar-celebrated-officials.html. Qatar-based senior Hamas leader Moussa Abu Marzouk claimed the group’s military wing had kept details of the impending attack secret from the political leadership, but they were aware of general plans for the attack. Marzouk told New Yorker magazine, “We were surprised by the date but not by the actions.”Adam Rasgon and David D. Kirkpatrick, “What Was Hamas Thinking?,” New Yorker, October 13, 2023, https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/what-was-hamas-thinking. Sources close to Hamas told Reuters that the group had prepared for the operation for two years by constructing and training in mock settlements in Gaza. According to those sources, Hamas refrained from large-scale attacks on Israel during this time in order to convince Israeli intelligence it was not seeking a wider conflict, and to give Israel the impression that the group was unprepared for a larger fight.Samia Nakhoul and Jonathan Saul, “How Israel was duped as Hamas planned devastating assault,” Reuters, October 8, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/how-israel-was-duped-hamas-planned-devastating-assault-2023-10-08/. According to a Wall Street Journal report, several senior Hamas and Hezbollah sources confirmed the participation of IRGC officials in planning the attack in meetings in Beirut in August 2023. According to those officials, the IRGC had provided a greenlight for the attack in September.Summer Said, Benoit Faucon, and Stephen Kalin, “Iran Helped Plot Attack on Israel Over Several Weeks,” Wall Street Journal, October 8, 2023, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/iran-israel-hamas-strike-planning-bbe07b25. A December 27 Al Jazeera report cited an IRGC statement confirming that the October 7 attack was part of a retaliation strategy for the 2020 assassination of IRGC Quds Force leader Qasem Soleimani in a U.S. airstrike. Hamas denied the report, stating the “foremost” reasons for October 7 were “the dangers that threaten al-Aqsa Mosque.”Jerusalem Post staff and Reuters, “October 7 massacre was retaliation for Soleimani killing, Iran says – report,” Jerusalem Post, December 27, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-779705. Meanwhile, IRGC commander-in-chief Hossein Salami labeled the October 7 attack a “fully Palestinian operation.”“Al-Aqsa Flood was a ‘fully Palestinian operation’, Iran’s IRGC says,” New Arab, December 28, 2023, https://www.newarab.com/news/al-aqsa-flood-fully-palestinian-operation-irans-irgc. According to Salami, the IRGC spokesman who called the attack a retaliation for Soleimani’s death had clarified that he meant that the ensuing battles in Gaza—not the October 7 attack itself—were revenge for Soleimani’s death.“Al-Aqsa Flood was a ‘fully Palestinian operation’, Iran’s IRGC says,” New Arab, December 28, 2023, https://www.newarab.com/news/al-aqsa-flood-fully-palestinian-operation-irans-irgc.
On October 27, Israel launched a ground invasion of Gaza while vowing to eliminate Hamas’s leadership and infrastructure there.James Mackenzie and Maayan Lubell, “Israel launches Gaza war’s second phase with ground operation, Netanyahu says,” Reuters, October 28, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/eu-calls-humanitarian-pauses-gaza-aid-israel-raids-enclave-2023-10-26/. On November 24, a four-day ceasefire went into effect. Under the agreement, negotiated by Qatar and Egypt, Hamas would release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinian security prisoners held in Israel.Jason Burke, “Hamas releases 24 hostages on first day of Gaza ceasefire,” Guardian (London), November 24, 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/24/israel-hamas-war-gaza-ceasefire-begins-hostage-release-palestinian. On November 27, Hamas and Israel agreed to a two-day ceasefire extension. Israel pledged to extend the ceasefire by one day for every 10 hostages Hamas released.“Hamas says it has agreed with Qatar and Egypt to a two-day extension of truce,” Reuters, November 27, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-says-it-has-agreed-with-qatar-egypt-two-day-extension-truce-2023-11-27/; “Truce extension will go into effect after the release of hostages on Monday, Israeli senior adviser says,” CNN, November 27, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-11-27-23/h_7d147083d5b55e545becd4691042c509. On November 30, two Hamas gunmen killed three people and wounded five others in Jerusalem.Ibrahim Dahman and Eyad Kourdi, “Hamas says its militants killed three people at Jerusalem bus stop,” CNN, November 30, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/30/middleeast/hamas-jerusalem-bus-stop-shooting-intl/index.html; Emanuel Fabian, “Four killed, 5 injured in Hamas-claimed terror shooting at Jerusalem bus stop,” Times of Israel, November 30, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/three-killed-6-injured-in-terror-shooting-at-jerusalem-entrance-bus-stop/. The ceasefire officially ended on December 1 following a breakdown in negotiations over Hamas’s release of hostages. Hamas reportedly continued to hold 137 hostages in Gaza, including 115 men, 20 women, and two children. Israel accused Hamas of failing to release all female hostages. A Palestinian official claimed female Israeli soldiers caused the breakdown. Hamas launched at least 50 rockets toward southern Israeli towns that day.Nidal Al-Mughrabi and Suhaib Salem, “Scores reported killed in Gaza after Israel-Hamas truce collapses,” Reuters, December 1, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-negotiators-try-get-israel-hamas-agree-extend-truce-again-2023-12-01/; Emanuel Fabian, “IDF: We hit 200 Gaza targets since Hamas ceasefire violation; 50 rockets fired at Israel,” Times of Israel, December 1, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-says-it-carried-out-200-airstrikes-throughout-gaza-since-hamas-ceasefire-violation/; “Live updates | Israel and Hamas trade blame for cease-fire’s end as combat resumes,” Associated Press, December 1, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-12-1-2023-0c225e35008879ea7574aabb077596f2.
Approximately 3,000 Hamas fighters participated in the October 7 attack. About 1,500 of those terrorists were killed in the initial fighting. Israel seized phones, cameras, notebooks, and documents from the gunmen, as well as from Hamas fighters in Gaza. Documents included a detailed map of an Israeli military base, guides to hostage-taking, and Arabic-to-Hebrew phrasebooks. One phrase included “put your hands up and spread your legs.” According to information collected, Hamas had planned the October 7 attack for several years.Dan Sabbagh, “Hamas drew detailed attack plans for years with help of spies, documents suggest,” Guardian (London), December 4, 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/04/hamas-drew-detailed-attack-plans-for-years-with-help-of-spies-idf-says. The New York Times reported that Israel had obtained Hamas’s plans for the October 7 attack more than a year beforehand, but labeled the plan as aspirational because Israeli military officials thought it would be too difficult for Hamas to execute. The Times also reviewed a Hamas plan called “Jericho Wall,” which included a methodical assault designed to overwhelm the fortifications around the Gaza Strip, take over Israeli cities, and raid key military bases. The plans also included details on Israeli communications and military installations.Ronen Bergman and Adam Goldman, “Israel Knew Hamas’s Attack Plan More Than a Year Ago,” New York Times, November 30, 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/30/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-attack-intelligence.html.
The New York Times and the United Nations both conducted investigations that confirmed that Hamas carried out sexual violence on October 7, including rape, gang rape, and sexual torture. The December 2023 New York Times investigation detailed Hamas sexual violence against women during its October 7 attack.Jeffrey Gettleman, Anat Schwartz, and Adam Sella, “‘Screams Without Words’: How Hamas Weaponized Sexual Violence on Oct. 7,” New York Times, December 28, 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/28/world/middleeast/oct-7-attacks-hamas-israel-sexual-violence.html. According to a March 4, 2024, U.N. report, there are “reasonable grounds” to conclude that Hamas carried out sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, during the October 7 attack. The report also found “clear and convincing information” based on firsthand accounts of released hostages that sexual violence, including rape, sexualized torture, and cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment, was inflicted against some women and children while held in Gaza. The report also found “reasonable grounds” to believe that such violence against remaining hostages may be continuing.“Mission report Official visit of the Office of the SRSG-SVC to Israel and the occupied West Bank 29 January – 14 February 2024,” United Nations, March 4, 2024, https://news.un.org/en/sites/news.un.org.en/files/atoms/files/Mission_report_of_SRSG_SVC_to_Israel-oWB_29Jan_14_feb_2024.pdf. The report is based on an investigation and interviews by a team of experts in Israel and the West Bank led by Pramila Patten, the U.N. secretary-general’s special representative on sexual violence in conflict.Farnaz Fassihi and Isabel Kershner, “U.N. Team Finds Grounds to Support Reports of Sexual Violence in Hamas Attack,” New York Times, last updated March 5, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/04/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-un-report-sexual-violence.html.
Hamas has denied both reports and dismissed allegations it intentionally targeted civilians or committed sexual crimes. In a January 1 statement on Telegram Hamas labeled the New York Times report “part of the Israeli attempt to demonize and dehumanize the Palestinian people and resistance, and to justify the Israeli army war crimes and crimes of genocide against the Palestinian people.”“Response to the New York Times misleading report against the Palestinian resistance on Oct. 7,” Hamas Online Telegram Channel, January 1, 2024. On January 21, 2024, Hamas released a document in English and Arabic entitled, “Our Narrative… Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.” The document provided Hamas’s reasoning to justify the October 7 attack, as well as assertions that Hamas behaved morally and did not intentionally harm civilians, despite video footage and testimonials to the contrary. The document justified Hamas’s use of all forms of “resistance” against Israel. Hamas claimed its fighters targeted only Israeli soldiers on October 7 and “sought to arrest the enemy’s soldiers.”“Our Narrative… Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” Hamas Online Telegram Channel, January 21, 2024. Hamas claimed it is religiously obligated to avoid harming civilians, particularly children, women, and the elderly. Hamas denies it intentionally targeted any civilians and claims its fighters were “fully disciplined and committed to Islamic values” and targeting only soldiers.“Our Narrative… Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” Hamas Online Telegram Channel, January 21, 2024. Hamas further claimed the injury of any civilians was accidental and the result of confrontation with Israeli forces.“Our Narrative… Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” Hamas Online Telegram Channel, January 21, 2024.
The October 7 attack was planned and executed solely by Hamas leaders in Gaza without input from the Hamas political leadership abroad, according to multiple media reports interviewing Palestinians close to the Hamas leadership. In January 2024, the British newspaper Asharq al-Awsat reported that five individuals coordinated the October 7 attack: Yahya Sinwar, his brother Mohammed Sinwar, Qassam Brigades leader Mohammed Deif, Rouhi Mushtaha, and Ayman Nofal. They reportedly chose the date of October 7 because of the reports of calm along the border. They confirmed their plans on October 6 and waited until midnight that night to begin the attack with 70 fighters from elite Hamas units who were trained in infiltrating Israeli settlements. Palestinian sources told the newspaper that Hamas’s political leaders in Qatar were not informed of the attack until hours beforehand when they received a briefing and instructions to go into hiding. The political leaders were reportedly not given details of the pending attack. After the first hour and a half, Hamas mobilized elite units within the Qassam Brigades to support the initial attackers.“‘Al-Aqsa Flood’ : Initiated by 70 Elite Fighters, Crafted by 5 Hamas Leaders,” Asharq al-Awsat (London), January 10, 2024, https://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/4780421-%E2%80%98al-aqsa-flood%E2%80%99-initiated-70-elite-fighters-crafted-5-hamas-leaders.
Some sources within Hamas have criticized Sinwar for his decisions surrounding October 7, particularly in relation to the devastation wrought on Gaza in response. On November 5, the United Kingdom’s Daily Mail newspaper published an interview with a senior Hamas commander who accused Sinwar and Haniyeh of changing the plan for October 7 at the last minute and inviting a devastating Israeli retaliation. According to the battalion commander, who identified himself only as Abu Mohammed, Hamas had originally planned only to kill Israeli soldiers and take some soldiers hostage. They had not planned to kill civilians. Abu Mohammed said he was one of the planners of October 7, but Haniyeh and Sinwar changed the plan and told fighters to “do what they like.”Summer Goodkind, “Top Hamas military commander claims October 7 attacks were never meant to target Israeli civilians as he breaks ranks to criticise terror group’s leaders ‘who changed the plan last-minute’ in extraordinary intervention,” Daily Mail (London), November 5, 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12712397/Top-Hamas-military-commander-claims-October-7-attacks-never-meant-target-Israeli-civilians-breaks-ranks-criticise-terror-groups-exiled-leaders-changed-plan-minute-extraordinary-intervention.html. Abu Mohammed accused Sinwar of acting like a “street fighter,” while the Hamas leadership abroad did not bear the consequences for October 7 like the people of Gaza did.Summer Goodkind, “Top Hamas military commander claims October 7 attacks were never meant to target Israeli civilians as he breaks ranks to criticise terror group’s leaders ‘who changed the plan last-minute’ in extraordinary intervention,” Daily Mail (London), November 5, 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12712397/Top-Hamas-military-commander-claims-October-7-attacks-never-meant-target-Israeli-civilians-breaks-ranks-criticise-terror-groups-exiled-leaders-changed-plan-minute-extraordinary-intervention.html. During interrogation in Israeli custody in December 2023, former Hamas communications minister Yousef al-Mansi accused Sinwar and the Hamas leadership of setting Gaza back 200 years. In footage of the interrogation released by Israel’s Shin Bet security service on December 10, Mansi said, “People in the Gaza Strip say that Sinwar and his group destroyed us, we must get rid of them.”Emanuel Fabian and Michael Horovitz, “Ex-Hamas minister in interrogation: ‘Crazy people’ led by Sinwar ‘destroyed Gaza,’” Times of Israel, December 10, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/ex-hamas-minister-in-interrogation-crazy-people-led-by-sinwar-destroyed-gaza/.
Citing Palestinian sources, a March 2024 report by Sky News Arabia claimed the Hamas leadership had criticized Sinwar for launching the October 7 attack without prior consultation with Hamas’s political leaders. Sinwar reportedly consulted with his brother Muhammad Sinwar, Deif, and deputy military leader Marwan Issa. The four had not consulted the rest of the Hamas leadership and its political bureau, who were ignorant of the decision.“Yahya Sinwar decided to launch October 7 attack alone, angering Hamas leaders – report,” Jerusalem Post, March 5, 2024, https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-790331.
Hamas and Israel resumed indirect ceasefire negotiations in February 2024 under the auspices of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States with a goal of reaching an agreement before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on March 10. The mediators created a framework agreement for a six-week ceasefire, during which Hamas would release up to 40 hostages. In exchange, Israel would release some Palestinian security prisoners and allow increased aid into Gaza.Samy Magdy, Tia Goldenberg, and Wafaa Shurafa, “Gaza cease-fire talks fail to achieve a breakthrough with Ramadan just days away, Egypt says,” Associated Press, March 6, 2024, https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-03-05-2024-a13c5fa6e23fedbda42e3028a96ca14e. On March 2, Israel reportedly agreed to the framework, according to a U.S. official. The proposal would see Hamas release vulnerable hostages, including the sick, the wounded, the elderly, and women. According to the U.S. official, the “ball is in the court of Hamas.”Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy, “US says Israel has agreed to the framework for a Gaza cease-fire. Hamas must now decide,” Associated Press, March 2, 2024, https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-03-02-2024-531593c27931a2764357b6f7b11ce394; “US Vice President Calls for ‘Immediate Cease-Fire’ in Gaza,” Voice of America, March 3, 2024, https://www.voanews.com/a/us-vice-president-calls-for-immediate-cease-fire-in-gaza-/7512507.html. On March 3, Hamas representatives reportedly met with Egyptian and Qatari officials in Cairo to discuss the proposal.Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy, “US says Israel has agreed to the framework for a Gaza cease-fire. Hamas must now decide,” Associated Press, March 2, 2024, https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-03-02-2024-531593c27931a2764357b6f7b11ce394; “US Vice President Calls for ‘Immediate Cease-Fire’ in Gaza,” Voice of America, March 3, 2024, https://www.voanews.com/a/us-vice-president-calls-for-immediate-cease-fire-in-gaza-/7512507.html. The talks reportedly ended on March 6 without an agreement. Hamas refused to provide a list of Israeli hostages who were still alive, claiming Israel needed to implement a ceasefire before Hamas could verify the status of hostages.Samy Magdy, Tia Goldenberg, and Wafaa Shurafa, “Gaza cease-fire talks fail to achieve a breakthrough with Ramadan just days away, Egypt says,” Associated Press, March 6, 2024, https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-03-05-2024-a13c5fa6e23fedbda42e3028a96ca14e; Lazar Berman and staff, “Hamas claims it needs a truce to meet Israel’s demand for list of living hostages,” Times of Israel, March 5, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-israel-seeks-list-of-living-hostages-hamas-official-claims-ceasefire-needed-first/. According to a Jordanian newspaper report, Hamas demanded the ceasefire begin a week before it would release any hostages. Hamas also sought the release from Israeli prisons of prisoners who had been re-arrested since their release under the 2011 Shalit prisoner exchange, as well as 160 prisoners convicted of violent crimes and Fatah Tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti, who is serving multiple life sentences for coordinating suicide bombings during the Second Intifada.“Hamas submits final demands in potential ceasefire agreement,” Jerusalem Post, March 6, 2024, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-790522.
Two of the top Hamas leaders responsible for October 7 died in July 2024. On July 13, an Israeli airstrike targeted Deif and Rafa Salama, commander of Hamas’s Khan Younis Brigade, in the Gaza Strip. Israel confirmed Salama’s death but did not immediately confirm that Deif had died in the strike. According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, the strike killed 90 civilians and wounds 300 others. According to Israeli sources, the target had been a Hamas military compound in an open area where “terrorists hid among civilians.Nidal Al-Mughrabi , Hatem Khaled and Maayan Lubell, “Gaza officials say 90 Palestinians killed as Israel targets Hamas military chief,” Reuters, July 13, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/dozens-palestinians-killed-or-wounded-israeli-attack-khan-younis-hamas-says-2024-07-13/. On July 21, the IDF’s spokesperson for Arabic media, Colonel Avichay Adraee, said that all intelligence indicates Deif died in the July 13 strike, though the IDF did not officially confirm his death.Nidal Al-Mughrabi , Hatem Khaled and Maayan Lubell, “Gaza officials say 90 Palestinians killed as Israel targets Hamas military chief,” Reuters, July 13, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/dozens-palestinians-killed-or-wounded-israeli-attack-khan-younis-hamas-says-2024-07-13/; Yoav Zitun and Einav Halabi, “More indications Deif dead, IDF Arabic Spokesperson says,” Ynet News, July 21, 2024, https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjjp0q900c. On July 31, Haniyeh was killed while in Tehran for the inauguration of the new Iranian president. Hamas and Iran immediately blamed Israel, which did not officially comment.“Hamas, IRGC claim Israel eliminated leader Ismail Haniyeh in airstrike on Tehran home,” Jerusalem Post, July 31, 2024, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-812649; Abby Sewell, “Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is assassinated in Tehran,” Associated Press, last updated July 30, 2024, https://apnews.com/article/iran-hamas-israel-30968a7acb31cd8b259de9650014b779. On August 1, the IDF confirmed Deif’s death in the July 13 airstrike.Melanie Lidman and Samy Magdy, “Israel says it has confirmed that chief of Hamas’ military wing was killed in a July strike in Gaza,” Associated Press, August 1, 2024, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-war-mohammed-deif-9524d7d5c8f7321f4d8c931fde664556. Hamas political bureau member Khalil al-Hayya was appointed leader of the Qassam Brigades on December 26, 2024.“Khalil al-Hayya takes helm of Hamas’s al-Qassam Brigades as hostage talks near ‘finish line,’” Jerusalem Post, December 26, 2024, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-834954.
On October 16, 2024, Israel announced the death of Yahya Sinwar following a firefight with Israeli soldiers on patrol in Gaza’s Rafah. Israel recovered the body and confirmed Sinwar’s identity after DNA and dental testing. On October 17, Netanyahu publicly confirmed Sinwar’s death, calling it “the sunset of Hamas’s evil reign” in Gaza.Mark Mazzetti, Natan Odenheimer, Aaron Boxerman, Ronen Bergman, and Adam Goldman, “Sinwar’s Final Moments: On the Run, Hurt, Alone, but Still Defiant,” New York Times, last updated October 19, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/18/world/middleeast/yahya-sinwar-final-moments-gaza.html. U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement calling Sinwar’s death “a good day for Israel, for the United States, and for the world.”“Statement from President Joe Biden on the Death of Yahya Sinwar,” White House, October 17, 2024, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/10/17/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-the-death-of-yahya-sinwar/. An October 18 Hamas statement claims that Sinwar’s death will “only increase the strength, steadfastness, and determination” of Hamas’s fighters “to continue on their path, and to be loyal to their blood and sacrifices.”“Iran’s supreme leader says Hamas leader’s death will not halt ‘Axis of Resistance,’” Reuters, October 19, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/irans-supreme-leader-says-hamas-leaders-death-will-not-halt-axis-resistance-2024-10-19/; Ivana Kottasova, “Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is dead. Here’s who could head the group next,” CNN, October 18, 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/18/world/what-next-for-hamas-intl/index.html. On January 13, 2025, Hamas appointed Muhammad Sinwar, Yahya Sinwar’s younger brother, as its new leader in Gaza. According to media reports, Sinwar had already begun attempting to rebuild Hamas’s strength in Gaza and recruit new members.Summer Said, Anat Peled, and Rory Jones, “Hamas Has Another Sinwar. And He’s Rebuilding.,” Wall Street Journal, January 13, 2025, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/hamas-has-another-sinwar-and-hes-rebuilding-0a16031d.
On January 3, 2025, Hamas announced that a new round of ceasefire negotiations with Israel had begun in Qatar. According to senior Hamas official Basem Naim, Hamas wanted to reach a deal as quickly as possible. He claimed that the new round of negotiations would focus on a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.“Hamas wants Gaza ceasefire deal as soon as possible, senior official says,” Reuters, January 3, 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-wants-gaza-ceasefire-deal-soon-possible-senior-official-says-2025-01-03/. On January 5, Hamas released a video of 19-year-old Israeli hostage Liri Albag calling on the Israeli government to reach an agreement. Israel’s Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters called the video “harsh and undeniable proof of the urgency in bringing all the hostages home.”“Hamas releases video of Israeli hostage Liri Albag as ceasefire talks resume,” BBC News, January 5, 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3rq5pgdv47o. On January 6, Hamas named 34 Israeli hostages it would release in the first stage of a ceasefire. The list included five female soldiers, five civilian women, two infants, and 22 men, including dual U.S.-Israeli nationals Sagui Dekel-Chen and Keith Siegel. Hamas did not confirm whether all listed hostages were still alive. Israel reportedly agreed to the release in exchange for the release of an undetermined number of Palestinian prisoners. Israel classified the 34 as humanitarian cases. The list of 34 is the same Israel submitted during failed negotiations in July 2024. Under this stage of the deal, two-thirds of the hostages would remain in Gaza, including U.S.-Israeli dual citizen Idan Alexander. Hamas claimed that three names included on the list of 34—two infants and their mother—were killed in a November 2023 Israeli airstrike. Israel has not confirmed their deaths.Daniel Estrin and Abu Bakr Bashir, “Hamas and Israel are negotiating the release of 34 hostages from Gaza,” NPR, January 6, 2025, https://www.npr.org/2025/01/06/g-s1-41220/israel-hamas-hostage-negotiations. On January 8, Israel denies Arab media reports that it had agreed to a multi-week pause in fighting in exchange for a list of hostage names. Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office calls the reports “psychological warfare” by Hamas.“Israel denies ceasefire report, calls it Hamas ‘psychological warfare,’” Jewish News Syndicate, January 8, 2025, https://www.jns.org/israel-denies-ceasefire-report-calls-it-hamas-psychological-warfare/.
On January 15, 2025, Hamas announced that it had agreed to a ceasefire with Israel to end the 15-month war in Gaza. Naim confirmed that Hamas agreed to the deal brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, though it still required final approval by Israel’s security cabinet. Barring an appeal by Israel’s supreme court, the ceasefire would go into effect on January 17. Israel would pause its war in Gaza while Hamas would begin the release of the first group of 33 hostages on January 19 in exchange for an unspecified group of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. The Israeli hostages to be released would include women, children, people with severe injuries, and those older than 50. At the time of the announcement, it remained unclear how many of the 33 hostages in question were still alive. After 16 days, Israel and Hamas would discuss whether to extend the pause in fighting and negotiate for a permanent ceasefire and the release of the remaining hostages. The latter stages would include the release of all remaining hostages and a plan to rebuild Gaza.Keir Simmons, Andrea Mitchell, and David Hodari, “Israel and Hamas reach deal on Gaza ceasefire and hostage release,” NBC News, January 15, 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/ceasefire-israel-hamas-gaza-palestinians-rcna160847; “Israel and Hamas agree to ceasefire, including release of Israeli hostages, senior U.S. official says,” Washington Post, January 15, 2025, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/01/15/israel-war-gaza-ceasefire-hostages-news-hamas/. According to Arab mediators cited by the Wall Street Journal, Hamas accepted verbal guarantees from the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey that Israel would continue negotiations for a permanent ceasefire after the conclusion of the first phase of the deal.Summer Said and Carrie Keller-Lynn, “Israel, Hamas Agree to a Deal to Pause Fighting in Gaza,” Wall Street Journal, January 15, 2025, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/israel-hamas-ceasefire-deal-gaza-hostage-release-cdf9ba32.
The ceasefire went into effect on January 19, 2025. Hamas released three hostages: Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher. Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners.Wafaa Shurafa, Samy Magdy, Melanie Lidman, and Sam Mednick, “As ceasefire takes hold, Hamas returns 3 Israeli hostages and Israel frees 90 Palestinian prisoners,” Associated Press, January 20, 2025, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-ceasefire-hostages-01-19-2025-437f7f1bf49c9d2936718cf78bdf272c. On January 24, Hamas released a list of four female soldiers it plans to release on January 25. Israeli officials accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement because the list named four female soldiers, and the agreement required Hamas to release female civilians first. However, Israel’s government decided to proceed with the agreement.Emanuel Fabian, “Hamas names 4 female hostages to be freed Sat.; Israel okays it though it violates deal terms,” Times of Israel, January 24, 2025, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-provides-list-of-4-hostages-to-be-freed-saturday-that-violates-ceasefire-deal/. On January 25, Hamas released Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag, all soldiers. Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners, 70 of whom were immediately deported to neighboring countries because of terror offenses.Nick Beake and Barbara Tasch, “Four Israeli hostages released by Hamas in carefully-staged handover,” BBC News, January 25, 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1m5p9xv175o. On January 27, an Israeli official said that, according to the list Hamas provided, eight of the remaining 26 hostages to be freed in the first phase were dead.David Gritten, Israel says eight hostages due to be freed in first phase are dead,” BBC News, January 27, 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce3lynk8493o.
Suicide Bombings
Hamas began using suicide bombings as a tactic against Israeli citizens on April 6, 1994, when a suicide bomber operating on behalf of Hamas drove alongside a bus in Afula, Israel, and blew up his car, killing eight people.Clyde Haberman, “Arab Car Bomber Kills 8 in Israel, 44 Are Wounded,” New York Times, April 7, 1994, http://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/07/world/arab-car-bomber-kills-8-in-israel-44-are-wounded.html. Hamas claimed at the time that the new tactic was in response to the February 25 massacre of 29 Palestinians at Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque by radical Israeli settler Baruch Goldstein.Clyde Haberman, “Arab Car Bomber Kills 8 in Israel, 44 Are Wounded,” New York Times, April 7, 1994, http://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/07/world/arab-car-bomber-kills-8-in-israel-44-are-wounded.html.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Hamas has continued to dispatch suicide bombers to kill Israeli civilian and military targets, collectively killing hundreds of people. A 2007 study in the Journal of Economic Perspectives found that Hamas was responsible for roughly 40 percent of suicide attacks during the Second Intifada, which collectively killed more than 1,000 people.Efraim Benmelech and Claude Berrebbi, “Human Capital and the Productivity of Suicide Bombers,” Journal of Economic Perspectives 21, no. 3 (Summer 2007): 223–38, http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/faculty/benmelech/html/BenmelechPapers/Human_Capital_Suicide_Bombers.pdf;
“Victims of Palestinian Violence and Terrorism since September 2000,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accessed June 14, 2017, http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/foreignpolicy/terrorism/palestinian/pages/victims%20of%20palestinian%20violence%20and%20terrorism%20sinc.aspx. Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal reportedly banned the tactic in 2005, but a music video imploring the return of suicide bombings reportedly aired on Hamas television in February 2016.Patrick Martin, “Hamas’s new leadership may return to suicide bombings, Globe and Mail (London), February 12, 2016, http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/hamass-new-leadership-may-return-to-suicide-bombings/article28751340/.
Second Intifada
Between September 2000 and March 2004, Hamas carried out 425 terrorist attacks in Israel, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank. This included 52 suicide bombings, which killed 377 people and wounded 2,076 civilians and soldiers.“Hamas terrorist attacks,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, March 22, 2004, http://embassies.gov.il/MFA/FOREIGNPOLICY/Terrorism/Palestinian/Pages/Hamas%20terror%20attacks%2022-Mar-2004.aspx. Other attacks included shootings, stabbings, mortars, and bombings.“Victims of Palestinian Violence and Terrorism since September 2000,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accessed November 7, 2016, http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/ForeignPolicy/Terrorism/Palestinian/Pages/Victims%20of%20Palestinian%20Violence%20and%20Terrorism%20sinc.aspx.
Beneath the Gaza-Egypt border
Hamas has built a network of tunnels beneath the Gaza-Israel border for use in cross-border attacks, such as the June 2006 raid that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and the abduction of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.Tim Butcher, “Soldier Kidnapped and Two Killed in Gaza Tunnel Attack,” Telegraph [U.K.], June 26, 2006, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/1522370/Soldier-kidnapped-and-two-killed-in-Gaza-tunnel-attack.html. Israel claimed to have destroyed 32 of these tunnels during its 2014 war with Hamas. The tunnels reportedly cost Hamas $100 million to build.Yasmine Saleh and Lin Noueihed, “Israel, Hamas Militants Begin 72-Hour Truce,” Chicago Tribune, August 5, 2014, http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-israel-hamas-gaza-truce-20140804-story.html;
Yardena Schwartz, “Israel Is Building a Secret Tunnel-Destroying Weapon,” Foreign Policy, March 10, 2016, http://foreignpolicy.com/2016/03/10/israel-is-building-a-secret-tunnel-destroying-weapon-hamas-us-gaza/.
In August 2015, Hamas released a propaganda video of its members digging underground tunnels beneath Gaza, fighting Israeli soldiers, and a simulated takeover of an IDF base.“Watch: Hamas reveals ‘commando tunnel unit’ in new propaganda clip,” Jerusalem Post, August 27, 2015, http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/WATCH-Hamas-reveals-commando-tunnel-unit-in-new-propaganda-clip-413421. In April 2016, Israeli media reported that Hamas had employed over 1,000 people to rebuild the tunnel infrastructure. Hamas was reportedly spending hundreds of thousands of dollars per month to rebuild the tunnels.“Report: Hamas taps over 1,000 terror operatives to dig Gaza tunnels,” Jerusalem Post, April 7, 2016, http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Report-Hamas-taps-over-1000-terror-operatives-to-dig-Gaza-tunnels-450556. According to Ismail Haniyeh in January 2016, Hamas fighters “are digging twice as much as the number of tunnels dug in Vietnam.”Yardena Schwartz, “Israel Is Building a Secret Tunnel-Destroying Weapon,” Foreign Policy, March 10, 2016, http://foreignpolicy.com/2016/03/10/israel-is-building-a-secret-tunnel-destroying-weapon-hamas-us-gaza/. A series of tunnel collapses in early 2016 killed several Hamas workers. Some Hamas operatives have blamed Israel for the collapses.Noam Rotenberg, “Exclusive: Hamas operatives fear entering tunnels, believe Israel behind collapses,” Jerusalem Post, March 3, 3016, http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Exclusive-Hamas-operatives-fear-entering-tunnels-believe-Israel-behind-collapses-446836. Israel is reportedly working with the United States to develop a system dubbed the “Underground Iron Dome” to detect and destroy the underground tunnels.Yardena Schwartz, “Israel Is Building a Secret Tunnel-Destroying Weapon,” Foreign Policy, March 10, 2016, http://foreignpolicy.com/2016/03/10/israel-is-building-a-secret-tunnel-destroying-weapon-hamas-us-gaza/.
In early April 2016, Israel blocked private cement transfers to Gaza after claiming that Hamas had been diverting shipments for its own use, likely the reconstruction of its underground tunnel network. Hamas threatened the situation will “explode” if Israel doesn’t lift the ban. The United Nations’ Middle East envoy condemned “those who seek to gain through the deviation of materials” as “stealing from their own people and adding to the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.”Michael Kaplan, “Hamas Threatens Gaza Could ‘Explode’ Under Israel’s Cement Ban,” International Business Times, April 5, 2016, http://www.ibtimes.com/hamas-threatens-gaza-could-explode-under-israels-cement-ban-2348691;
“Israel halts cement deliveries into Gaza following allegations of diversion; UN envoy urges rapid resolution,” UN News Centre, April 4, 2016, http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=53603#.Vw_3efkrKM8.
Military capabilities & arsenal:
Prior to 1996, Hamas’s arsenal included only a few AK-47 rifles and a single rocket-propelled grenade. That year, Ahmed Jaabari began to overhaul Hamas’s artillery, according to Reuters. Jaabari took command of Hamas’s armed wing in 2002. Israel assassinated Jaabari in 2012.Nidal al-Mughrabi, “Analysis-Hamas homemade rocket industry bypasses crumbling supply lines,” Reuters, July 15, 2014, http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/07/15/uk-palestinians-israel-hamas-analysis-idUKKBN0FK23220140715. In September 2013, the Qassam Brigades held a military parade displaying machine guns, sniper rifles, anti-tank RPGs, and revealing for the first time Hamas’s possession of SA-7 anti-aircraft missiles.Adnan Abu Amer, “Hamas Tests Anti-Aircraft Missiles,” Al-Monitor, February 19, 2014, http://www.al-monitor.com/pulseen/originals/2014/02/gaza-hamas-qassam-aircraft-missiles-israel-strela.html. In July 2015, the group created a military training camp for 25,000 new recruits, some as young as 15.Agence France-Presse, “Hamas opens military camp for 25,000 Gazans aged 15 and up,” Times of Israel, July 25, 2015, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-gives-25000-gazans-combat-training/.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) estimated that Hamas had approximately 10,000 rockets in its arsenal at the beginning of July 2014.Jim Michaels, “Israel: Hamas Still Has 5,000 Rockets in Its Arsenal,” USA Today, July 29, 2014, http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/07/29/israel-hamas-rockets-gaza-tunnels/13316973/. By the end of that month, Hamas had fired more than 2,600 rockets at Israel, while the Israeli military estimated it destroyed an additional 3,000 rockets.Jim Michaels, “Israel: Hamas Still Has 5,000 Rockets in Its Arsenal,” USA Today, July 29, 2014, http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/07/29/israel-hamas-rockets-gaza-tunnels/13316973/. The IDF estimated Hamas still had approximately 5,000 rockets left.Jim Michaels, “Israel: Hamas Still Has 5,000 Rockets in Its Arsenal,” USA Today, July 29, 2014, http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/07/29/israel-hamas-rockets-gaza-tunnels/13316973/. By the end of the 2014 war, Hamas had fired approximately 4,600 rockets into Israel. Israeli intelligence estimated in March 2016 that Hamas had restored its rocket arsenal to its pre-2014 war levels of approximately 12,000.Avi Issacharoff, “Hamas has replenished its rocket arsenals, Israeli officials say,” Times of Israel, March 4, 2016, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-has-replenished-its-rocket-arsenals-israeli-officials-say/.
Hamas has relied on underground tunnels beneath Gaza’s borders with Egypt and Israel. During Hamas’s 50-day war with Israel during the summer of 2014, Hamas used these tunnels to stage raids inside Israel. Many of the tunnels into Israel were destroyed during the war, but Hamas has since sought to rebuild them. The Israeli military revealed in February 2016 that Hamas was “investing considerable resources” into rebuilding the tunnels.Shira Rubin, “Hamas tunnels: ‘We can hear them digging beneath our feet,’ say Israelis on Gaza border,” International Business Times, February 11, 2016, http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/hamas-tunnels-we-can-hear-them-digging-beneath-our-feet-say-israelis-gaza-border-1543205. By March 2016, Israeli authorities estimated that Hamas had rebuilt at least 10 tunnels into Israel. Almost a dozen of these tunnels collapsed on the Hamas fighters digging them in early 2016, killing at least 10 Hamas members.Mahmud Hams, “Hamas is Tunneling its Way Into Israel Again,” Newsweek, March 8, 2016, http://www.newsweek.com/hamas-tunnels-israel-palestine-gaza-434428.
Hamas also has as many as 1,200 tunnels beneath the Gaza-Egypt border. The tunnels are used to smuggle commodities as well as weapons into Gaza.Shira Rubin, “Hamas tunnels: ‘We can hear them digging beneath our feet,’ say Israelis on Gaza border,” International Business Times, February 11, 2016, http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/hamas-tunnels-we-can-hear-them-digging-beneath-our-feet-say-israelis-gaza-border-1543205. In September 2015, Egypt began flooding many of these tunnels to cut off Hamas smuggling.“Egypt floods Gaza tunnels used for smuggling,” Al Jazeera, September 18, 2015, http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/09/egypt-floods-gaza-tunnels-150918193805896.html. Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz confirmed in February 2016 that Israel had requested Egypt act against the tunnels.“Steinitz: ‘Egypt floods Hamas tunnels, in part due to Israel’s request,’” Jerusalem Post, February 6, 2016, http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Steinitz-Egypt-floods-Hamas-tunnels-in-part-due-to-Israels-request-444040. Hamas has also reportedly used the Egyptian tunnels to transport aid to ISIS’s Sinai Province group.Avi Issacharoff, “Under Egypt’s nose, Hamas boosts cooperation with IS in Sinai,” Times of Israel, March 6, 2016, http://www.timesofisrael.com/under-egypts-nose-hamas-boosts-cooperation-with-is-in-sinai/.
As of October 2017, Hamas reportedly maintained an armed force of 25,000.Nidal al-Mughrabi and Omar Fahmy, “Palestinian rivals Fatah, Hamas sign reconciliation accord,” Reuters, October 12, 2017, https://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKBN1CH0F5-OCATP. Hamas’s armed faction remained a point of contention in reconciliation negotiations with Fatah, which has demanded that Hamas disarm. Hamas agreed to halt all violence against Israel as part of the October agreement, but Hamas and Fatah delayed further discussion of Hamas’s armed faction.Dov Lieber, “Veneer of positivity fades in Palestinian unity talks as tough issues surface,” Times of Israel, October 16, 2017, https://www.timesofisrael.com/veneer-of-positivity-fades-in-palestinian-unity-talks-as-tough-issues-surface/; Dov Lieber, “In deal with Fatah, Hamas said to agree to halt attacks from West Bank,” Times of Israel, October 15, 2017, https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-deal-with-fatah-hamas-said-to-agree-to-halt-attacks-from-west-bank/.
In 2020, Gaza militants began utilizing a new tactic called balloon bombs, sending clusters of balloons floating over the Gaza-Israel border with rudimentary explosives attached. Some of the balloons carry signs such as “Happy birthday” or “I Love You” to draw onlookers. Approximately one-third of the balloons crossing the border carry explosives while the rest act as decoys, according to Israeli officials. Balloons have included homemade explosives, grenades, and RPG warheads. Gaza militants have praised the balloons because they are inexpensive and regional winds will carry them farther into Israel.Steve Hendrix, Hazem Balousha, and Ruth Eglash, “Gaza militants target Israel with party balloons bearing bombs,” Washington Post, March 8, 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/gaza-palestinian-balloon-bombs-israel/2020/03/08/d2069346-54d5-11ea-80ce-37a8d4266c09_story.html. The balloons reportedly have the support of all Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip, including Hamas. As of September 2020, the balloons had not caused any casualties but had resulted in multiple fires in Israeli communities near the Gaza border.Mohammad Habosh, “Gaza’s balloon bombs spark new cycle of violence,” Al-Monitor, August 14, 2020, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/08/hamas-gaza-balloons-israel-truce-understandings.html. In addition to the balloons, Hamas has continued to expand its rocket arsenal. In September 2020, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh announced Hamas had rockets capable of striking Tel Aviv and beyond from the Gaza Strip.“Hamas and Hezbollah leaders meet in Lebanon,” Middle East Eye, September 6, 2020, https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/lebanon-palestine-hezbollah-hamas-nasrallah-haniyeh-meeting.
Violent Activities:
December 3, 2024: Israel intercepts a rocket from northern Gaza. No injuries or damage are reported.“IDF intercepts rocket from northern Gaza,” Jewish News Syndicate, December 3, 2024, https://www.jns.org/idf-intercepts-rocket-from-northern-gaza/.
December 2, 2024: Israel intercepts a rocket from southern Gaza targeting the border communities of Nirim and Ein HaShlosha. The Qassam Brigades claims it targeted Israeli military positions in the Nirim and Ein Hashlosha with 114mm rockets, also known as “Rajm” rockets.Zein Khalil, “Israeli army says it intercepted rocket fired from Gaza
Al-Qassam Brigades said its fighters targeted Israeli military positions in Nirim and Ein,” Anadolu Agency, December 2, 2024, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israeli-army-says-it-intercepted-rocket-fired-from-gaza/3411447.
November 21, 2024: Israel intercepts a rocket targeting the Kerem Shalom kibbutz near the Gaza-Israel-Egypt border. No injuries or damage are reported.“IDF intercepts rocket from northern Gaza,” Jewish News Syndicate, December 3, 2024, https://www.jns.org/idf-intercepts-rocket-from-northern-gaza/.
November 13, 2024: A rocket from Gaza lands in an open area near Kibbutz Erez in southern Israel. No injuries or damage are report.“IDF intercepts rocket from northern Gaza,” Jewish News Syndicate, December 3, 2024, https://www.jns.org/idf-intercepts-rocket-from-northern-gaza/.
October 13, 2024: Israeli forces in Gaza locate the launcher that fired rockets toward Ashkelon on Yom Kippur. The IDF strikes 40 other Hamas targets, including an RPG squad preparing to launch. Israeli forces also discover caches of explosives and other weapons.Lazar Berman, “IDF says troops pressing Jabaliya offensive, found Gaza launcher that fired rockets at Ashkelon on Yom Kippur,” Times of Israel, October 13, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-says-troops-pressing-jabaliya-offensive-found-gaza-launcher-that-fired-rockets-at-ashkelon-on-yom-kippur/.
October 12, 2024: Israel intercepts two rockets from Gaza launched toward Ashkelon from northern Gaza. There are no reported injuries or damage. The attack occurs on Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement. “IDF says 2 rockets fired at Ashkelon from northern Gaza Strip,” Times of Israel, October 12, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-says-2-rockets-fired-at-ashkelon-from-northern-gaza-strip/; “Medics treat 2,842 for injuries on Yom Kippur, including three wounded by rocket blast,” Times of Israel, October 12, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/medics-treat-2842-for-injuries-on-yom-kippur-including-three-wounded-by-rocket-blast/.
October 11, 2024: An Israeli soldier is killed in clashes in Rafah in southern Gaza. The death raises the total of soldiers killed in the ground offensive to 354.Times of Israel staff and agencies, “IDF soldier killed in southern Gaza as fighting intensifies around Jabaliya,” Times of Israel, October 12, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-soldier-killed-in-southern-gaza-as-fighting-intensifies-around-jabaliya/.
October 10, 2024: Israel intercepts a Hamas rocket salvo launched toward Ashkelon.Chris Lau, Sana Noor Haq, and Sophie Tanno, “Deadly Israeli strikes in Beirut,” CNN, October 11, 2024, https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-gaza-lebanon-war-10-10-24/index.html.
October 6, 2024: Hamas launches multiple rockets toward Ashkelon from northern Gaza. Israeli defenses intercept one rocket while the rest fall in open areas.“Gaza terrorists fire rockets at Ashkelon,” Jewish News Syndicate, October 6, 2024, https://www.jns.org/gaza-terrorists-fire-rockets-at-ashkelon/.
September 14, 2024: Militants launch two rockets from Gaza toward Ashkelon. Israeli defenses intercept one rocket while the other falls into the Mediterranean Sea. There are no reported casualties. “Gaza terrorists fire rockets at Ashkelon,” Jewish News Syndicate, October 6, 2024, https://www.jns.org/gaza-terrorists-fire-rockets-at-ashkelon/.
September 1, 2024: The IDF recovers the bullet-riddled bodies of six Israeli hostages in a tunnel underneath Rafah in southern Gaza. The hostages are identified as Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, and Israelis Eden Yerushalmi, 24, Ori Danino, 25, Alex Lobanov, 32, Carmel Gat, 40, and Almog Sarusi, 27. Hamas had kidnapped Goldberg-Polin, Yerushalmi, Lobanov, Sarusi, and Danino from the Nova music festival near Kibbutz Re’im. Hamas abducted Gat from Kibbutz Be’eri. According to forensic analysis by Israel’s health ministry, the hostages had been executed 48 to 72 hours before their discovery. Israeli authorities estimate that 97 of the 251 hostages taken on October 7 remain in Gaza, including the bodies of 33 confirmed dead. Additionally, Hamas continues to hold two Israeli civilians who entered Gaza in 2014 and 2015, as well as the bodies of two IDF soldiers killed in 2014.Emanuel Fabian and staff, “Bodies of 6 hostages, murdered by Hamas just days ago, found in Rafah – IDF,” Times of Israel, September 1, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/bodies-of-6-hostages-murdered-by-hamas-just-days-earlier-found-in-rafah-idf/.
August 27, 2024: Israeli forces rescue 52-year-old Israeli Bedouin hostage Farhan al-Qadi from a tunnel in southern Gaza. Al-Qadi had been working as a guard at a factory in Kibbutz Magen when Hamas abducted him on October 7.Emanuel Fabian, “Hostage rescued by IDF from tunnel in south Gaza after 10 months of Hamas captivity,” Times of Israel, August 27, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hostage-rescued-by-idf-from-tunnel-in-south-gaza-after-10-months-of-hamas-captivity/; Aaron Boxerman and Adam Rasgon, “At an Israeli hospital, the rescued hostage tells his family about his ordeal.,” New York Times, August 27, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/27/world/middleeast/israel-hostage-hospital.html.
August 20, 2024: The IDF recovers the remains of six hostages, identified as Alex Dancyg, 75, Yagev Buchshtav, 35, Chaim Peri, 79, Yoram Metzger, 80, Nadav Popplewell, 51, and Avraham Munder, 78. All six were abducted alive on October 7. The IDF had earlier declared Peri, Metzger, and Popplewell dead in June, while the army declared Dancyg and Buchshtav dead in late July. Munder had been listed as one of the hostages presumed to still be alive. Emanuel Fabian and staff, “IDF recovers bodies of 6 hostages from Gaza, including one hitherto presumed alive,” Times of Israel, August 20, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-recovers-bodies-of-6-hostages-from-gaza-including-one-previously-presumed-alive/.
August 13, 2024: Hamas claims to launch two M90 rockets from Gaza toward Tel Aviv. One lands in the sea and the other fails to reach Israeli territory. No casualties are reported.“Explosions heard in Tel Aviv as Hamas targets the city with two rockets,” Euronews, August 13, 2024, https://www.euronews.com/2024/08/13/explosions-heard-in-tel-aviv-as-hamas-targets-the-city-with-two-rockets.
July 1, 2024: PIJ fires 20 rockets into southern Israel while Hamas claims Hamas claims that its fighters had lured an Israeli force into a booby-trapped house in the east of Rafah and blown it up. Hamas claimed multiple Israeli casualties from the trap, while Israel announced the death of one soldier in southern Gaza without providing further details. Additionally, an Israeli airstrike kills a Palestinian fighter who fired an anti-tank missile at Israeli soldiers. The militant’s affiliation is not reported.Nidal Al-Mughrabi and Mohammad Salem, “Palestinian militants fire rockets into Israel, tanks advance in Gaza,” Reuters, July 1, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-militants-fire-rockets-into-israel-tanks-advance-north-south-2024-07-01/.
May 26, 2024: Hamas launches a barrage of about eight rockets toward Tel Aviv and nearby cities. Israeli defenses intercept three of the rockets while the others mostly fall in open areas. Shrapnel from one rocket causes minor damage to a house in Herzliya and causes minor injuries to two people. It is the first Hamas rocket attack on Tel Aviv in almost four months. The Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades says the attack is in response to “the massacre of civilians.” The attack precedes the expected start of new ceasefire negotiations later in the week. Later in the day, rocket sirens sound in southern Israeli communities near the Gaza border. Lipika Pelham and Dan Johnson, “Hamas launches rocket attack towards Tel Aviv,” BBC News, May 26, 2024, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckrr0e3y29po./li>
May 17, 2024: While searching an underground tunnel in Gaza, Israel recovers the bodies of three people killed at the Nova music festival on October 7. According to the IDF, Shani Louk, Amit Buskila, and Itzik Gelenter were killed during the attack on Nova and their bodies were transported to Gaza. The IDF does not specify where the bodies were found. The IDF transfers the bodies to medical professionals for forensic examination and identification before notifying the families. Netanyahu pledges Israel “will return all our hostages, both the living and the dead.”Paul Goldman and Omer Bekin, “Israel recovers bodies of 3 killed by Hamas in music festival attack,” NBC News, May 17, 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-says-recovers-3-bodies-festivalgoers-slain-hamas-rcna152775.
May 5, 2024: Hamas launches 14 rockets and mortars toward Israeli forces near the Kerem Shalom border crossing between Gaza and Israel, killing three soldiers and wounding three others. Hamas claims responsibility following the attack but says the crossing was not the target. Israel launches an airstrike on a house in the Hamas stronghold of Rafah in southern Gaza, killing three and wounding several others, according to Palestinian medics. Israeli officials confirm the counterstrike, saying Israel targeted the launching site for the rocket attack and a nearby military structure. In response, Israel closes the Kerem Shalom crossing, the main entry for humanitarian aid into Gaza. The crossing reopens by May 9.Nidal Al-Mughrabi, “Israel attacks Rafah after Hamas claims responsibility for deadly rocket attack,” Reuters, May 5, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-claims-responsibility-attack-israel-gaza-border-crossing-casualties-2024-05-05/; Liam Stack, “Three Israeli Soldiers Killed in Rocket Attack Claimed by Hamas,” New York Times, May 5, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/05/world/middleeast/hamas-rocket-kerem-shalom-israel.html; Joseph Krauss, Samy Magdy, and Melanie Lidman, “Israel says it reopened a key Gaza crossing after a rocket attack but the UN says no aid has entered,” Associated Press, May 9, 2024, https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-05-08-2024-495e6dabfdddc5587bd20e71b6ad421d
April 29, 2024: Hamas fires approximately 20 rockets into northern Israel from Lebanon. A Qassam Brigades statement claims the group fired a “concentrated rocket barrage” from southern Lebanon toward Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel. Israeli defenses intercept most of the rockets and there are no casualties or damage reported. Hamas’s spokesman in Lebanon, Walid al Kilani, calls the attack “the minimum duty” a response to Israel’s continued actions in Gaza.Euan Ward, “Hamas Fires Rockets Into Israel from Lebanon,” New York Times, April 29, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/29/world/middleeast/hamas-rockets-israel-lebanon.html.>
April 21, 2024: Hamas’s branch in Lebanon claims responsibility for firing 20 Grad rockets toward Israel’s northern Galilee region. Hamas claims it targeted an Israeli army base near the town of Shomera. There are no reported injuries or damages.Emanuel Fabian, “Hamas in Lebanon claims responsibility for Upper Galilee rocket barrage,” Times of Israel, April 21, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-in-lebanon-claims-responsibility-for-upper-galilee-rocket-barrage/
April 17, 2024: IDF soldiers and aircraft destroy loaded rocket launchers and armed drones belonging to Hamas in central Gaza. According to the IDF, Hamas was preparing for an imminent attack on Israel and Israeli forces. “Armed drones and rocket launchers: IDF thwarts imminent Hamas attacks in central Gaza Strip,” Jerusalem Post, April 17, 2024, https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-797527.
April 5, 2024: PIJ militants in Gaza launch a barrage of rockets toward Sderot, Ashkelon, and Kfar Aza in southern Israel. One rocket strikes a road in Sderot, causing minor damage. Emanuel Fabian and staff, “Intensifying attacks, Gazan terrorists fire numerous rockets at southern Israel,” Times of Israel, April 5, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/intensifying-attacks-gazan-terrorists-lob-numerous-rockets-at-southern-israel/.
March 25, 2024: Hamas launches eight rockets toward Ashdod and Ashkelon in southern Israel. Israel intercepts two of the rockets while the other two fall in open areas. There are no reported injuries or damage. It is the first rocket attack on Ashdod since January 14.“Hamas fires first rocket barrage at Ashdod in more than two months,” Jewish News Syndicate, March 25, 2024, https://www.jns.org/hamas-fires-first-rocket-barrage-at-ashdod-in-over-two-months/; Seth Frantzman, “Hamas launches rockets at major Israeli cities,” Long War Journal, March 25, 2024, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2024/03/hamas-launches-rockets-at-major-israeli-cities.php.
March 7, 2024: Hamas launches a barrage of rockets overnight toward Sderot and Kibbutz Nahal Oz. The IDF responds by striking a weapons depot in northern Gaza where the rockets used in the attack on Nahal Oz were likely stored, as well as a tunnel shaft, a building used by Hamas, and rocket launchers.Emanuel Fabian, “IDF says it hit Gaza launch strikes within minutes of rockets on Nahal Oz,” Times of Israel, March 8, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-says-it-hit-gaza-launch-strikes-within-minutes-of-rockets-on-nahal-oz/; Ashka Jhaveri, Johanna Moore, Ahmad Omid Arman, Alexandra Braverman, and Brian Carter, “IRAN UPDATE, MARCH 8, 2024,” Institute for the Study of War, March 8, 2024, https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-march-8-2024.
March 6, 2024: Israeli forces kill Amar Atiya Darwish Aladini, the commander of Hamas’s rocket unit in central Gaza. Israel accuses Aladini of playing a “central role” in Hamas rocket fire from central Gaza since at least 2008.Emanuel Fabian, “Commander of Hamas’s central Gaza rocket unit taken out in airstrike, IDF and Shin Bet say,” Times of Israel, March 6, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/commander-of-hamass-central-gaza-rocket-unit-taken-out-in-airstrike-idf-and-shin-bet-say/.
March 5, 2024: The IDF destroys a four-kilometer-long and 50-meter-deep tunnel system in northern Gaza, the largest discovered in the area since the start of the war. The tunnel system has sewerage, electricity, and communication infrastructures, as well as the top doors. It extends from Khan Younis in central Gaza to about 400 meters away from the Erez Crossing into Israel in northern Gaza.“Four kilometers long: IDF destroys largest terror tunnel uncovered in northern Gaza,” Jerusalem Post, March 5, 2024, https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-790266.
March 4, 2024: The United Nations releases a report that concludes there are “reasonable grounds” to conclude that Hamas carried out sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, during its October 7 attack. The report also found “clear and convincing information” based on firsthand accounts of released hostages that sexual violence, including rape, sexualized torture, and cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment, was inflicted against some women and children while held in Gaza. The report also found “reasonable grounds” to believe that such violence against remaining hostages may be continuing. The report is based on an investigation and interviews by a team of experts to Israel and the West Bank led by Pramila Patten, the secretary-general’s special representative on sexual violence in conflict.“Mission report Official visit of the Office of the SRSG-SVC to Israel and the occupied West Bank 29 January – 14 February 2024,” United Nations, March 4, 2024, https://news.un.org/en/sites/news.un.org.en/files/atoms/files/Mission_report_of_SRSG_SVC_to_Israel-oWB_29Jan_14_feb_2024.pdf; Farnaz Fassihi and Isabel Kershner, “U.N. Team Finds Grounds to Support Reports of Sexual Violence in Hamas Attack,” New York Times, last updated March 5, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/04/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-un-report-sexual-violence.html.
March 1, 2024: Hamas claims that Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed seven hostages. In a post to its Telegram channel, Hamas names three of the hostages as Chaim Gershon Peri, 79, Yoram Itak Metzger, 80, and Amiram Israel Cooper, 85. All three were kidnapped on October 7 from Israel’s Kibbutz Nir Oz. Separately, Israeli media reports that Israeli forces had recently arrested a senior Hamas member responsible for the security of Sinwar and the group’s other senior political leaders. According to media reports, the Hamas member provided Israeli interrogators with intelligence about Hamas leaders in Gaza, as well as information about the buildup to the October 7 attack and the first days of the war.“Israel apprehended officer responsible for Hamas leaders’ security – report,” Jerusalem Post, March 1, 2024, https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-789735.
February 28, 2024: Hamas fighters in Lebanon launch 40 Grad missiles toward northern Israel. Hamas claims on Telegram that it launched the rockets toward the headquarters of the IDF’s 769th Eastern Brigade and the airport barracks in Beit Hilal. Israel intercepts multiple rockets, while 10 reportedly cross the border. A rocket strikes a building in Kiryat Shmona causing damage but no injuries.“Hamas claims rocket attack from Lebanon on northern Israel,” New Arab, February 28, 2024, https://www.newarab.com/news/hamas-claims-rocket-attack-lebanon-north-israel; Emanuel Fabian, “Hamas claims it fired 40 Grad rockets from Lebanon at IDF bases near Kiryat Shmona,” Times of Israel, February 28, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-claims-it-fired-40-grad-rockets-from-lebanon-at-idf-bases-near-kiryat-shmona/.
January 29, 2024: Hamas launches approximately 11 rockets toward Tel Aviv and central Israel from the Khan Younis area of Gaza. Israel intercepts six rockets. Debris from one of the rockets strikes an empty car in Rishon Lezion. No casualties are reported.“Wave of rockets rain across Tel Aviv, central Israel,” Jerusalem Post, January 29, 2024, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-784200.
January 2, 2024: An alleged Israeli drone strike kills Saleh al-Arouri in the Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh in Lebanon. The strike also kills six other members of Hamas, including Qassam Brigades commanders Samir Findi, Abu Amer, and Azzam Al-Aqraa Abu Ammar. Hezbollah calls the strike a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and warns of “a response and punishment.” Hamas confirms Arouri’s death and vows revenge. Hamas puts an immediate indefinite hold on hostage negotiations in Egypt.Jacob Magid and Emanuel Fabian, “Reports: Hamas deputy leader abroad Saleh al-Arouri killed in alleged Israeli strike in Lebanon,” Times of Israel, January 2, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-deputy-leader-abroad-saleh-al-arouri-killed-in-alleged-israeli-strike-in-lebanon/; “Israeli strike in Lebanon kills senior Hamas official Saleh al-Arouri -security sources,” Reuters, January 2, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-strike-lebanon-kills-senior-hamas-official-saleh-al-arouri-security-2024-01-02/; Dion Nissenbaum, Adam Chamseddine, Benoit Faucon, and Summer Said, “Top Hamas Leader Killed in Suspected Israeli Strike in Beirut,” Wall Street Journal, January 2, 2024, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/israel-fights-on-three-fronts-as-it-debates-how-to-end-gaza-war-1c74c512; “Hamas’ Al Aqsa TV: two Al Qassam Brigades leaders killed in Israeli strike in Beirut,” Reuters, January 2, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-al-aqsa-tv-two-al-qassam-brigades-leaders-killed-israeli-strike-beirut-2024-01-02/.
December 2023:
December 1, 2023: The ceasefire ends after a week following a breakdown in negotiations over Hamas’s release of hostages. Hamas reportedly continues to hold 137 hostages in Gaza, including 115 men, 20 women, and two children. Israel accuses Hamas of failing to release all female hostages. A Palestinian official claims female Israeli soldiers caused the breakdown. Hamas launches at least 50 rockets toward southern Israeli towns. Israel responds with airstrikes of 200 targets in Khan Younis and Rafah in Gaza. According to the IDF, ground troops destroy Hamas infrastructure including booby-trapped structures, tunnel shafts, and rocket launch sites.Nidal Al-Mughrabi and Suhaib Salem, “Scores reported killed in Gaza after Israel-Hamas truce collapses,” Reuters, December 1, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-negotiators-try-get-israel-hamas-agree-extend-truce-again-2023-12-01/; Emanuel Fabian, “IDF: We hit 200 Gaza targets since Hamas ceasefire violation; 50 rockets fired at Israel,” Times of Israel, December 1, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-says-it-carried-out-200-airstrikes-throughout-gaza-since-hamas-ceasefire-violation/; “Live updates | Israel and Hamas trade blame for cease-fire’s end as combat resumes,” Associated Press, December 1, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-12-1-2023-0c225e35008879ea7574aabb077596f2.
December 2-3, 2023: On December 2, Israel withdraws its negotiating team from Qatar following the breakdown of hostage negotiations with Hamas over Hamas’s failure to provide a new list of women and children to be released. Hamas claims it is not holding any remaining civilian women or children. Arouri insists Hamas is holding only soldiers and “civilians serving in the army.” On December 3, militants fire hundreds of rockets into Israel from Gaza. The Qassam Brigades claims it killed several Israeli soldiers that day when it targeted Israeli troops in multiple locations with rocket-propelled grenades and IEDs. White House spokesman John Kirby announces hostage talks between Hamas and Israel have stalled because of Hamas’s refusal to provide a new list of women and children to be released. An Israeli spokesman says 137 hostages remain in Gaza, including two children and at least three female hostages held by other Palestinian factions. According to Israel, 15 female hostages altogether remain in Gaza. Israel also accuses Hamas of killing 13 hostages since October 7 and holding their bodies. Israel announces it has resumed its “full force” offensive on Gaza. Israeli fighter jets kill Haitham Khuwajari, head of Hamas’s Shati Battalion. The IDF accuses Khuwajari of commanding forces that took part in the October 7 attack. The Israeli army instructs Palestinian civilians to vacate Gaza’s southern areas to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.Stephen Kalin, Anat Peled, Summer Said, and Dov Lieber, “Israel-Hamas Deal Talks Stall as Fighting Ramps Up,” Wall Street Journal, December 3, 2023, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/gaza-truce-talks-focus-on-women-held-hostage-by-hamas-rivals-64633c49.
December 4, 2023: Witnesses, survivors, and first responders present testimony to the United Nations about sexual violence committed by Hamas on October 7. Israel reveals plans to flood Hamas’s tunnels with seawater. An IDF official tells the Wall Street Journal that the army “is operating to dismantle Hamas’s terror capabilities in various ways, using different military and technological tools.”Katherine Rosman and Lisa Lerer, “Accounts of Sexual Violence by Hamas Are Aired Amid Criticism of U.N.,” New York Times, December 4, 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/04/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-sexual-violence-un.html; Nancy A. Youssef, Warren P. Strobel, and Gordon Lubold, “Israel Weighs Plan to Flood Gaza Tunnels With Seawater,” Wall Street Journal, December 4, 2023, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/israel-weighs-plan-to-flood-gaza-tunnels-with-seawater-a375dd0b.
December 5, 2023: Hamas launches multiple rockets toward Israel. Shrapnel from a rocket nearly hits two teenage boys in Tel Aviv.Nick Pisa, “Moment two Israeli teenagers miss downed Hamas rocket by seconds - leaving them ‘lucky to be alive,’” Daily Mail (London), December 5, 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12829413/video-israeli-teens-shrapnel-hamas-rocket-war.html.
December 8, 2023: Hamas claims on its Telegram channel that the Qassam Brigades foiled an Israeli rescue attempt of a hostage in central Gaza. According to Hamas, the Qassam Brigades killed multiple Israeli soldiers and stole a rifle and communications equipment. In a second announcement shortly after, Hamas announces the deaths and injury of “a number of our Zionist captives” in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City.Hamas statement, Hamas Online Telegram Channel, December 8, 2023.
December 9, 2023: An Israeli news report claims Sinwar had fled northern Gaza in a humanitarian convoy to Khan Younis during the beginning of the war. Israeli army sources also tell the Jerusalem Post that captured Hamas terrorists had accused Sinwar and other Hamas leaders of not caring about the people living in the coastal strip and denying reality.“Hamas's Yahya Sinwar fled northern Gaza in IDF humanitarian convoy,” Jerusalem Post, last updated December 10, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-777371.
December 10, 2023: Israeli forces focus on the areas of Jabaliya and Shajaiye in northern Gaza, and Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Israel takes control of the area surrounding Hamas’s former headquarters in Gaza City.“Israel says it will continue to search for Hamas’s leader.,” New York Times, December 11, 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/12/11/world/israel-hamas-gaza-war-news/israel-says-it-will-continue-to-search-for-hamass-leader?smid=url-share.
December 11, 2023: Tzahi Hanegbi, director of Israel’s national security council, rejects suggestions of exile for Sinwar and other Hamas leaders. In talks with representatives from Hamas and other Palestinian factions, Israel demands Hamas release all hostages from Gaza. Russian Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov reaffirms the need for a cessation of hostilities and an immediate solution to all emerging humanitarian problems, including the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza. The meeting includes Moussa Abu Marzouk, secretary general of the Palestinian Democratic Union Saleh Rafat, and senior PFLP official Maher Taher. As of December 11, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry claims approximately 18,000 people have been killed in the Strip. The ministry claims the toll is mostly civilians, but other sources claim the figure includes approximately 7,000 Hamas terrorists, as well as civilians killed by misfired Palestinian rockets.“Israel says it will continue to search for Hamas’s leader.,” New York Times, December 11, 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/12/11/world/israel-hamas-gaza-war-news/israel-says-it-will-continue-to-search-for-hamass-leader?smid=url-share; “Russian deputy FM demands Hamas release rest of hostages held in Gaza,” Times of Israel, December 11, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/russian-deputy-fm-demands-hamas-release-rest-of-hostages-held-in-gaza/.
December 12, 2023: Hamas fires rockets toward Beersheba in southern Israel. Hamas also claims it targeted two personnel carriers and a tank near Khan Younis.Agence France-Presse, “Israeli troops battle Hamas militants in southern Gaza,” France 24, December 12, 2023, https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231205-israeli-troops-battle-hamas-militants-in-southern-gaza.
December 19, 2023: A rocket barrage targets central Israel, setting off alarms in Tel Aviv, Bat Yam, Jaffa, Rishon LeTsiyon, Ramat Gan, and other central cities. No injuries or damages are reported.“Hamas rockets target Tel Aviv area for first time in a week,” Jewish News Service, December 19, 2023, https://www.jns.org/hamas-rockets-target-tel-aviv-area-for-first-time-in-a-week/.
December 20, 2023: Haniyeh travels to Cairo for ceasefire discussions with Egyptian officials. Hamas leaders demand Israel allow unlimited aid into Gaza as part of a new ceasefire before Hamas will discuss releasing more hostages. Israeli officials accuse Hamas of continuing to hold 129 hostages in Gaza. The Israeli military reports the discovery of a large underground Hamas command center in Gaza City. The IDF takes Israeli reporters on a tour of the underground facility, which includes offices, tunnels, and elevators used by Hamas’s top leaders. The IDF accuses Hamas of using the vast tunnel network emanating from the command center in the October 7 attack. The IDF further claims the tunnel network extends beneath Gaza’s hospitals.“Israel believes that 129 people, mostly men, are still being held captive in Gaza.,” New York Times, December 20, 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/12/20/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news/top-hamas-official-arrives-in-cairo-for-talks?smid=url-share; “Israel believes that 129 people, mostly men, are still being held captive in Gaza.,” New York Times, December 20, 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/12/20/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news/top-hamas-official-arrives-in-cairo-for-talks?smid=url-share; Wafaa Shurafa, Samy Magdy, and Josef Federman, “Israel uncovers major Hamas command center in Gaza City as cease-fire talks gain momentum,” Associated Press, December 20, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-20-2023-81b80e4716b53756c8fab96c183089ef.
December 21, 2023: Hamas launches a barrage of rockets toward Tel Aviv. Israel intercepts multiple rockets, but the Magen David Adom emergency service reports multiple impacts in southern Tel Aviv. No casualties are reported.“Sirens, interceptions in Tel Aviv as Hamas fires rockets from Gaza,” Reuters, December 21, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/sirens-interceptions-tel-aviv-hamas-fires-rockets-gaza-2023-12-21/.
December 25: Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq and an unnamed PIJ official reject an Egyptian proposal for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza on the condition that Hamas relinquishes power. Another Hamas official says Hamas would only resume prisoner negotiations if aid to Gaza is increased and if Israel halts its aggression. A PIJ delegation meeting with Egyptian officials in Cairo declares Israel must halt its offensive on Gaza before any hostage negotiations. The PIJ official also insists any prisoner swap must include all Palestinians held in Israeli custody.Ahmed Mohamed Hassan and Nidal Al-Mughrabi, “Hamas, Islamic Jihad reject Gaza gov. overhaul for permanent ceasefire, Egyptian sources say,” Reuters, December 25, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-islamic-jihad-reject-giving-up-power-return-permanent-ceasefire-egyptian-2023-12-25/.
December 26, 2023: Two IDF soldiers are killed in battles in central Gaza, while a third is killed in southern Gaza. Three soldiers are also wounded. The deaths raise the toll of Israel soldiers killed in the ground operation to 167.Emanuel Fabian, “IDF announces deaths of 3 soldiers killed in Gaza, raising ground op toll to 167,” Times of Israel, December 27, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-announces-deaths-of-3-soldiers-killed-in-gaza-raising-ground-op-toll-to-167/.
December 28, 2023: The New York Times publishes an investigation detailing Hamas sexual violence against women during its October 7 attack. In a January 1 statement on Telegram, Hamas denies allegations it committed rape or other sexual assaults. Hamas labels the report “part of the Israeli attempt to demonize and dehumanize the Palestinian people and resistance, and to justify the Israeli army war crimes and crimes of genocide against the Palestinian people.” Jeffrey Gettleman, Anat Schwartz, and Adam Sella, “‘Screams Without Words’: How Hamas Weaponized Sexual Violence on Oct. 7,” New York Times, December 28, 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/28/world/middleeast/oct-7-attacks-hamas-israel-sexual-violence.html; “Response to the New York Times misleading report against the Palestinian resistance on Oct. 7,” Hamas Online Telegram Channel, January 1, 2024.
December 31, 2023: Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim releases a statement on Hamas’s Telegram channel denying the findings of the New York Times’ report on Hamas sexual crimes on October 7. According to Naim, Hamas’s fighters’ “religion, values and culture forbid” the type of sexual crimes described in the New York Times Naim accuses the newspaper of fabricating the report based on Israeli propaganda. He calls to “revise” its “misleading report.”Bassem Naim, “Response to the New York Times misleading report against the Palestinian resistance on Oct. 7,” Hamas Online Telegram Channel, December 31, 2023.
December 31, 2023 – January 1, 2024: On December 31, Israel targets the central Gaza areas of al-Maghazi and al-Bureij, killing 10. As of the end of the year, Hamas continues to hold 129 hostages in Gaza from the October 7 attack. Hamas’s Gaza health ministry claims Israeli strikes on Gaza have killed 21,800 people since October 7. Hamas’s numbers do not differentiate between civilians and armed extremists. At exactly midnight on New Year’s Eve, Hamas launches at least 27 rockets toward southern and central Israel. Hamas fires more than a dozen M90 rockets toward Tel Aviv during the barrage. Israel intercepts 18 rockets while nine fall in open areas. There are no reports of damage or injuries. On January 1, the Qassam Brigades release an undated video on social media claiming the rockets were a “response to the massacres of civilians.” Titled “Tel Aviv will be burned, Jerusalem will be liberated,” the video features new M90 rockets pointed toward Tel Aviv.Nidal Al-Mughrabi, Arafat Barbakh and Dan Williams, “Israel pounds Gaza, Hamas fires rockets as Netanyahu indicates long war,” Reuters, December 31, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/netanyahu-says-israel-must-control-gazas-border-with-egypt-war-last-months-2023-12-31/; “At stroke of midnight, Hamas attacks Israel with heavy New Year rocket barrage,” Times of Israel, January 1, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/at-stroke-of-midnight-hamas-attacks-israel-with-heavy-new-year-rocket-barrage/; “‘Tel Aviv Will Be Burned’: Hamas Unveils M90 Rockets With A Chilling Threat To Israel,” Hindustan Times (Delhi), January 1, 2024, https://www.hindustantimes.com/videos/world-news/tel-aviv-will-be-burned-hamas-unveils-m90-rockets-with-a-chilling-threat-to-israel-101704132454003.html;
November 2023:
November 4-5, 2023: At least nine Israeli soldiers are killed over the course of two days. On November 4, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant vows to kill Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and eliminate Hamas from Gaza. Israel bombs Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s Gaza home in the Al-Shathi neighborhood in northern Gaza. There are no immediate reports of casualties. Hamas deputy political leader Moussa Abu Marzouk tells the BBC that “women, children and civilians were exempt” during the October 7 attack, despite contradictory video evidence and testimonials from Hamas attackers themselves. He claims the attack’s architect, Mohammed Deif, specifically instructed fighters not to kill women, children, or old men. Marzouk tells the BBC that Hamas will release its hostages, but Israel needs to stop its bombing of Gaza first. During a press briefing in Jordan, Blinken says a general ceasefire would leave Hamas “in place to regroup and repeat attacks.” On November 5, Iranian media report that Haniyeh and Iranian Supreme leader Ali Khamenei met in recent days to discuss the situation in Gaza. Khamenei reiterates Iran’s support for the Palestinians. The specific date of the meeting is not reported.“IDF said to bomb Gaza house of Hamas chief Haniyeh,” Times of Israel, November 4, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-said-to-bomb-gaza-house-of-hamas-chief-haniyeh/; Feras Kilani, “Hamas leader refuses to acknowledge killing of civilians in Israel,” BBC News, November 7, 2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67321241; Shannon Vavra, “Israel Has Trapped Senior Hamas Leader in a Bunker: Defense Minister,” Daily Beast, November 7, 2023, https://www.thedailybeast.com/israeli-defense-forces-storm-gaza-city-in-full-ground-invasion; “Iranian state media confirm meeting between Khamenei, Hamas’ Haniyeh in Tehran,” Reuters, November 5, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iranian-state-media-confirms-meeting-between-khamenei-hamas-haniyeh-tehran-2023-11-05/; Maayan Jaffe-Hoffman, Seth J. Frantzman, and staff, “Israel vows to eliminate Hamas terror leader Yahya Sinwar,” Jerusalem Post, last updated November 5, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-771715.
November 6, 2023: Hamas’s Lebanon branch announces it had launched 16 rockets from southern Lebanon toward the Israeli cities of Nahariya and Haifa. The IDF says it intercepted 30 rockets from Lebanon over the course of an hour and responded with artillery fire toward the origin points. Israel announces it killed Hamas’s Deir al Balah battalion commander, Wael Asfeh, during an overnight airstrike in Gaza City. According to the IDF, Asfeh and other commanders of the so-called Central Camps Brigade participated in sending terrorists of Hamas’s elite Nukhba forces into Israel during the October 7 attack.Emanuel Fabian, “IDF says it killed commander of Hamas’s Deir al Balah battalion,” Times of Israel, November 6, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-says-it-killed-commander-of-hamass-deir-al-balah-battalion/; “Hamas armed wing says it fired 16 rockets at Israel from southern Lebanon,” Al Jazeera, November 6, 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/6/hamas-armed-wing-says-it-fired-16-rockets-at-israel-from-southern-lebanon.
November 7, 2023: Israel announces a four-hour window for civilians to evacuate Gaza City before its forces enter the city later that day. Israel’s Gallant says Yahya Sinwar is in the vicinity in an underground bunker.Shannon Vavra, “Israel Has Trapped Senior Hamas Leader in a Bunker: Defense Minister,” Daily Beast, November 7, 2023, https://www.thedailybeast.com/israeli-defense-forces-storm-gaza-city-in-full-ground-invasion.
November 8, 2023: The IDF announces it has killed Mohsen Abu Zina, “one of Hamas’s leading weapons developers and an expert in developing strategic weapons and rockets used by Hamas terrorists.”Israel Defense Forces, Twitter post, November 8, 2023, 5:51 a.m., https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1722205177929966007.
November 10, 2023: Hamas launches rockets toward Tel Aviv, wounding two. Hamas calls the rockets a response to rising civilian deaths in Gaza. According to the Israeli military, militants in Gaza and in Lebanon had fired approximately 9,500 missiles, rockets, and drones at Israel since October 7. The Israeli air defenses had shot down 2,000 of the projectiles, while about 12 percent had landed in Gaza itself.“Hamas fires rockets deep into Israel, setting off sirens in Tel Aviv,” Reuters, November 10, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-fires-rockets-deep-into-israel-setting-off-sirens-tel-aviv-2023-11-10/.
November 13, 2023: Following days of reported sporadic fighting around Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Israeli forces surround the hospital, which Israel says Hamas has used as a base for terrorist operations. Israel creates a corridor to allow hospital staff and patients to evacuate but accuses Hamas of preventing civilians from evacuating. Israel reports Hamas fire toward Israeli forces originating from Al-Quds Hospital in northern Gaza. The Israeli response kills 21 Hamas terrorists, according to the IDF. Israel releases video of Hamas fighters and weapons stockpiles in Al-Rantisi Hospital in northern Gaza. Israel also releases footage of areas of Al-Rantisi’s basement where it says Hamas may have moved hostages after the October 7 attacks. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says Hamas has “lost control of Gaza.”Dov Lieber and Chao Deng, “Israeli Forces Reach Gate of Gaza’s Largest Hospital,” Wall Street Journal, November 13, 2023, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/israel-warns-of-wider-war-as-it-presses-on-in-gaza-65e8bef8?mod=article_inline.
November 14, 2023: A rocket attack on Tel Aviv wounds three people. Israeli police report multiple rocket impact sites around Tel Aviv. Israeli forces continue searching Al-Shifa Hospital for evidence that Hamas has used it as a base.Sam Halpern, “Three wounded after rocket barrage targets Tel Aviv, central Israel,” Jerusalem Post, November 14, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-773232; Dov Lieber and Omar Abdel-Baqui, “Inside Israel’s Campaign to Prove a Gaza Hospital Was a Hamas Command Center,” Wall Street Journal, last updated November 22, 2023, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/inside-israels-campaign-to-prove-a-gaza-hospital-was-a-hamas-command-center-65e655ee.
November 15, 2023: Israel releases videos that it says shows a Hamas military tunnel underneath Al-Shifa Hospital. The tunnel has electric wiring, bathrooms, a kitchen, and air-conditioned rooms. Hamas denies it uses hospitals as bases and accuses Israel of trying to break the Palestinian spirit with propaganda.Dov Lieber and Omar Abdel-Baqui, “Inside Israel’s Campaign to Prove a Gaza Hospital Was a Hamas Command Center,” Wall Street Journal, last updated November 22, 2023, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/inside-israels-campaign-to-prove-a-gaza-hospital-was-a-hamas-command-center-65e655ee.
November 16, 2023: Israel confirms an airstrike against Haniyeh’s home in Gaza. According to the IDF, Hamas used the home “as terror infrastructure and, among other things, as a meeting place for the senior officials of the organization.”Emanuel Fabian, “Israeli jet bombs Gaza home of exiled Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh,” Times of Israel, November 16, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israeli-jet-bombs-gaza-home-of-exiled-hamas-leader-ismail-haniyeh/.
November 17, 2023: Hamas publishes a video of 86-year-old hostage Arye Zalmanovich, who was kidnapped from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7. Zalmanovich is visibly in poor health. Rockets target the greater Tel Aviv area, wounding five. Anti-tank fire from Lebanon wounds four in northern Israel. The IDF attacks Hezbollah launch sites in response.Emanuel Fabian, “Rocket sirens sound in Tel Aviv for first time since Tuesday; 5 injured running to shelters,” Times of Israel, November 17, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/rocket-sirens-sound-in-tel-aviv-for-first-time-since-tuesday-no-immediate-reports-of-injuries/; “RECAP: Hamas publishes video of Israeli hostage; 4 wounded from anti-tank fire near Lebanon, barrage of rockets fired at Tel Aviv area,” Haaretz (Tel Aviv), November 17, 2023, https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-11-17/ty-article-live/idf-finds-body-of-65-year-old-israeli-woman-held-by-hamas-near-gazas-al-shifa-hospital/0000018b-db64-df9a-ab8b-dfecf1ca0000?liveBlogItemId=1542709205#1542709205.
November 21, 2023: Israel releases video footage of a weapons storage facility and rocket laboratory under a mosque in Gaza. Weapons include RPGs, mortars, and missiles. The lab also contains a whiteboard with sketches tracking Israeli airstrikes. Israeli forces also discover a vertical shaft in the basement leading to Hamas’s underground tunnel network.Ronny Reyes, “Video shows Hamas weapons lab, whiteboard with rocket sketches under Gaza mosque: Israel,” New York Post, November 21, 2023, https://nypost.com/2023/11/21/news/video-shows-hamas-weapons-lab-whiteboard-with-rocket-sketches-under-gaza-mosque-israel/.
November 21-22, 2023: After Hamas gunfire targets Israeli soldiers, overnight Israeli airstrikes target the Hamas positions from where the attacks originated.Emanuel Fabian, “Ahead of slated truce, IDF says it’s destroyed 400 Hamas tunnels, continues to fight,” Times of Israel, November 22, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/ahead-of-slated-truce-idf-says-its-destroyed-400-hamas-tunnels-continues-to-fight/.
November 22, 2023: Rockets target Israeli border towns around Gaza. Israel announces the death of a soldier in northern Gaza, raising the total number of Israeli military fatalities to 69 since the start of the ground offensive. Israel and Hamas agree to a temporary four-day ceasefire, during which Hamas will release at least 50 women and children held hostage in Gaza. Netanyahu suggests the ceasefire could be extended every day Hamas releases hostages at a rate of at least 10 hostages per day. According to Hamas, Israel will also release 150 Palestinian women and children imprisoned in Israel. Israel and Hamas both state the ceasefire will not halt their respective larger missions. According to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, more than 14,000 people have died in Gaza since the start of the war. The Qatar-negotiated ceasefire is set to go into effect on November 23, but Israel announces later on November 22 the ceasefire will be delayed as heavy fighting continues in northern Gaza.“Israel-Hamas war: Four-day truce agreed, 50 hostages to go free,” Reuters, November 22, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-government-debates-deal-release-gaza-hostages-truce-2023-11-21/; Emanuel Fabian, “Ahead of slated truce, IDF says it’s destroyed 400 Hamas tunnels, continues to fight,” Times of Israel, November 22, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/ahead-of-slated-truce-idf-says-its-destroyed-400-hamas-tunnels-continues-to-fight/.
November 23, 2023: Israel arrests Mohammed Abu Selmeia, director of Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital. Israel accuses Abu Selmeia of allowing Hamas to use the hospital as a command center. Israel reissues its call for Gazans in the northern part of the strip to evacuate southward.“Israeli attacks continue in Gaza as truce postponed,” Xinhua, November 24, 2023, https://english.news.cn/20231124/e205efe0a1154428967ff6f7438c0417/c.html#:~:text=JERUSALEM%2C%20Nov.,come%20into%20effect%20on%20Thursday.
November 24, 2023: The Qatar- and Egypt-negotiated ceasefire goes into effect. At the same time, rocket alarms sound in the Gaza border area towns of Kissufim and Ein Hashlosha in southern Israel. Hamas releases 24 hostages—13 Israelis, 10 Thais, and a Philippine national. Israel releases 39 Palestinian prisoners, including 24 women and 15 teenagers. Some of the Palestinian women had been convicted of attempted murder for attacks on Israeli forces, while some of the teenagers had been imprisoned for throwing rocks at Israelis.“Rocket alarms sound in Gaza border towns 15 minutes after ceasefire comes into effect,” Times of Israel, November 24, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/rocket-alarms-sound-in-gaza-border-towns-as-terrorists-possibly-violate-ceasefire/; Jason Burke, “Hamas releases 24 hostages on first day of Gaza ceasefire,” Guardian (London), November 24, 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/24/israel-hamas-war-gaza-ceasefire-begins-hostage-release-palestinian.
November 25, 2023: Hamas demands immediate aid to northern Gaza before it releases further hostages. Following Qatari and Egyptian intervention, Hamas releases 13 Israelis and four foreigners to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Israel releases 39 Palestinian prisoners in exchange.Bassam Masoud and Maayan Lubell, “Hamas releases more Israeli, foreign hostages on second day of Gaza truce,” Reuters, November 25, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-receives-list-hostages-be-released-saturday-by-hamas-2023-11-24/.
November 26, 2023: Hamas releases 17 hostages, including a 4-year-old American girl. According to U.S. President Biden, 4-year-old Abigail Edan had watched Hamas murder her parents on October 7 before Hamas took her captive. Israel releases 39 teenage Palestinian prisoners. Hamas formally requests a ceasefire extension. Hamas demands Israel increase the number of released Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of more hostages.James Mackenzie, “Hamas, Israel release prisoners; American girl, 4, is freed,” Reuters, November 26, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-releases-israeli-thai-hostages-under-temporary-truce-2023-11-26/; Jerusalem Post staff and Reuters, “Hamas formally requests Gaza ceasefire extension from Israel,” Jerusalem Post, November 26, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-775257.
November 27, 2023: Hamas agrees to release 11 Israeli hostages and six Thai citizens as part of the four-day ceasefire. Qatari and Egyptian mediators reach an agreement with Hamas to extend the truce for two days. Israel agrees to extend the truce for one day for every 10 hostages released. As part of the ceasefire agreement, four fuel tankers and 200 aid trucks enter Gaza.“Report: Hamas slated to release six Thai hostages tonight in addition to 11 Israeli abductees,” Times of Israel, November 27, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/report-hamas-slated-to-release-six-thai-hostages-tonight-in-addition-to-11-israeli-abductees/; “Hamas says it has agreed with Qatar and Egypt to a two-day extension of truce,” Reuters, November 27, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-says-it-has-agreed-with-qatar-egypt-two-day-extension-truce-2023-11-27/; “Truce extension will go into effect after the release of hostages on Monday, Israeli senior adviser says,” CNN, November 27, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-11-27-23/h_7d147083d5b55e545becd4691042c509; Jacob Magid, “Israel: 4 fuel tankers, 200 aid trucks enter Gaza through Rafah for 4th straight day,” Times of Israel, November 27, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israel-4-fuel-tankers-200-aid-trucks-enter-gaza-through-rafah-for-4th-straight-day/.
November 30, 2023: Two gunmen kill at least three people and wound five others at a Jerusalem bus stop. The gunmen are shot dead by two off-duty soldiers and an armed civilian. The soldiers mistake the civilian for one of the gunmen and shoot him dead. The gunmen are identified as brothers Murad and Ibrahim Nemer from the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Sur Baher. Hamas claims the attack as “a direct response to the unprecedented crimes committed by the occupying forces, including brutal massacres in the Gaza Strip, the killing of children in Jenin, and widespread violations against Palestinian prisoners. Moreover, the continued violations in the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the prevention of worshippers’ access to it.” Hamas warns it will continue attacks in “every city, village, street and alley.”Ibrahim Dahman and Eyad Kourdi, “Hamas says its militants killed three people at Jerusalem bus stop,” CNN, November 30, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/30/middleeast/hamas-jerusalem-bus-stop-shooting-intl/index.html; Emanuel Fabian, “Four killed, 5 injured in Hamas-claimed terror shooting at Jerusalem bus stop,” Times of Israel, November 30, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/three-killed-6-injured-in-terror-shooting-at-jerusalem-entrance-bus-stop/.
October 2023:On October 7, one day after the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, Hamas—with Iranian support—launched a multi-pronged attack on Israel. Hamas kills at least 1,200 people and wounds almost 4,000 in the attack. Hamas and PIJ kidnap at 256 people, mostly civilians. In response, Israel declares war on Hamas and launches a ground invasion of Gaza. Hamas labels the October 7 attack Al-Aqsa Storm, also known as Al-Aqsa Flood. Israel labels the ensuing war Swords of Iron.Josef Federman and Issam Adwan, “Hamas surprise attack out of Gaza stuns Israel and leaves hundreds dead in fighting, retaliation,” Associated Press, October 7, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2; “Israeli forces conducting ‘wide-scale strikes’ on Hamas centers in Gaza. Here’s everything you need to know,” CNN, October 9, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-gaza-attack-10-09-23/h_adebb4147fc4a83751908555ec54b8c0; Lauren Frayer, “Israel revises down its death toll from the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks to about 1,200,” NPR, November 11, 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/11/11/1212458974/israel-revises-death-toll-hamas-attacks-oct-7; “Swords of Iron: An Overview,” Institute for National Security Studies, last updated May 24, 2024, https://www.inss.org.il/publication/war-data/
October 7, 2023: As Hamas launches a barrage of rockets toward Israel, Hamas fighters cross into Israel from Gaza via motorcycles, pickup trucks, paragliders, and speed boats in an unprecedented assault by the terror group during the Jewish holidays of Simchat Torah and Shabbat. Hamas gunmen cut through the border fence separating Gaza and Israel, use hang gliders and boats to infiltrate at least 22 Israeli towns and military bases within 15 miles of the Gaza border, killing civilians and soldiers. Gunmen on motorcycles spread throughout Israeli towns. Approximately 1,200 people are killed in the attack. Gunmen kill at least nine people at a bus shelter in Sderot. Video circulates online of gunmen attacking the Nova music festival near the Israeli kibbutz of Reim, firing at fleeing revelers and carrying away hostages. Hamas also takes hostages in the border community Be’eri, and the town of Ofakim, 20 miles east of Gaza. Hamas also reportedly occupies a police station in a third town. Gunmen go door to door in Israeli communities, breaking into homes and kidnapping civilians. Hamas fighters drive through Gaza, sitting on top of a naked Israeli woman in the back of a pick-up truck. The woman had reportedly been kidnapped from the Nova festival. At the same time, Hamas launches at least 3,500 rockets toward Israeli cities, reaching as far north as Tel Aviv and its suburbs. Rockets hit a hospital in Ashkelon. Israel launches airstrikes against Gaza in response. After a warning shot, Israeli airstrikes destroy a 14-story building housing apartments and Hamas offices in Gaza City. Israeli airstrikes also reportedly destroy Sinwar’s home in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declares Israel is at war during a televised address and promises to destroy Hamas’s capabilities but says it will take time. He warns Gaza residents to evacuate areas near Hamas facilities because Israel will “turn them into ruins.” Deif calls for all-out war on Israel and calls on Palestinians in east Jerusalem and the West Bank to join in the fighting. He labels Hamas’s attack “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm,” calling it a response to the Israeli-Egyptian blockade of Gaza, Israeli raids inside West Bank cities over the past year, and violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Hamas claims to fire 5,000 rockets toward Israel in one day.Josef Federman and Issam Adwan, “Hamas surprise attack out of Gaza stuns Israel and leaves hundreds dead in fighting, retaliation,” Associated Press, October 7, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2; Josef Federman and Issam Adwan, “Hamas surprise attack out of Gaza stuns Israel and leaves hundreds dead in fighting, retaliation,” Associated Press, October 7, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2; Seth J. Frantzman, “Hamas terror commander Deif calls for all out war on Israel,” Jerusalem Post, October 7, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-762052; Emanuel Fabian, “IDF said to hit Gaza home of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar amid terror group assault,” Times of Israel, October 7, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-said-to-hit-gaza-home-of-hamas-chief-yahya-sinwar-amid-terror-group-assault/; Ammar Awad and Maayan Lubell, “Gunmen in homes, captives abducted leave Israelis in shock,” Reuters, October 7, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gunmen-homes-captives-abducted-gaza-leave-israelis-shock-2023-10-07/; Hadas Gold, Abeer Salman, Kareem Khadder, Paul P. Murphy, Allegra Goodwin, Benjamin Brown, and Sophie Tanno, “Festivalgoers, children, soldiers: What we know about the people captured by Hamas,” CNN, October 9, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/08/europe/israel-hostages-hamas-what-we-know-intl/index.html; James Crisp, “Naked woman paraded by jeering Hamas fighters,” Telegraph (London), October 8, 2023, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/10/07/naked-israeli-woman-paraded-jeering-hamas-fighters/; “Operation Al Aqsa Flood,” Hamas Online Telegram channel, October 7, 2023; Najib Jobain, Samya Kullab, Ravi Nessman, and Matthew Lee, “After blast kills hundreds at Gaza hospital, Hamas and Israel trade blame as rage spreads in region,” Associated Press, October 17, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-biden-rafah-e062825a375d9eb62e95509cab95b80c; Lauren Frayer, “Israel revises down its death toll from the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks to about 1,200,” NPR, November 11, 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/11/11/1212458974/israel-revises-death-toll-hamas-attacks-oct-7; Ibrahim Dahman and Abeer Salman, “Hamas announces ‘Al-Aqsa Storm,’ claims to have fired 5,000 rockets,” CNN, October 7, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/al-aqsa-storm-militants-infiltrate-israel-after-gaza-rockets-10-07-intl-hnk/h_644aa5e5d02286051f5cc307e229566a.
October 8, 2023: The Israeli government issues an official declaration of war. Security forces evacuate Israeli border communities while the IDF continues searching for gunmen in 13 Israeli communities. The Israeli army issues warnings in Arabic for civilians in Gaza near the border to leave their homes and move deeper into Gaza. Abu Marzouk declares his group is holding more than 100 Israelis hostage inside Gaza. The captives reportedly include high-ranking Israeli military officers as well as elderly civilians and children. PIJ claims it is also holding 30 Israelis captive in Gaza. The two-day death toll in Israel rises above 700. Early in the day, the IDF announces it is evacuating civilians from the border communities of Nahal Oz, Erez, Nir Am, Mefalsim, Kfar Aza, Gevim, Or Haner, Ibim, Netiv Ha’asara, Yad Mordechai, Karmia, Zikim, Kerem Shalom, Kissufim, Holit, Sufa, Nirim, Nir Oz, Ein Hashlosha, Nir Yitzhak, Be’eri, Magen, Re’im, Sa’ad, and Alumim. According to a 10 p.m. IDF statement, Israeli forces had killed “hundreds” of terrorists over the past 40 hours and were “waging continuing battles” in southern towns near the Gaza border. The IDF captures Muhammad Abu Ghali, deputy commander of the southern division of Hamas’s naval force. Israeli airstrikes hit 150 Hamas sites in the Shuja’iyya neighborhood of Gaza City and 120 targets in Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, raising its total to 800 Hamas sites targeted since the start of Hamas’s attack.Eyad Kourdi and Jonny Hallam, “Hamas claims to be holding more than 100 hostages, including Israeli army officers,” CNN, October 8, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-gaza-attack-10-08-23/h_97798904006dac1bcebd4ec84e359b33; Michael Bachner and Emanuel Fabian, “Israel evacuates civilians from Gaza-area towns as forces scour for remaining gunmen,” Times of Israel, October 8, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-evacuates-civilians-from-gaza-area-towns-as-forces-scour-for-remaining-gunmen/; Emanuel Fabian, “IDF: Israeli Navy commandos take senior Hamas member captive,” Times of Israel, October 8, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-israeli-navy-commandos-take-senior-hamas-member-captive/; Hadas Gold, Abeer Salman, Kareem Khadder, Paul P. Murphy, Allegra Goodwin, Benjamin Brown, and Sophie Tanno, “Festivalgoers, children, soldiers: What we know about the people captured by Hamas,” CNN, October 9, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/08/europe/israel-hostages-hamas-what-we-know-intl/index.html.
October 9, 2023: Hamas warns it will begin executing hostages if Israel continues to bomb Palestinian homes in Gaza without advance notice. Israel announces it has regained control of all the communities Hamas had infiltrated. Israel continues to launch widescale strikes in Gaza against Hamas targets. During a press conference, top IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari says all of Hamas’s “military and political leadership, all of its assets, are attackable, and doomed.” He accuses Sinwar of directing the attack from Gaza, calling him “a dead man.” Two mortars are launched toward Israel’s northern communities from Lebanon. Israel also reportedly kills multiple armed infiltrators from Lebanon. Hezbollah denies responsibility. The death toll in Israel surpasses 800. The United States confirms at least nine U.S. citizens are among the dead. France confirms the deaths of at least two French citizens. In a call with PIJ leader Nakhalah, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi praises the “brilliant and impressive victories” of the “Palestinian resistance.” The leaders of the United States, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom issue a joint statement supporting Israel and unequivocally condemning Hamas.Tovah Lazaroff and Reuters, “Hamas warns it will start executing Israeli captives,” Jerusalem Post, October 10, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-767446; “Israeli forces conducting ‘wide-scale strikes’ on Hamas centers in Gaza. Here’s everything you need to know,” CNN, October 9, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-gaza-attack-10-09-23/h_adebb4147fc4a83751908555ec54b8c0; Emanuel Fabian, “Mortars on north confirmed; Hezbollah denies role in infiltration,” Times of Israel, October 9, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/mortars-on-north-confirmed-hezbollah-denies-role-in-infiltration/; “US confirms nine US citizens killed in Hamas invasion,” Times of Israel, October 9, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/us-confirms-nine-us-citizens-killed-in-hamas-invasion/; “Israeli death toll in Gaza war said to climb to 800,” Times of Israel, October 9, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israeli-death-toll-in-gaza-war-said-to-climb-to-800/; Nidal Al-Mughrabi and Dan Williams, “Fear of war's spread as Israel says it kills infiltrators from Lebanon,” Reuters, October 9, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-retaliates-after-hamas-attacks-deaths-pass-1100-2023-10-09/; Josh Berlinger and Xiaofei Xu, “French Foreign Ministry confirms second citizen dead in Hamas attacks,” CNN, October 9, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-gaza-attack-10-09-23/h_1eeb8f591a0553ebba0d80ab728045de; Emanuel Fabian, “Hamas leader Sinwar ‘is a dead man,’ IDF spokesman threatens,” Times of Israel, October 9, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-leader-sinwar-is-a-dead-man-idf-spokesman-threatens/; “Joint Statement on Israel,” White House, October 9, 2023, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/10/09/joint-statement-on-israel/.
October 10, 2023: The Israeli army retakes control of the Gaza fence and airstrikes continue in Gaza. The army reports that there have been no further infiltrations since October 9. The IDF’s Hagari says the army is laying mines in areas where the fence was breached. All Israeli towns adjacent to the Gaza border are almost entirely evacuated. Hamas fighters in Lebanon launch 15 rockets toward northern Israel. The army announces the death of two senior Hamas leaders in overnight airstrikes: Minister of Economy Jawad Abu Shammala and senior member of the Hamas political bureau Zachariah Abu Maamar. U.S. President Joe Biden condemns Hamas’s attack as an “act of sheer evil” and says his government is aware of American hostages in Gaza. Biden says at least 14 American citizens have been killed so far in the attack.Eyad Kourdi, “Airstrikes hit residential areas of Gaza, Palestinian officials say,” CNN, October 10, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-10-10-23/h_5c2f5524d505c6d7867ed6bd981d19cd; Joanie Margulies, “Israel says retakes control of Gaza fence, no infiltrations since Monday,” Jerusalem Post, October 10, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-767496; “Joint Statement on Israel,” White House, October 9, 2023, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/10/09/joint-statement-on-israel/; Aditi Sangal, “Americans among hostages held by Hamas, Biden says,” CNN, October 10, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-10-10-23/h_967687f61733d1962caa3cf8b2c74774; “At least 14 American citizens killed in Israel, Biden says,” CNN, October 10, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-10-10-23/h_0f30b8fb5e921906bd7c1314f6944a40; “US President Biden: Hamas attack on Israel is ‘an act of sheer evil,’” CNN, October 10, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-10-10-23/h_967687f61733d1962caa3cf8b2c74774; Emanuel Fabian, “IDF strikes Hezbollah position in Lebanon after missiles fired at border post,” Times of Israel, October 11, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-strikes-hezbollah-position-in-lebanon-after-missiles-fired-at-border-post/.
October 11, 2023: Meshaal issues a call for Muslims and Arabs around the world to join protests on October 13 in support of the Palestinians and to besiege Israel’s borders. Reports emerge of the discovery of babies beheaded by Hamas at the Kfar Aza kibbutz in southern Israel. The bodies were discovered on October 10, along with the bodies of Israelis and Hamas attackers outside of burned-out homes. Hamas denies it beheaded children or attacked women. Hamas spokesman Rishq labels the reports “fabricated and baseless allegations.” The death toll in Israel rises above 1,200, while the death toll in Gaza reaches 1,055.“Former Hamas chief calls for protests, neighbours to join war against Israel,” Reuters, October 11, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/former-hamas-chief-calls-protests-neighbours-join-war-against-israel-2023-10-11/; Muhammad Darwish, Nic Robertson, Artemis Moshtaghian, Amir Tal, Ivana Kottasová and Sana Noor Haq, “Children found ‘butchered’ in Israeli kibbutz, IDF says, as horror of Hamas’ attacks near border begins to emerge,” CNN, last updated October 12, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/10/middleeast/israel-kibbutzim-kfar-aza-beeri-urim-hamas-attack-intl/index.html; Hamas statement, Hamas Online Telegram channel, October 11, 2023.
October 12, 2023: The death toll in Israel rises above 1,300 with almost 3,300 wounded. Rockets continue to target Israeli towns. At least four Israelis are wounded in Sderot when rockets strike seven homes. Israel’s Knesset approves an emergency unity government with Netanyahu’s Likud party and Benny Gantz’s National Unity Party. “Israel at war: IDF continues airstrikes, world leaders to arrive in Israel,” Jerusalem Post, October 12, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/2023-10-12/live-updates-767856; “Emergency gov't approved by Knesset,” Jerusalem Post, October 12, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-768007; “Four Israelis wounded in Sderot rocket barrage, seven homes hit,” Jerusalem Post, October 12, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-767895.
October 13, 2023: The IDF calls on Gazan civilians in and around Gaza City to evacuate to the southern part of the Gaza Strip ahead of an expected ground invasion. Hamas calls the warnings propaganda and urges Gazans to remain in their homes. During a press conference with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says there will be no more “business as usual with Hamas.”“Hamas tells Gaza residents to stay put as Israel ground offensive looms,” Reuters, October 13, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-tells-gaza-residents-stay-home-israel-ground-offensive-looms-2023-10-13/#:~:text=Oct%2013%20(Reuters)%20%2D%20Mosques,to%20its%20expected%20ground%20offensive; Tzvi Joffre, “Hamas seen blocking evacuation routes in Gaza – IDF,” Jerusalem Post, October 15, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/article-768382; “Secretary of State Blinken News Conference in Qatar,” C-SPAN, October 13, 2023, https://www.c-span.org/video/?531133-1/secretary-state-blinken-news-conference-qatar.
October 14, 2023: Hamas reportedly blocks Palestinians’ evacuation routes. According to IDF footage, Hamas places roadblocks around IDF-designated evacuation routes.Tzvi Joffre, “Hamas seen blocking evacuation routes in Gaza – IDF,” Jerusalem Post, October 15, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/article-768382.
October 15, 2023: Hamas operatives in Lebanon launch rockets at northern Israel. The IDF creates a four-mile security zone along Israel’s side of the Lebanon border.Jerusalem Post staff and Yonah Jeremy Bob, “Two Israelis murdered by Hezbollah anti-tank fire, IDF strikes in Lebanon,” Jerusalem Post, last updated October 16, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-768404.
October 16, 2023: The IDF announces that at least 199 people have been taken hostage in Gaza since the October 7 attack.Najib Jobain, Samya Kullab, and Joseph Krauss, “Hospitals in Gaza face collapse as water, power and medicine run out,” Associated Press, October 16, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-781b3c63af4ae6e51c313a68f314e66d.
October 17, 2023: Israeli airstrikes destroy the Gaza City home of Haniyeh, who remains in Qatar. At least 14 people are killed in the strike, but their identities are not publicly confirmed. Israeli airstrikes in the Bureij refugee camp kills Ayman Nofal, a top Hamas military commander in charge of the Qassam Brigades’ central Gaza area. He is reportedly the highest-profile Hamas militant killed in the war to date. Hamas blames an Israeli airstrike for destroying the al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, killing at least 500 people. Israel provides evidence that the explosion was caused by an errant PIJ rocket attack. According to the IDF, approximately 450 Palestinian rockets have landed inside Gaza since October 7. PIJ accuses Israel of trying to “evade responsibility” after previously calling for the hospital’s evacuation. The IDF releases audio of two Hamas fighters acknowledging the shrapnel “are local pieces, and not Israeli shrapnel.”Najib Jobain, Samya Kullab, Ravi Nessman, and Matthew Lee, “After blast kills hundreds at Gaza hospital, Hamas and Israel trade blame as rage spreads in region,” Associated Press, October 17, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-biden-rafah-e062825a375d9eb62e95509cab95b80c; “Israeli air strike kills senior Hamas armed commander Ayman Nofal in Gaza,” Reuters, October 17, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-air-strike-kills-senior-hamas-armed-commander-ayman-nofal-gaza-2023-10-17/; Yonah Jeremy Bob and staff, “LISTEN: IDF shares classified audio of Hamas terrorists on Gaza hospital blast,” Jerusalem Post, October 18, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/gaza-news/article-768944.
October 18, 2023: During an emergency visit to Israel, Biden accepts Israel’s account of what happened at the al-Ahli Hospital, saying he reviewed the evidence and determined “it was done by the other team.” Analysis by the U.S. Defense Department and National Security Council concludes that Israel is not responsible for the hospital strike. A November 26 Human Rights Watch report concludes the hospital explosion “resulted from an apparent rocket-propelled munition, such as those commonly used by Palestinian armed groups….” Hamas accuses Human Rights Watch of bias toward Israel.Aamer Madhani and Colleen Long, “Biden wraps up his visit to wartime Israel with a warning against being ‘consumed’ by rage,” Associated Press, October 18, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-israel-hamas-gaza-palestinians-a85cb682fdc61b80285cf4ab354354ce; “Human Rights Watch says rocket misfire likely cause of deadly Gaza hospital blast,” Reuters, November 26, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/human-rights-watch-says-rocket-misfire-likely-cause-deadly-gaza-hospital-blast-2023-11-26/.
October 20, 2023: Hamas frees two Israeli-American hostages, Judith Raanan and her daughter Natalie Raanan, after Qatari intervention. Hamas says it released the hostages for “humanitarian reasons.”“Hamas releases two American hostages from Gaza after Qatari mediation,” Al Jazeera, October 20, 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/20/hamas-releases-two-american-hostages-from-gaza; Aaron Boxerman, “‘I Went Through Hell,’ Freed Israeli, 85, Says of Subterranean Captivity in Gaza,” New York Times, October 24, 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/24/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-hostages.html#:~:text=The%20woman%2C%20Yocheved%20Lifshitz%2C%20a,facilitated%20by%20Egypt%20and%20Qatar.
October 23-24, 2023: Hamas releases two hostages, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper, after negotiations with Qatar and Egypt. From a hospital in Israel on October 24, Lifshitz describes Hamas’s “spider web” of underground tunnels and being forced to walk kilometers underground after Hamas captured her on October 7. Both Lifshitz’s and Cooper’s husbands remain captive in Gaza.Aaron Boxerman, “‘I Went Through Hell,’ Freed Israeli, 85, Says of Subterranean Captivity in Gaza,” New York Times, October 24, 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/24/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-hostages.html#:~:text=The%20woman%2C%20Yocheved%20Lifshitz%2C%20a,facilitated%20by%20Egypt%20and%20Qatar.
October 25, 2023: Israel agrees to a U.S. request to delay its ground invasion of Gaza to give the United States time to position air defenses in the region in order to protect U.S. troops. Hamas senior leader Saleh al-Arouri meets with Nasrallah and Nakhaleh in Beirut to discuss a joint strategy. According to a joint release by Hamas, Hezbollah, and PIJ, the groups seek “a real victory for the resistance in Gaza and Palestine” and a halt to Israel’s “treacherous and brutal aggression against our oppressed and steadfast people in Gaza and the West Bank.”Jerusalem Post staff and Reuters, “Israel agrees to delay Gaza invasion, US deploying forces – report,” Jerusalem Post, October 25, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-770137; Dion Nissenbaum, Gordon Lubold, Nancy A. Youssef, and Dov Lieber, “Israel Agrees to Delay Invasion of Gaza So U.S. Can Rush Missile Defenses to Region,” Wall Street Journal, October 25, 2023, https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/israel-hamas-war-palestinians-news/card/israel-agrees-to-delay-invasion-of-gaza-so-u-s-can-rush-missile-defenses-to-region-wFU3kduhruPhm6e8OM7b; “Nasrallah, senior Hamas and PIJ leaders talk of achieving ‘victory’ over Israel,” Times of Israel, October 25, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/nasrallah-senior-hamas-and-pij-leaders-talk-of-achieving-victory-over-israel/.
October 26, 2023: A Hamas delegation travels to Moscow to discuss the release of Russian hostages. A Hamas statement praises the efforts of Putin and the Russian foreign ministry to end “the crimes of Israel that are supported by the West.” The IDF announces the deaths of three senior Hamas operatives in the Daraj Tuffah Battalion, one of Hamas’s “most significant” battalions. An Israeli ground raid into Gaza destroys rocket launching positions. The IDF says the raids are to “prepare the ground for the next stages of the war.”“Hamas delegation visits Moscow, discusses release of hostages in Gaza – agencies,” Reuters, October 26, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/hamas-delegation-is-visiting-moscow-russian-foreign-ministry-2023-10-26/; Israel Defense Forces, Twitter post, October 26, 2023, 3:25 p.m., https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1717623428935483740; Haley Ott, Sarah Lynch Baldwin, Debora Patta, and Tucker Reals, “Israel opens ‘new phase’ in war against Hamas, Netanyahu says, as Gaza ground operation expands,” CBS News, last updated October 28, 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-civilian-deaths-un-says-possible-war-crimes/.
October 27, 2023: A rocket strikes Tel Aviv, wounding three people and causing significant damage, according to Israeli emergency services. Israel announces it has suffered 310 military fatalities since the start of the war. Israel launches a small ground raid into Gaza City supported by drones. No Israeli casualties are reported in the raid. Israeli strikes cut off communications across Gaza.Emanuel Fabian, “Soldier injured in October 7 battles succumbs to wound,” Times of Israel, October 27, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/soldier-injured-in-october-7-battles-succumbs-to-wounds/; Haley Ott, Sarah Lynch Baldwin, Debora Patta, and Tucker Reals, “Israel opens ‘new phase’ in war against Hamas, Netanyahu says, as Gaza ground operation expands,” CBS News, last updated October 28, 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-civilian-deaths-un-says-possible-war-crimes/.
October 28, 2023: Netanyahu announces a “new phase” in the war as it sends ground troops into Gaza, while the IDF declares its primary goal is to destroy and dismantle Hamas. The IDF announces it has killed Asem Abu Rakaba, the head of the Hamas air force, and Ratib Abu Tzahiban, the head of Hamas’s navy. Hamas announces it will release all Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of all Palestinian security prisoners from Israel. Israel releases footage of strikes on Hamas’s underground bunkers and tunnels. The death toll in Gaza rises to more than 7,700, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. Israeli reports raise the number of hostages held in Gaza to 229.Isabel Debre, Julia Frankel, and Samy Magdy, “Netanyahu says the Gaza war has entered a new stage and will be ‘long and difficult,’” Associated Press, October 28, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-10-28-2023-c9bd7ecc5f4a9fe9d46486f66675244c; Haley Ott, Sarah Lynch Baldwin, Debora Patta, and Tucker Reals, “Israel opens ‘new phase’ in war against Hamas, Netanyahu says, as Gaza ground operation expands,” CBS News, last updated October 28, 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-civilian-deaths-un-says-possible-war-crimes/.
October 30, 2023: Israel announces its forces had freed a female Israeli soldier captured on October 7 and held captive in Gaza. Hamas releases a video of female Israeli hostages with the caption, “A number of Zionist prisoners held by al-Qassam send a message to Netanyahu and the Zionist government.” The video features Israeli hostages identified as Rimon Kirsht, Danielle Aloni, and Elena Trupanov. In the video, Aloni says they have been held for 23 days and are being punished for the Israeli government’s “political, national neglect.” She accuses the Israeli government of wanting to kill all the hostages using the IDF and calls for an exchange of hostages for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Netanyahu condemns the video as “cruel psychological propaganda.”“Israel says its forces freed soldier held captive in Gaza,” Reuters, October 30, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-soldier-freed-gaza-during-ground-operation-israeli-army-says-2023-10-30/; Rory Carroll, “Hostage soldier rescued in Gaza, says Israel,” Guardian (London), October 30, 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/30/hamas-releases-video-of-hostages-to-send-message-to-netanyahu.
October 31, 2023: The IDF takes control of a Hamas stronghold and kills approximately 50 Hamas fighters in Jabaliya in northern Gaza. The IDF also announces the deaths of Ibrahim Biari and Naseem Abu Ajina. Biari was a Hamas commander in northern Gaza linked to a 2004 attack on Israel’s Ashdod port that killed 13. According to the IDF, he was also responsible for directing Hamas rocket fire toward Israel for the past two decades. Ajina was the commander of the Beit Lahia Battalion in Hamas's Northern Division. Abu Ajina coordinated the October 7 attacks on the Israeli towns of Erez and Netiv Ha’asara. He was also involved in developing Hamas’s drone and aerial capabilities. The IDF has attacked 300 Hamas targets, including anti-tank missile and rocket-launching positions, tunnels, and military installations.“IDF eliminates senior Hamas commander,” Jerusalem Post, October 31, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-770944;
November 1, 2023: The IDF releases an audio recording of a conversation between a Hamas commander and a Gazan civilian discussing how Hamas steals fuel from Gazan hospitals.“IDF releases proof of Hamas stealing gas from Gazan hospitals,” Jerusalem Post, November 2, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-771238.
September 25, 2023: On the 11th day of riots at the Karni crossing between Gaza and Israel, a Palestinian gunman opens fire on Israeli forces. Israeli soldiers shoot and kill the gunman. No Israeli casualties are reported. Hamas claims a “martyr” succumbed to his wounds in the riots. Following end of the Yom Kippur holiday that evening, Israel strikes a Hamas military position in Gaza.Michael Starr, “After attacks on troops, IDF drones strike Hamas positions on Yom Kippur,” Jerusalem Post, September 25, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-760416.
September 24, 2023: Israel launches a counterterrorism raid in the Nur Shams refugee camp in Gaza, resulting in an hours-long firefight with militants that leaves at least one Hamas fighter and another Palestinian dead. During the confrontation, militants throw explosive devices and gunmen open fire on the soldiers. According to the Israeli military, it had conducted a counterterrorism operation in the camp and dismantled an operational command center equipped with computers and surveillance cameras. The military also said it had discovered dozens of explosive devices and bomb components. Hamas identifies its casualty as 21-year-old Osaid Abu Ali, a member of the Qassam Brigades. That evening, Israeli drones strike Hamas positions in Bureij and Jabalya.Ali Sawafta, “Israeli forces kill two Palestinians in West Bank raid, Hamas, emergency workers say,” Reuters, September 24, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/two-palestinians-killed-israeli-forces-incursion-west-bank-report-2023-09-24/; Michael Starr, “After attacks on troops, IDF drones strike Hamas positions on Yom Kippur,” Jerusalem Post, September 25, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-760416.
September 24, 2023: Israeli forces break up an alleged Hamas cell at Birzeit University in the West Bank, arresting eight suspects who reportedly planned to carry out a terrorist attack. According to Israeli intelligence, Hamas had recruited operatives at the university and provided them with guns and ammunition. The suspects reportedly possessed Hamas flags and other inciting materials.“8 students arrested as Israeli security forces bust Hamas terror cell at West Bank university,” i24News, September 24, 2023, https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/middle-east/palestinian-territories/1695549591-8-students-arrested-as-israeli-security-forces-bust-hamas-terror-cell-at-west-bank-university.
September 19, 2023: An explosive device detonates underneath an army vehicle and gunmen open fire as the Israelis are leaving the Jenin refugee camp after a counterterrorism operation. The vehicle is damaged, but no Israeli casualties are reported. Three Palestinians—identified as Mahmoud al-Sadi, Mahmoud Ararawi, and Ata Yasser Musa—are killed. The three are claimed as members of either Hamas or PIJ.Tia Goldenberg, “Six Palestinians are killed in latest fighting with Israel, at least 3 of them militants,” Associated Press, September 20, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-killed-gaza-west-bank-0454cf65390d6d8c27ddb55d51a083c4.
September 19, 2023: Gazans violently protest at the Gaza-Israel border. Israeli forces open fire, killing one and wounding nine, according to Hamas’s health ministry.Issam Adwan, “One Palestinian dies and Israel shuts down main crossing with Gaza after outbreak of border violence,” Associated Press, September 19, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-close-crossing-border-violence-cfd165eeead027bea372db9b1cc67874.
September 13, 2023: Hamas organizes a demonstration at the Gaza-Israel border to mark the anniversary of Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza. According to the IDF, protesters attempt to throw grenades and bombs over the security fence. One of the devices allegedly explodes prematurely, killing at least five Palestinians and wounding 20 others. The IDF responds to the protesters with teargas.“Powerful explosion kills 5 Palestinians in Gaza. Israel says the blast was caused by mishandled bomb,” Associated Press, September 13, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/gaza-explosion-hamas-israel-protests-76d25c264731be3550c1ded789c872cb.
September 12, 2023: Members of PIJ, Hamas, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine jointly hold “The Hard Corner 4” military exercise in Gaza during which they launch rockets toward the sea and show off drone capabilities. Hamas military commander Mohammed al-Deif says “armed resistance” is the Palestinians’ only option to “liberate their historical lands and declare their own independent State.” The training exercise coincides the anniversary of the Oslo Accords.Sally Ibrahim, “Various Palestinian armed groups hold joint military exercise in Gaza to ‘simulate war with Israel,’” New Arab, September 12, 2023, https://www.newarab.com/news/palestinian-armed-groups-hold-military-exercise-gaza.
September 4, 2023: Israeli forces raid the Jenin refugee camp and arrest three Hamas members: Abdullah Hassan Mohammed Sobeh, Ward Sharim, and Mus’ab Ja’aydah. The IDF accuses senior Hamas member Sobeh of involvement in a series of attacks emanating from Jenin, including shootings, pipe bombs, VBIEDs, and firing improvised rockets at West Bank settlements and Israeli towns. According to the IDF, Sharim and Ja’aydah were involved in shooting attacks in the West Bank and planning additional attacks.Emanuel Fabian, “Three Hamas members nabbed by IDF in first Jenin refugee camp raid in 2 months,” Times of Israel, September 4, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/clashes-reported-as-idf-raids-jenin-refugee-camp-for-first-time-in-2-months/.
September 4, 2023: Israeli security guards at the Kerem Shalom Crossing discover “high-quality” explosive material hidden in a clothing shipment being exported from the Gaza Strip to Israel. According to the Israeli defense ministry, the explosives were intended for an attack in the West Bank. The defense ministry halts all exports out of Gaza until after an assessment. The crossing reopens on September 10. The Shin Bet accuses Hamas of directing the smuggling attempt. The agency accuses Arafat Natash and Muhammad Abu Awwad of directing the operation. Both men had been previously expelled to Gaza from the West Bank as part of a prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel.Emanuel Fabian, “Israel says it foiled attempt to smuggle explosives from Gaza to West Bank,” Times of Israel, September 4, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-says-it-foiled-attempt-to-smuggle-explosives-from-gaza-to-west-bank/; Agence France-Presse and Emanuel Fabian, “Gaza exports into Israel resume days after attempted explosives smuggling,” Times of Israel, September 10, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/gaza-exports-into-israel-resume-days-after-attempted-explosives-smuggling/; “Shin Bet accuses Hamas of recent attempt to smuggle explosive material from Gaza,” Times of Israel, September 20, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/shin-bet-accuses-hamas-of-recent-attempt-to-smuggle-explosive-material-from-gaza/.
Late August 2023: On August 21, hundreds of Palestinians protest near the Gaza-Israel border against the worsening economic situation in Gaza. Protesters throw explosives toward the security barrier and several attempt to break through. Israeli forces reportedly arrest multiple protesters. According to the Hamas health ministry, at least eight Palestinians are wounded. Following the riot, Hamas reportedly debates restarting regular protests at the border.Emanuel Fabian, “Troops clash with Palestinians during riot on Gaza border,” Times of Israel, August 21, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/troops-clash-with-palestinians-during-riot-on-gaza-border/; Gianluca Pacchiani, “Hamas said considering resuming mass protests along Gaza border,” Times of Israel, August 31, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-said-considering-resuming-provocations-along-gaza-border/.
July 27, 2023: Hours after Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visits the Temple Mount in Jerusalem on Tisha B’Av, the Jewish day of mourning, the Al-Qassam Brigades fires a rocket toward the Ram On settlement in the Jenin area in the West Bank. Hamas calls the attack a “response to the aggression of the occupation and settlers on Al-Aqsa.” Hamas’s Hazem Qasem calls Ben Gvir’s visit a provocation and a “dangerous escalation.” He promises Hamas will not allow Israel to carry out its “plans” at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.Michael Horovitz, “Ben Gvir visits Temple Mount on Tisha B’Av, drawing rebuke from US, Jordan, Saudis,” Times of Israel, July 27, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/ben-gvir-visits-temple-mount-on-tisha-bav-drawing-fury-from-palestinians-and-jordan/; “IDF finds launch pit after Hamas claims it fired rocket from Jenin – report,” i24 news, July 27, 2023, https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/middle-east/palestinian-territories/1690444458-hamas-claims-to-fire-rocket-from-jenin-in-response-to-ben-gvir-s-visit-to-temple-mount-report.
July 25, 2023: Three gunmen open fire on a group of IDF soldiers near Nablus. The soldiers return fire, killing the gunmen. The soldiers confiscate three M-16 firearms, a pistol, and other military equipment from the gunmen’s vehicle. Hamas claims the gunmen as members.“Israeli troops kill three Palestinian Hamas gunmen in West Bank clash,” Reuters, July 25, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-says-neutralized-three-people-who-fired-forces-west-bank-2023-07-25/; “Hamas terrorists killed in attempted terror attack against IDF soldiers,” Jerusalem Post, July 25, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-752335.
July 16, 2023: Ammar al-Najjar opens fire from his car near Tekoa Junction in the West Bank, wounding three people in a passing vehicle, including two girls ages 9 and 14. Al-Najjr escapes, but police arrest him several hours later while he is hiding at the al-Rabat Mosque in Bethlehem. Two others are also arrested at the mosque. Four Palestinians are wounded during clashes at the mosque during the arrest. The IDF seizes Al-Najjr’s car and an M-16 rifle inside it. Hamas praises the attack but does not directly claim responsibility. However, Israeli police identify al-Najjr as a member of Hamas who had been previously arrested.Maya Zanger-Nadis, “Tekoa terror attack: Hamas-linked terrorist arrested as victim undergoes surgery,” Jerusalem Post, July 16, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-750214; “Palestinian gunman opens fire on a car in the occupied West Bank, wounding 3, including 2 girls,” Associated Press, July 16, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-west-bank-shooting-occupation-bf1234afd10825a03ba197a75ddf171c.
July 2023:
July 3-4: Israeli forces launch a large-scale operation in the Jenin refugee camp, the first such operation in 20 years. According to an IDF spokesman, at least 50 shooting attacks have come from Jenin. During the 48-hour operation, the IDF seizes hundreds of weapons caches and explosives and detains 120 people. Firefights between the IDF and militants are reported. At least 12 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier are killed. At least five of the Palestinians are identified as militants. IDF forces begin withdrawing on July 4.Hadas Gold and Rob Picheta, “Israel ended a huge military operation in Jenin. Here’s what you need to know,” CNN, July 5, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/05/middleeast/jenin-israel-operations-explainer-mime-intl/index.html; Ali Sawafta, “Israeli troops withdraw in West Bank, Gaza rockets fired,” Reuters, July 5, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-signals-jenin-operation-close-completion-10-palestinians-dead-2023-07-04/.
July 4-5: On July 4, a 20-year-old Palestinian man from the West Bank begins striking people with his pick-up truck outside of a mall in Tel Aviv, wounding nine. The assailant exits his car and stabs one of the victims before he is shot and killed by an armed civilian. The attacker is identified as Abed al-Wahab Khalaila from the West Bank town of as-Samu. Hamas claims responsibility, calling the attack “an act of self-defence in the face of the ongoing Zionist massacre in Jenin.” Hamas spokesman Hazem Qasim praises the “heroic attack” as “the first response to the occupation's crimes against our people in Jenin.” Overnight, militants in Gaza fire five rockets toward southern Israel. Israeli defenses intercept the rockets. In retaliation, Israeli air strikes target Hamas weapons and rocket sites in Gaza. No casualties are reported. Israel completes its withdrawal from Jenin by July 5.Gadi Zaig and staff, “Terror in Tel Aviv: At least nine wounded in stabbing, ramming attack,” Jerusalem Post, July 4, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-748809; “Hamas praises Tel Aviv terror attack as ‘heroic’ response to IDF operation in Jenin,” Times of Israel, July 4, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-praises-tel-aviv-terror-attack-as-heroic-response-to-idf-operation-in-jenin/; Rami Amichay, “Eight hurt in Palestinian car-ramming, stabbing in Tel Aviv,” Reuters, July 4, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/ten-hurt-suspected-palestinian-car-ramming-tel-aviv-israeli-media-2023-07-04/; Hadas Gold and Rob Picheta, “Israel ended a huge military operation in Jenin. Here’s what you need to know,” CNN, July 5, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/05/middleeast/jenin-israel-operations-explainer-mime-intl/index.html.
July 6: After his car is stopped by a security patrol at the West Bank settlement of Kedumim, a gunman opens fire, killing one. The assailant then flees his car on foot but is shot dead by security forces. The attacker is identified as Ahmed Yassin Ghaidan, from the village of Qibya. Hamas claims responsibility, calling the attack part of an ongoing response to the Jenin operation. Hamas warns Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who lives in Kedumim, that “the al-Qassam brigades almost knocked on your door.” Also, that day, Hamas and PIJ release a joint statement praising Palestinians’ “steadfastness” against Israeli forces in Jenin and calling for a “comprehensive national approach” to confront Israel.Fabian, “Hamas claims responsibility for deadly shooting near Kedumim, threatens Smotrich,” Times of Israel, July 6, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-claims-responsibility-for-deadly-shooting-near-kedumim-threatens-smotrich/; Hagar Shezaf, Yaniv Kubovich, Ido Efrati, and Jack Khoury, “Israeli Killed in West Bank Shooting Attack; Assailant Shot Dead,” Haaretz (Tel Aviv), July 6, 2023, https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-07-06/ty-article/man-seriously-injured-in-west-bank-terror-attack/00000189-2b41-dcb5-a5df-6f7537c00000; “Hamas, Islamic Jihad hail Palestinian resistance in Jenin,” Hamas, July 6, 2023, https://hamas.ps/en/post/4834/Hamas-Islamic-Jihad-hail-Palestinian-resistance-in-Jenin.
June 20, 2023: Two gunmen attack a restaurant and a gas station outside of the West Bank settlement of Eli, killing four and wounding four. The fatalities include at least one minor. One of the gunmen is shot dead by a civilian. The other gunman flees the scene, but security forces locate him shortly after and shoot him dead while he is reportedly resisting arrest. Hamas claims responsibility, calling the attack a response to an IDF operation the day before in Jenin.Yonah Jeremy Bob and staff, “Four dead in West Bank shooting attack, Hamas claims responsibility,” Jerusalem Post, June 20, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-746961; Ammar Awad, “Palestinian gunmen kill four Israelis in West Bank,” Reuters, June 21, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/palestinian-gunmen-kill-four-near-west-bank-israeli-settlement-emergency-2023-06-20/.
May 24, 2023: Israel’s Shin Bet security services announces it has foiled an attempted bus bombing in Hadera, in northern Israel, organized by Hamas. On April 2, police arrested Israeli-Arab citizen Muhammed Nadir Mahajneh, alleging the Qassam Brigades had recruited him a few months prior for a bus bombing in Hadera. Police found him in possession of “media used to communicate with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.” Mahajneh is charged with passing information to the enemy, membership in a terror group, and conspiracy to commit a terror act of murder under aggravated circumstances, among other charges. According to the Shin Bet, Mahajneh, due to financial pressure and mental distress, began to “adopt the ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood, and later decided that he wanted to commit jihad.” According to a May 9 indictment, Mahajneh looked at the military’s headquarters in Tel Aviv, as well as the adjacent Azrieli Mall and Sarona Market, as possible targets. According to the Shinbet, Mahajneh was likely recruited by the same Hamas network that had recruited Mohammad Amin Moslah and Mohammad Fayad Mahamid, who were arrested in January 2023 for plotting an attack.Emanuel Fabian, “Shin Bet says it foiled Hadera bus bombing by Umm al-Fahm man recruited by Hamas,” Times of Israel, last updated May 30, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/shin-bet-says-it-foiled-hadera-bus-bombing-by-umm-al-fahm-man-recruited-by-hamas/.
May 2023:
May 2: After imprisoned PIJ political leader Khader Adnan dies in Israeli custody, a coalition of Gaza militant groups launch at least 25 rockets toward southern Israel from Gaza, wounding at least three people. Israeli defenses intercept four rockets. PIJ and Hamas are among the groups to claim credit for the rockets. Adnan had been charged with links to an outlawed group and incitement to violence. He had announced a hunger strike and reportedly lost 88 pounds over 87 days prior to his death. Hamas condemns Adnan’s death as an assassination and offers its condolences to PIJ.Emily Rose, “Rockets fired from Gaza after Palestinian hunger striker dies in Israeli custody,” Reuters, May 2, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/palestinian-hunger-striker-khader-adnan-dies-israeli-prison-israel-says-2023-05-02/; “Hamas vehemently condemns assassination of Palestinian hunger striker Khadr Adnan by Israeli occupation,” Hamas, May 2, 2023, https://hamas.ps/en/post/4697/Hamas-vehemently-condemns-assassination-of-Palestinian-hunger-striker-Khadr-Adnan-by-Israeli-occupation; Ilan Ben Zion, “Prominent Palestinian hunger striker dies in Israeli custody,” Associated Press, May 2, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-hunger-strike-adnan-4b9c28fe71f66bab3a1583f1bddbab9c.
May 2-3: Palestinian militants launch at least 100 rockets toward Israel late on May 2, wounding a foreign worker at a construction site. In response, Israel strikes multiple Hamas targets in Gaza on May 3, killing one and wounding five. Qatar, Egypt, and the United Nations broker a ceasefire. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qasem thanks Palestinian militants for “confronting Israeli aggression and concluding the round of the conflict.” Haniyeh demands Israel return Adnan’s body to his family. After PIJ announces the ceasefire, spokesman Tariq Salmi declares, “One round of confrontation has ended, but the march of resistance continues and will not stop.”“Israeli airstrikes on Gaza kill Palestinian as violence ebbs,” Associated Press, May 3, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-prisoner-rockets-strikes-gaza-d2ee69d319d3b3211292cf60ebc02b14; Staff writer with Agence France-Presse, “Islamic Jihad Announces Truce After Gaza Rocket Fire,” Defense Post, May 3, 2023, https://www.thedefensepost.com/2023/05/03/islamic-jihad-truce-gaza/.
May 9: Israel launches Operation Shield and Arrow against PIJ in Gaza in response to the more than 100 rockets PIJ fired the week before. Airstrikes kill PIJ commanders Jihad Ghannam, Tareq Izzeldeen, and Khalil Al-Bahtini in Gaza. Ghannam and Izzeldeen allegedly orchestrated operations in the West Bank and sought to bring rockets to Jenin. Bahtini allegedly coordinated rocket fire during the previous week. The Israeli strikes also kill 10 civilians. A PIJ spokesman says Israel “must expect a response at any moment and anywhere.”Nidal Al-Mughrabi, “Israel kills three Islamic Jihad leaders, 10 civilians in Gaza,” Reuters, May 9, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-jets-strike-islamic-jihad-targets-gaza-military-2023-05-08/; Yaakov Lapin, “‘Operation Shield and Arrow’ seeks to re-establish Israeli deterrence,” Jewish News Syndicate, May 9, 2023, https://www.jns.org/operation-shield-and-arrow-seeks-to-reestablish-israeli-deterrence/.
May 10: Israel renews strikes against PIJ rocket sites in Gaza as militants fire hundreds of rockets from Gaza toward Israel. The southern Israeli towns of Sderot and Ashkelon each report two direct hits on residential buildings. No injuries are reported. Later in the evening, a rocket directly strikes a home in the Nir Am kibbutz near the Gaza border, causing structural damage. Israel says it has hit more than 130 PIJ targets, while Gaza militants have fired more than 400 rockets. Rocket alert sirens also sound in Tel Aviv, According to the Israeli government, approximately one-quarter of the rockets fired from Gaza have fallen short of Israel. The joint command of Hamas and PIJ claim responsibility for the rocket fire. A Hamas statement suggests it is participating in launching rockets at Israel, but Israeli military officials say they have not seen evidence of Hamas itself launching rockets. Israeli strikes specifically target PIJ and not Hamas. Egypt begins mediation, according to PIJ. Separately, two PIJ gunmen open fire on Israeli soldiers in the West Bank. The soldiers kill the gunmen, whom PIJ claims as members.Richard Allen Greene, Ibrahim Dahman, Hadas Gold, Abeer Salman, and Elliott Gotkine, “Hundreds of rockets fired at Israel amid deadly IDF airstrikes in Gaza,” CNN, last updated May 11, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/10/middleeast/israel-gaza-airstrikes-islamic-jihad-intl/index.html; Emanuel Fabian, “IDF targets Islamic Jihad rocket launch sites as it renews Gaza strikes,” Times of Israel, May 10, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-targets-islamic-jihad-rocket-launch-sites-as-it-renews-gaza-strikes; “Four direct rocket hits on southern Israel homes, no injuries reported,” Jerusalem Post, May 10, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-742670; Nidal Al-Mughrabi and Maayan Lubell, “Egypt starts mediating an end to Israel-Gaza strikes, rockets,” Reuters, May 10, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/two-palestinians-killed-by-israeli-forces-west-bank-palestinians-say-2023-05-10/.
May 11: Israel targets and kills PIJ Al-Quds Brigades commander Ali Hassan Ghali, who headed the Al-Quds Brigades’ rocket unit. According to PIJ, Ghali had co-founded the rocket unit and had more than 20 years’ experience with rockets. Israel also targets and kills Ahmed Abu Daqa, the deputy commander of PIJ’s rocket division. PIJ had fired at least 523 rockets toward Israel since May 9. Egypt sends envoys to Israel for ceasefire talks. Israel calls for an unconditional ceasefire, while PIJ calls for Israel to release Adnan’s body and cease targeted strikes against PIJ leaders. Despite the disagreement, both Israel and PIJ reportedly significantly decrease their attacks on each other as of 2:30 p.m. As of that point, PIJ had launched only 40 rockets and the IDF has struck only eight targets in Gaza since that morning. That evening, a rocket strikes a residential building in Rehovot, Israel, killing an elderly man and wounding five other people. It is the first Israeli fatality in the conflict. In the West Bank, gunmen shoot and wound an Israeli soldier in Tulkarm. IDF forces return fire, reportedly killing a 66-year-old man, according to Palestinian sources. The IDF arrests 25 people allegedly affiliated with PIJ.Elliott Gotkine, Ibrahim Dahman, Abeer Salman, Richard Allen Greene, and Sana Noor Haq, “Israeli airstrikes kill Islamic Jihad’s rocket commander, militants group says,” CNN, May 11, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/11/middleeast/israel-gaza-idf-airstrikes-intl/index.html; Yonah Jeremy Bob, “Islamic Jihad operative responsible for Sderot rockets killed in IDF targeted attack,” Jerusalem Post, May 11, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-742748; Lahav Harkov, “Egypt intensifies ceasefire efforts, sending envoys to Israel,” Jerusalem Post, May 11, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-742742; Nidal Al-Mughrabi and Dan Williams, “Israel kills senior Gaza commanders as rockets cause first death in Israel,” Reuters, May 11, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-kills-senior-gaza-commander-militants-fire-rockets-across-border-2023-05-11/.
May 12: Rockets strike empty homes in Sderot and Nir Am in southern Israel. No casualties are reported. A rocket lands near the Israeli West Bank settlement of Bat Ayin, about 10 miles south of Jerusalem. No injuries are reported. It is the first rocket to land near Jerusalem in the conflict. PIJ calls the attack near Jerusalem “a message” and “everyone should understand its aim.” Israel reportedly freezes ceasefire talks, telling the Egyptians it will not negotiate while under rocket fire. Israel strikes multiple PIJ targets in Gaza, including an underground rocket launcher and a military post. Israel announces a new wave of strikes against PIJ targets in Gaza, including against multiple homes in the northern Gaza city of Beit Lahiya, which Israel says are used by PIJ. According to Israel, PIJ has launched more than 850 rockets since May 9. Most have been intercepted or landed in open areas. Approximately one-fifth landed in Gaza, killing four people. Israeli airstrikes have hit 215 PIJ targets during that timeframe.“Gaza rockets hit near Jerusalem amid fresh attacks,” BBC News, May 12, 2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-65571023; “Official: Assassinations of Islamic Jihad top brass ‘also a message’ to Hamas, others,” Times of Israel, May 12, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-may-12-2023/.
May 13: Shrapnel from fallen PIJ rockets wounds three in Shokeda in southern Israel. One of the wounded later dies from his injuries. Two of the wounded, including the fatality, were Palestinians from Gaza in Israel with work permits. The Gaza-based Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) confirms some of the Gazans killed and wounded that week were hit by Palestinian rockets. Hamas accuses PCHR of a “lack of patriotism” and says the group is not authorized to draw those conclusions. Israel targets the Gaza apartment building of PIJ commander Mohammed Abu Al-Atta, who had reportedly left the building earlier to seek refuge in a hospital. PIJ fires dozens of rockets and promises a continued onslaught. An Egypt-negotiated ceasefire goes into effect at 10 p.m., though limited Palestinian rocket fire and Israelis strikes continue just past the deadline. According to PIJ, Israel agreed to halt targeted strikes against PIJ leaders. Israeli officials say quiet will be met with quiet.Khaled Abu Toameh, “One Gaza resident killed and one injured from Islamic Jihad rockets – report,” Jerusalem Post, May 13, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-742914; Tovah Lazaroff, Khaled Abu Toameh, and Yonah Jeremy Bob, “IDF strikes Hamas posts in Gaza in response to renewed rocket fire,” Jerusalem Post, last updated May 14, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-742947; Fares Akram and Josef Federman, “Israel and Islamic Jihad agree on cease-fire to end 5 days of fighting,” Associated Press, May 14, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-gaza-conflict-militants-rockets-airstrikes-a495136841d4d74af008f5eb3a401066.
May 14: Militants fire a rocket from Gaza in the afternoon. The rocket falls in an open area. In response, Israel strikes Hamas observation posts in northern Gaza. A member of the Joint Operations Rooms of the Palestinian Resistance Factions reportedly says the rocket fired because of a “technical defect” and the groups remain committed to the ceasefire. Senior PIJ official Mohammed al-Hindi says PIJ will hold the ceasefire as long as Israel does. Between May 9 and May 14, Israel had killed six senior PIJ leaders and struck 371 targets in Gaza. During that timeframe, PIJ launched more than 1,234 rockets, of which 221 fell inside Gaza. Israel intercepted approximately 373 rockets. Israel reported one fatality, while Palestinian sources report 34 Palestinian fatalities, including 15 civilians.Tovah Lazaroff, Khaled Abu Toameh, and Yonah Jeremy Bob, “IDF strikes Hamas posts in Gaza in response to renewed rocket fire,” Jerusalem Post, last updated May 14, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-742947.April 7, 2023: Palestinian gunmen drive up next to another car in the Hamra Israeli settlement in the West Bank’s Jordan Valley and open fire from the passenger window, killing two sisters and wounding their mother. The sisters are identified as 20-year-old Maia Dee and 15-year-old Rina Dee. Their mother, Lucy Dee, dies of her wounds on April 10. On May 4, a joint operation in Nablus by the IDF, the Shin Bet, Police SWAT, and border security teams kills Hassan Katan, Maad Mitzri, and Ibrahim Hura. Hamas members Katan and Mitzri were reportedly responsible for the Dee family’s murders. Hura was allegedly a key accomplice. A Palestinian bystander is also killed in the operation.Emanuel Fabian, “Lucy Dee dies of wounds three days after terror attack that killed her 2 daughters,” Times of Israel, April 10, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/lucy-dee-dies-of-wounds-three-days-after-terror-attack-that-killed-her-2-daughters/; Yonah Jeremy Bob, “IDF kills West Bank terrorists who murdered Dee sisters, mother,” Jerusalem Post, May 4, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-742041.
April 6-7, 2023: On April 6, Palestinian militants in Gaza and Lebanon launch at least 70 rockets toward Israel overnight. Militants launch at least 44 rockets from Gaza and at least 36 from Lebanon. One of the Gaza rockets falls on a home in Sderot, while 14 land in open areas. No injuries are reported. It is the first rocket strike from Lebanon since April 2022. On April 7, the IDF strikes multiple Hamas targets in Gaza and southern Lebanon. In Gaza, Israel strikes 10 Hamas targets, including tunnels and weapons facilities. In Lebanon, Lebanese media reports the strikes target the areas of al-Qulayla and the al-Rashidiah refugee camp, south of Tyre. No injuries are reported. Hamas condemns the Israeli counterstrikes as a reflection of “the brutality of the leadership of the fascist occupation, and its policies that threaten security and peace in the region by violating the sovereignty of brotherly Arab countries and the sanctity of Islamic and Christian sanctities, foremost of which is the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque.” The Lebanese army announces the discovery of a rocket launcher and multiple unlaunched rockets in the Marjayoun area, north of Metula. Hezbollah denies involvement in launching the rockets. However, Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem claims “the entire axis of resistance remains vigilant.” On April 8, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib accuses “Palestinian militias” of launching the rockets. Other Lebanese political leaders condemn Hamas’s use of Lebanon to launch attacks.Tzvi Joffre and staff, “IDF strikes Hamas targets in Gaza, Lebanon as over 44 rockets fired into Israel,” Jerusalem Post, April 7, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/gaza-news/article-738651; “Bassil condemns ‘non-Lebanese’ rockets fired from Lebanon,” Naharnet, April 12, 2023, https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/296853-bassil-condemns-non-lebanese-rockets-fired-from-lebanon; “Israel says more than 30 rockets fired from southern Lebanon,” Al Jazeera, April 6, 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/4/6/israel-intercepts-rocket-fired-from-southern-lebanon-military; “‘Saved by a miracle’: Israel rocket attack on Lebanon spurs fears,” Al Jazeera, April 11, 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/4/11/saved-by-a-miracle-israel-rocket-attack-on-lebanon-spurs-fears.
April 5, 2023: Palestinian militants fire 10 rockets toward southern Israel communities. One rocket strikes a factory in the Sderot industrial zone. Five rockets fall in open areas, while Israel’s Iron Dome defense system intercepts the remaining four. Israel launches retaliatory airstrikes in Gaza against two Hamas weapons manufacturing and storage sites, a military compound, and multiple military positions. Hamas does not claim responsibility for the rockets but calls them retaliation for a predawn Israeli raid earlier that day on Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque. During the raid, Israeli security forces searched for what they called masked agitators who had locked themselves inside the mosque with fireworks, sticks, and stones. More than 350 people who barricaded themselves inside the mosque were arrested. According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, 12 Palestinians were wounded.Nidal Al-Mughrabi and Sinan Abu Mayzer, “Cross-border rockets fired from Gaza after Israeli police raid Al-Aqsa mosque,” Reuters, April 5, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/cross-border-fire-gaza-after-israeli-police-raid-al-aqsa-mosque-2023-04-05/; Tzvi Joffre, “IAF strikes Gaza in response to rockets fired after al-Aqsa clashes,” Jerusalem Post, April 5, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/article-736440.
March 16, 2023: Undercover members of Israel’s Yamam counterterrorism unit come under fire in Jenin and engage in a shootout with Palestinian gunmen, killing four and wounding 23 others. No Israeli casualties are reported. Two of the dead gunmen are identified as wanted fugitives Nidal Khazem of PIJ and Yusuf Shreim of Hamas. PIJ and Hamas identify the two as senior members. Hamas identifies a second of the dead as one of its members and threatens the “cowardly assassination of two leaders of the resistance will not go unpunished.”Emanuel Fabian, “4 Palestinians, including terror group members, killed by Israeli troops in Jenin,” Times of Israel, March 16, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/4-palestinians-including-terror-group-members-killed-by-israeli-troops-in-jenin/; Abeer Salman and Hadas Gold, “At least 4 Palestinians killed in IDF operation in Jenin,” CNN, March 16, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/16/middleeast/idf-palestinians-jenin-intl/index.html.
March 9, 2023: Hamas gunman Muataz Khawaja wounds three people during an attack in central Tel Aviv at approximately 8:40 p.m. Police officers and armed civilians shoot and kill Khawaja. Hamas claims responsibility for the attack and says Khawaja was a member of the Qassam Brigades. Hamas calls the attack a response to clashes earlier that day during which Israeli forces killed three PIJ gunmen in the West Bank. In a statement, Hamas calls the attack “a response to the crimes of the occupation, which thought it could deter us and weaken our will.”Aaron Boxerman, “Tel Aviv Shooting Leaves Three Israelis Wounded as Hamas Claims Gunman as Member,” Wall Street Journal, March 9, 2023, https://www.wsj.com/articles/tel-aviv-shooting-leaves-three-wounded-as-hamas-claims-gunman-as-member-584e5953.
March 7-8, 2023: On March 7, Israeli forces raid a refugee camp in Jenin searching for the suspected assailant behind a fatal shooting of two Israeli brothers as they drove through the northern West Bank town of Hawara on February 26. Members of a loosely organized armed group called the Jenin brigade shoot and throw explosives at the soldiers outside of the suspect’s home. Six Palestinian men are shot and killed during ensuing clashes, while three Israelis are wounded. Palestinian militants also shoot down two Israeli drones over Jenin. Among the militants killed is Hamas member Abdul Fattah Kharushah, the suspect in the Hawara attack. Hamas claims Kharushah as a member but does not claim responsibility for the Hawara attack. During Kharushah’s March 8 funeral in Nablus, Palestinian Authority police throw teargas cannisters and flash grenades at Palestinian protesters chanting against the Palestinian Authority. According to PA security sources, Hamas members interrupt the funeral and grab the deceased body. A Palestinian security spokesman blames Hamas for turning the funeral into a protest against the PA, “instead of cursing the (Israeli) occupation that has committed crimes against our people.”Abeer Salman, Richard Allen Greene, and Ibrahim Dahman, “Six Palestinians, including suspected Hamas gunman, killed in Israeli raid,” CNN, March 7, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/07/middleeast/israel-jenin-west-bank-operation-intl/index.html; Majdi Mohammed and Isabel DeBre, “At least 6 Palestinians killed during Israeli West Bank raid,” Associated Press, March 7, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-west-bank-settlers-b4da6a22cd52d613176b44d0bf65ffc4; “Palestinian police fire tear gas, disperse militant funeral,” Associated Press, March 8, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-nablus-abbas-b2cd6fc6336dfd7448c3b53d9bcac759.
March 6, 2023: Israel’s Shin Bet security agency reveals it had recently arrested four Palestinians from the West Bank who had been coordinating with Hamas in Turkey. According to the Shin Bet, 24-year-old student Ahmed Mahmoud Abu Salah had been recently arrested after returning from studying abroad in Turkey. While in Turkey, Abu Salah allegedly met Hamas operatives who helped him recruit three other family members in the West Bank for an attack. Abu Salah reportedly received weapons and explosives training in Turkey and Syria before returning to the West Bank. Three other relatives of Abu Salah were also arrested for conspiring with Hamas.Emanuel Fabian, “Shin Bet says it busted Turkey-based Hamas ring planning attacks in Israel,” Times of Israel, March 6, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/shin-bet-says-it-busted-turkey-based-hamas-ring-planning-attacks-in-israel/.
February 11-12, 2023: On February 11, Palestinian militants in Gaza fire a rocket toward southern Israel. On February 12, Israel strikes an underground Hamas rocket factory in Gaza in retaliation.“IDF strikes Hamas underground rocket factory in Gaza Strip,” Jerusalem Post, February 13, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-731399.
February 6, 2023: During an Israeli arrest raid in the Aqbat Jabr refugee camp in Jericho, Israeli forces clash with gunmen from the Qassam Brigades. Five Hamas gunmen are killed. The Israelis were looking for two Hamas gunmen who had attempted a January 28 attack in an Israeli West Bank settlement and were allegedly planning more attacks while barricaded in a house in the camp. The Qassam Brigades says it will avenge the five gunmen killed in the raid.Ali Sawafta, “Five Palestinian militants dead in Israeli West Bank raid,” Reuters, February 6, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-forces-kill-several-armed-militants-raid-army-statement-2023-02-06/.
February 3, 2023: Israel’s Shin Bet security organization reveals it had recently arrested two Israeli-Arab Hamas operatives, Mohammad Amin Moslah and Mohammad Fayad Mahamid, who were planning a bombing inside Israel. According to the Shin Bet, the pair had been coordinating with Hamas to launch a bombing attack during Israel’s national election in December 2022, but Hamas wanted the attack to target civilians while the Israelis wanted it to target soldiers. The pair allegedly broke off contact with Hamas over the disagreement and sought to launch their own attack against a bus stop frequented by soldiers.“Israel’s Shin Bet reveals foiled Hamas terrorist plot,” Jerusalem Post, February 3, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/article-730502.
February 2, 2023: After Israel’s Iron Dome intercepts a rocket fired from Gaza toward Sderot in southern Israel, the Israeli air force launches strikes targeting Hamas chemical storage and weapons manufacturing sites in central Gaza. One Israeli woman is hurt falling while running toward a bomb shelter. Another 12 projectiles—including anti-aircraft missiles—are fired toward Israel but either explode in the air or crash in open areas in Israel. One projectile crashes inside Gaza. The National Resistance Brigades, the armed wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, claims responsibility for the second barrage. Hamas’s Qassam Brigades and another small faction both claim responsibility for firing anti-aircraft missiles. There are no reported casualties on either side during the second barrage or Israeli response. An IDF statement says the Israeli strike “deals a serious blow to Hamas’s ability to fortify and arm itself.”Emanuel Fabian, “Israel bombs Hamas sites in retaliatory Gaza strikes; rocket sirens sound in Sderot,” Times of Israel, February 2, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-launches-retaliatory-airstrikes-in-gaza-rocket-sirens-sound-in-sderot/.
January 28, 2023: Two Hamas gunmen attempt an attack at the Vered Yeriho settlement in the West Bank but escape without carrying out an attack after a weapon malfunction.Ali Sawafta, “Five Palestinian militants dead in Israeli West Bank raid,” Reuters, February 6, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-forces-kill-several-armed-militants-raid-army-statement-2023-02-06/.
January 26-27, 2023: On January 26, Israel’s Iron Dome intercepts two rockets from Gaza fired toward the Israeli city of Ashkelon. Early on January 27, Israel launches a retaliatory strike against an underground rocket production facility and a “significant” military camp belonging to Hamas in the central and northern Gaza Strip. Palestinian militants launch an additional five rockets toward Israel during the airstrikes. Israeli parliamentarian Almog Cohen calls for a “disproportionate” response to Hamas for the rocket fire.“IDF targets Hamas sites in Gaza in response to rocket fire,” Jerusalem Post, January 27, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-729787.
June 18, 2022: Militants in Gaza fire a rocket toward Ashkelon in southern Israel, which the Israeli military intercepts. Israel blames Hamas for launching the rocket and launches retaliatory strikes against multiple Hamas targets in Gaza. No casualties are reported on either side. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem declines comment on the rocket fired from Gaza and directs reports to Hamas’s armed wing, which also declines comment. Hazzem calls the Israeli airstrikes a “helpless attempt to end the revolutionary actions spreading across Palestine.” Following the Israeli airstrikes, Hamas raises its flag at an observation post near the Gaza border overlooking the Israeli town of Netiv Ha’asara.“Palestinian rocket fire draws Israeli air strikes in Gaza,” Reuters, June 18, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/palestinian-rocket-fire-draws-israeli-air-strikes-gaza-2022-06-18/; Emanuel Fabian and staff, “After IDF strike, Hamas defiantly raises flag at post overlooking Gaza border town,” Times of Israel, June 18, 2022, https://www.timesofisrael.com/terrorists-watching-us-hamas-lookout-hit-by-idf-had-long-worried-border-residents/.
May 24, 2022: Israel charges five Palestinian Jerusalem residents with multiple terrorism offenses for belonging to a West Bank Hamas cell the Shin Bet arrested in April. Led by prominent Hamas operative and east Jerusalem resident Rashid Rashak, cell members Mansour Safadi, Safian Ajlouni, Hamza Abu Naab, and Mohammed Salima allegedly planned to kill Israeli rightwing politician Itamar Ben Gvir, kidnap soldiers, and bomb Jerusalem’s light rail. According to the Shin Bet, Rashak had set up a network of supports to foment unrest in Jerusalem’s Old City and contributed to recent violence in the city. During the April arrests, the Shin Bet seized a drone allegedly intended to be used to attack the light rail.Raffi Berg, “Israel says Hamas plot to kill prominent politician in Jerusalem thwarted,” BBC News, May 24, 2022, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-61562543; Emanuel Fabian, “Shin Bet foils Hamas plot to assassinate MK Ben Gvir, bomb Jerusalem rail with drone,” Times of Israel, May 24, 2022, https://www.timesofisrael.com/shin-bet-foils-hamas-plot-to-assassinate-mk-ben-gvir-bomb-jerusalem-rail-with-drone/.
April 2022:
April 14: Hamas issues a call for Palestinians to mobilize at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem to “protect it from the colonial settler extremist groups” allegedly planning to hold animal sacrifices there over the Passover holiday.“Hamas calls for popular mobilization to thwart Zionist “animal slaughter” at Al-Aqsa,” Hamas, April 14, 2022, https://hamas.ps/en/post/3997/Hamas-calls-for-popular-mobilization-to-thwart-Zionist-animal-slaughter-at-Al-Aqsa.
April 15: Israeli police storm the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, after reportedly coming under attack from fireworks and stones. Police clash with stone-throwing protesters and arrest more than 400 people. Hamas calls for “popular mobilization” at the mosque against Israel.“Hamas calls for popular mobilization to defend Al-Aqsa Mosque,” Hamas, April 15, 2022, https://hamas.ps/en/post/4000/Hamas-calls-for-popular-mobilization-to-defend-Al-Aqsa-Mosque; “Jerusalem: Over 150 hurt in clashes at al-Aqsa Mosque compound,” BBC News, April 15, 2022, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-61105497.
April 17: During the convergence of Easter Sunday, Passover, and Ramadan, a group of Israeli rightwing activists gather at the Temple Mount and Israeli police enter the compound in response to ensuing clashes and further allegations of Palestinians storing weapons in the mosque. Hamas condemns Israel for attacking Palestinian worshippers.“Hamas condemns attacking Palestinian worshippers at Al-Aqsa,” Hamas, April 17, 2022, https://hamas.ps/en/post/4006/Hamas-condemns-attacking-Palestinian-worshippers-at-Al-Aqsa; “Tensions flare as Israeli police enter Al-Aqsa Mosque again,” Al Jazeera, April 17, 2022, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/17/israel-police-enter-al-aqsa-mosque-arrest-two.
April 18: Israel’s Iron Dome defense system intercepts a rocket launched from Gaza. Neither Hamas nor PIJ claim responsibility for the attack.Joseph Krauss, “Gaza militants fire rocket into Israel as tensions soar,” Associated Press, April 18, 2022, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-jerusalem-israel-west-bank-d7a308e3c0872ac01a51d745626e7303; “Jerusalem Calms After Israeli-Palestinian Clashes at Holy Site,” New York Times, April 19, 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/04/15/world/jerusalem-al-aqsa-mosque#al-aqsa-mosque-clashes.
April 19: Israeli jets strike a Hamas “weapons manufacturing site” in Gaza. There are no reported casualties. Media reports circulate of PIJ fighters preparing underground tunnels for incursions into Israel. A PIJ official tells Agence France-Presse the group has defensive and offensive tunnel systems for use in “taking Israeli soldiers captive, repelling Israeli ground offensives and carrying out various field operations.” Thanking Iran, PIJ spokesman Abu Hamza says PIJ has replenished its supply of rockets since the May 2021 conflict with Israel. Hamas publishes video of its members firing surface-to-air missiles at Israeli jets the night before. Israel reports the missiles caused no damage.Agence France-Presse, “Gaza militants prepare tunnels as next conflict looms,” France 24, April 19, 2022, https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220419-gaza-militants-prepare-tunnels-as-next-conflict-looms; Emanuel Fabian, “Hamas shows off attempt to knock down Israeli jets,” Times of Israel, April 19, 2022, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-shows-off-attempt-to-knock-down-israeli-jets/.
April 20-21: During a meeting of Hamas leaders, Sinwar calls for the prevention of “independent” initiatives such as the April 18 rocket attack. Sinwar says any action must be coordinated by all of Gaza’s factions as well as its political leadership. Israeli police stop a group of Israeli rightwing activists from marching through Jerusalem’s Old City. Hamas calls the march a provocation. At approximately 10:30 p.m., militants in Gaza launch a rocket toward the southern Israeli town of Sderot, striking a parked car and a wall near a home. There are no reported casualties. Israel’s Iron Dome system intercepts antiaircraft fire. After midnight, Israeli jets target a Hamas air defense military post and an underground site used for the storage of chemical materials for rocket engines. Later in the morning, Gaza militants attempt to launch another rocket into Israel but it lands inside Gaza. No groups claim responsibility for the overnight rockets but Israeli security officials reportedly suspect PIJ. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qasim says the Israeli strikes will only increase Hamas’s support for “our people in Jerusalem, and the protection of our holy sites, no matter the cost.”Jack Koury, “Hamas Asks Gaza Factions to Avoid ‘Independent’ Rocket Fire at Israel, Sources Say,” Haaretz (Tel Aviv), April 19, 2022, https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/palestinians/.premium-hamas-asks-gaza-factions-to-avoid-independet-rocket-fire-at-israel-sources-say-1.10751678; Dov Lieber, Anas Baba, and Fatima AbdulKarim, “Israel Airstrikes Target Gaza After Rocket Fire Amid Jerusalem Tensions,” Wall Street Journal, April 21, 2022, https://www.wsj.com/articles/israeli-police-block-jewish-marchers-from-jerusalem-flashpoints-11650478517; Emanuel Fabian and staff, “IDF hits Hamas sites during pair of overnight raids in response to Gaza rocket fire,” Times of Israel, April 21, 2022, https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-said-to-strike-hamas-targets-in-gaza-in-response-to-second-rocket-in-48-hours/.
April 22: Militants fire two rockets from Gaza toward southern Israel. One of the rockets lands near a residential building in northern Gaza while the second reaches Israeli territory but causes no damage. On April 24, Israel closes the main Erez Crossing between Gaza and Israel to pressure Hamas to rein in militants. Hamas condemns the move as collective punishment.Rina Bassist, “Rockets launched at Israel from Lebanon, Gaza,” Al-Monitor, April 25, 2022, https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2022/04/rockets-launched-israel-lebanon-gaza; Steve Hendrix and Sarah Dadouch, “Israel shells Lebanon after rocket attack in western Galilee,” Washington Post, April 25, 2022, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/04/25/israel-rocket-lebanon-aqsa-palestinian-jerusalem-galilee-unrest/.
April 24-25: At night on April 24, unidentified militants fire a rocket from Lebanon into Israel. The rocket lands in an open area near Kibbutz Matzuva, close to the border, without causing damage or injuries. The Israeli army responds by launching dozens of artillery shells into southern Lebanon on April 25. UNIFIL calls for restraint on both sides. There are no claims of responsibility for the Lebanese rocket fire, but Israeli military sources suspect Palestinian factions in Lebanon. Some officials specifically accuse Hamas of orchestrating the Lebanese rocket as well as other recent violence emanating from Gaza and the West Bank. Israeli officials accuse Hamas’s military leadership abroad of encouraging shooting and stabbing attacks in the West Bank.Amos Harel, “Analysis | Hamas Likely Behind the Rocket Fire From Lebanon to Israel. A Wide-scale Conflict Is Still Far Off,” Haaretz (Tel Aviv), April 25, 2022, https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.HIGHLIGHT-hamas-likely-behind-lebanon-rocket-fire-to-israel-a-major-conflict-is-still-far-off-1.10761870; Emanuel Fabian and staff, “IDF fires dozens of shells at targets in Lebanon after rocket attack on Israel,” Times of Israel, April 25, 2022, https://www.timesofisrael.com/explosion-heard-near-northern-border-amid-reports-of-rocket-fired-from-lebanon/; “UNIFIL STATEMENT ON ROCKET AND RETURN FIRE ON 25 APRIL 2022,” UNIFIL, April 25, 2022, https://unifil.unmissions.org/unifil-statement-rocket-and-return-fire-25-april-2022; Rina Bassist, “Rockets launched at Israel from Lebanon, Gaza,” Al-Monitor, April 25, 2022, https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2022/04/rockets-launched-israel-lebanon-gaza.
April 29: Two Palestinian men approach the western entrance to the West Bank settlement of Ariel in a Suzuki with Israeli license plates. The two men exit the vehicle and begin firing submachine guns at a security guard who uses his body to shield his fiancée, who is also on guard duty. One of the attackers then stabs the guard before they drive away. The security guard, identified as 23-year-old Vyacheslav Golev, dies from his wounds. Hamas, PIJ, and Hezbollah praise the attack. On April 30, a video allegedly produced by the Fatah-affiliated al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades circulates the Internet, claiming responsibility while authorities do not confirm the video’s authenticity. Palestinian media identifies the attackers as Yousef Assi and Yahya Marei. Israeli forces arrest the two on April 30 in the West Bank town of Qarawat Bani Hassan. That day, Sinwar calls on Palestinians to ready their rifles or—if they do not have guns—cleavers, axes, and knives. On May 2, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades claims responsibility for the Ariel attack and identifies Assi and Marei as members. Hamas promises more attacks.Anna Ahronheim, “Security forces catch Palestinian terrorists who killed guard outside Ariel,” Jerusalem Post, last updated May 1, 2022, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-705500; Aaron Boxerman, “Hamas claims deadly Ariel terror shooting, vows it ‘won’t be the last,’” Times of Israel, May 2, 2022, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-claims-ariel-terror-shooting-vows-it-wont-be-the-last/; Khaled Abu Toameh, “Terror groups laud Ariel ‘heroic operation,’ call for escalating attacks,” Jerusalem Post, April 30, 2022, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-705537; “Israel said to threaten Hamas chief Sinwar as calls for his head grow louder,” Times of Israel, May 6, 2022, https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-said-to-threaten-action-against-hamas-chief-sinwar-over-terror-cheerleading/.March 31, 2022: In response to a widescale Israeli anti-terrorism operation in the West Bank, Hamas threatens to meet “escalation with escalation” and warns of a “comprehensive explosion.” The Israeli operations followed multiple terror attacks over the course of two weeks that killed 11 Israelis.Aaron Boxerman and Emanuel Fabian, “Hamas threatens to ramp up violence after Palestinian gunmen killed in IDF raid,” Times of Israel, March 31, 2022, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-threatens-to-ramp-up-violence-after-palestinian-gunmen-killed-in-idf-raid/.
March 18, 2022: Israel indicts four east Jerusalem residents with suspected links to Hamas. One suspect is arrested with approximately $155,000 in cash, vehicles, and other assets seized, as well as the freezing of bank accounts belonging to the Jerusalem charity Lajnat Zakat al-Quds, which is suspected of funneling money to Hamas. One of the accused, Khaled Sabah, was appointed in 2019 by senior Hamas officials in Turkey as the terror group’s treasurer in Jerusalem, according to the indictment. Sabah and his sons, Musab and Munib Sabah, allegedly conducted firearms training in Turkey in preparation for a potential attack.Emanuel Fabian, “4 East Jerusalem residents charged with Hamas ties, planning attacks during Ramadan,” Times of Israel, March 19, 2022, https://www.timesofisrael.com/4-east-jerusalem-residents-charged-with-hamas-ties-planning-attacks-during-ramadan/.
March 7, 2022: A knife-wielding assailant stabs and wounds two Israeli police officers on the Temple Mount. The officers shoot and kill the attacker. Hamas claims responsibility.“Two police officers injured in stabbing attack near Temple Mount,” Jerusalem Post, March 7, 2022, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-700582.
January 1, 2022: Militants in Gaza launch two rockets toward the Mediterranean Sea, which explode off the coast of Tel Aviv. Palestinian armed factions in Gaza claim inclement weather caused the rockets to inadvertently launch. PIJ reportedly evacuates in Gaza and raises its alert level in preparation for Israeli retaliation. Israel launches retaliatory airstrikes against Hamas security posts and a training camp. Hamas’s Aqsa TV reports militants fired two surface-to-air missiles toward Israeli planes in retaliation for the airstrikes. Israel’s military confirms the launch of one missile at one of its planes but reports it did not inflict damage. There are no casualties reported on either side.“Palestinian rockets explode off Tel Aviv coast, military says,” Reuters, January 2, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/palestinian-rockets-explode-off-tel-aviv-coast-military-says-2022-01-01/; Emanuel Fabian and staff, “Islamic Jihad said on alert, evacuates bases after Gaza rockets land off Tel Aviv,” Times of Israel, January 1, 2022, https://www.timesofisrael.com/islamic-jihad-said-on-alert-evacuates-bases-after-gaza-rockets-land-off-tel-aviv/.
December 29, 2021: Gunfire from Gaza wounds an Israeli civilian contractor near Kibbutz Nahal Oz in southern Israel near the Gaza security fence. The Israeli military returns tank fire toward Hamas outposts in Gaza, wounding three.“Palestinian rockets explode off Tel Aviv coast, military says,” Reuters, January 2, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/palestinian-rockets-explode-off-tel-aviv-coast-military-says-2022-01-01/; Ilan Ben Zion, “Israel strikes Gaza after gunfire wounds civilian near fence,” Associated Press, December 29, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/business-gaza-strip-middle-east-mahmoud-abbas-west-bank-6fdf1b036aeaaf9d46701ca60643d52c; “Israeli civilian injured by gunfire from Gaza; IDF shells Hamas posts in response,” Times of Israel, December 29, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-civilian-injured-by-gunfire-from-gaza-idf-shells-hamas-posts-in-response/.
December 28, 2021: Media reports emerge of a joint PIJ and Hamas week-long joint military drill, called “Rukn a-Shadid 2,” to practice confronting Israeli forces. According to Palestinian media reports, the drills are meant to “convey political and military messages to Israel and the other mediators” that Hamas and other Gaza terror groups are losing patience with efforts to reach a long-term ceasefire with Israel. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and the Popular Resistance Committees also participate in the drills.Shahar Klaiman, “Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad stage military drill in Gaza,” Jewish News Syndicate, December 28, 2021, https://www.jns.org/hamas-palestinian-islamic-jihad-stage-military-drill-in-gaza/.
December 10, 2021: An alleged Hamas weapons cache in the Burj Shamali Palestinian refugee camp in Tyre, Lebanon, explodes. There are conflicting reports of casualties. The state-run National News Agency reports an unspecified number of deaths, while other reports say there are up to 12 people killed and 12 wounded. Reuters reports 12 people are wounded but also that there are no fatalities, according to local media and civil defense workers on the scene, as well as a security source. The state prosecutor in southern Lebanon asks security agencies and arms experts to inspect the arms storage site. A Palestinian official denies there were weapons stored in the camp. The following day, a Hamas representative tells the Lebanese Al-Akhbar newspaper the weapons were for “defense” and the explosion was caused by a fire. A Hamas statement says the fire was caused by an electrical fault in a warehouse containing oxygen and gas cylinders for coronavirus patients, as well as detergents and disinfectants. According to resident reports, a fire started in a diesel tanker and spread to a nearby mosque controlled by Hamas, triggering the explosion of weapons stored inside.“Statement on warehouse blast in Lebanon’s Palestinian refugee camp,” Hamas, December 11, 2021, https://hamas.ps/en/post/3789/Statement-on-warehouse-blast-in-Lebanon-s-Palestinian-refugee-camp; “Blast in Palestinian camp in south Lebanon injures about a dozen,” Reuters, December 11, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/explosion-rocks-south-lebanon-palestinian-camp-2021-12-10/; “Hamas source says weapons cache that exploded in southern Lebanon was ‘for defense,’” Times of Israel, December 11, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-says-weapons-cache-that-exploded-in-southern-lebanon-was-for-defense/; Emanuel Fabian and agencies, “Several killed as explosions rock alleged Hamas weapons cache in southern Lebanon,” Times of Israel, December 10, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/explosions-rock-alleged-hamas-weapons-cache-in-southern-lebanon/?fbclid=IwAR2DuPGYE-8CzA1QfbNkIwUvJL3xHFfAvrDZtcBEaug7R04xydot-4h9YJA.
November 21, 2021: Hamas member Sheikh Fadi Abu Shkhaydam starts shooting at the Chain Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City, killing one and wounding four before police shoot and kill him. Abu Shkhaydam was known around Jerusalem for sermons and protests against Jewish tour groups at the Western Wall compound. Some people reportedly referred to him as a senior Hamas official in Jerusalem. Hamas praises the “heroic Jerusalem operation” and refers to Abu Shkhaydam as a “heroic martyr.” According to Israeli security, Shkhaydam had visited Turkey prior to the attack and allegedly received instructions from Hamas leaders in that country. Abu Shkhaydam’s family denies he had met with Hamas in Turkey, instead claiming he had gone to visit his son who is studying in the country. On February 1, 2022, Israel demolishes Abu Shkhaydam’s family home in the Shuafat refugee camp in east Jerusalem while the camp’s residents throw stones at Israeli security forces. Hamas condemns the demolition as an act of “thuggery” and praises the ensuing violent confrontation with Israeli security forces. Hamas pledges to continue “resistance by all means.”Anna Ahronheim and Eliav Breuer, “One dead, four injured in terrorist attack in Jerusalem’s Old City,” Jerusalem Post, November 21, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/terrorist-attack-reported-at-jerusalems-old-city-685571; Khaled Abu Toameh, “Who was the Islamic ‘scholar’ who carried out the Jerusalem attack?,” Jerusalem Post, November 22, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/who-was-the-islamic-scholar-who-carried-out-the-jerusalem-attack-685588?_ga=2.208174480.369480656.1636311589-1969581575.1579377799&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Who+was+the+Islamic++scholar++who+carried+out+the+Jerusalem+attack%3F&utm_campaign=November+21%2C+2021+Night; “Joint press statement by Hamas Movement and Popular Front for Liberation of Palestine,” Hamas, November 22, 2021, https://hamas.ps/en/post/3740/Joint-press-statement-by-Hamas-Movement-and-Popular-Front-for-Liberation-of-Palestine; Rina Bassist, “Israel calls on Ankara to close Hamas offices in Turkey,” Al-Monitor, November 23, 2021, https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/11/israel-calls-ankara-close-hamas-offices-turkey; Mohammed Hamada, “Statement on demolishing home of martyr Abu Shkhaydam,” Hamas, February 1, 2022, https://hamas.ps/en/post/3898/Statement-on-demolishing-home-of-martyr-Abu-Shkhaydam; Agence France-Presse, “Israeli forces destroy home of Palestinian assailant,” France 24, February 1, 2022, https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220201-israeli-forces-destroy-home-of-palestinian-assailant.
November 9, 2021: A Hamas military court sentences two Gazans to death by hanging for collaborating with Israel. According to human rights groups, Hamas has sentenced more than 130 people to death and executed approximately 25 since it took over Gaza in 2007.Aaron Boxerman, “Hamas hands death sentence to two alleged collaborators with Israel,” Times of Israel, November 9, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-hands-death-sentence-to-two-alleged-collaborators-with-israel/.
September 26, 2021: Israeli forces launch five arrest raids on Hamas cells in the West Bank. During ensuing firefights, two Israeli soldiers are critically wounded while five Hamas militants are killed. Hamas acknowledges four of its operatives were killed and calls on Palestinians in the West Bank to Hamas called on Palestinians in the West Bank “to escalate resistance against the occupier in all areas.”Ali Sawafta and Rami Ayyub, “Israeli troops kill five Hamas gunmen in West Bank raids: military,” Reuters, September 26, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-forces-kill-4-palestinians-west-bank-raids-palestinian-health-ministry-2021-09-26/.
September 6-10, 2021: On September 6, six prisoners escape from Israel’s high-security Gilboa Prison using an underground tunnel they dug from the floor of a cell. Among the escapees are five members of PIJ. The sixth escapee is identified as Zakaria Zubeidi, a member of the Fatah-affiliated Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade. PIJ, Hamas, and Fatah praise the escape of the “heroes” from Gilboa. On September 7, militants in Gaza launch incendiary balloons into Israel in support of the escaped prisoners. In response, Israeli airstrikes target a Hamas rocket workshop and a military compound in Gaza. On September 10, Hamas declares a “Day of Rage” in support of the prisoners. Hamas’s Ismail Radwan says the group “will not rest” until all Palestinian prisoners are free.“Six Palestinian prisoners escape Israeli jail through tunnel,” BBC News, September 6, 2021, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-58460702; Khaled Abu Toameh, “Gilboa Prison escapees: The ‘sheriff’ of Jenin and the ‘emir’ of Islamic Jihad,” Jerusalem Post, September 8, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/gilboa-prison-escapees-the-sheriff-of-jenin-and-the-emir-of-islamic-jihad-678846; Laurie Kellman, “Israel strikes Gaza as Palestinians celebrate prison break,” Associated Press, September 7, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-business-israel-hamas-israel-palestinian-conflict-32e270ef175bf3518b31cfb3d20b6a75; “Army, police on high alert for Hamas ‘day of rage’ in support of escapees,” Times of Israel, September 10, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/army-police-on-high-alert-as-hamas-calls-day-of-rage-to-support-escapees/; “Day of Rage: ‘We will not rest until prisoners are free’ – Hamas,” Jerusalem Post, September 10, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/day-of-rage-we-will-not-rest-until-prisoners-are-free-hamas-679137.
September 4, 2021: Hamas launches more than a dozen incendiary balloons into Israel. A Hamas spokesman says the group is determined to “break the siege,” referring to the Egyptian-Israeli blockade of Gaza.“Hamas operatives launch incendiary balloons into Israel,” Associated Press, September 4, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/technology-middle-east-africa-israel-hamas-6538690359c8de18ef78d34139d05535.
August 28-29, 2021: Hundreds of Palestinians march to the Gaza-Israel border to protest the blockade of the coastal strip. During the protests, armed groups in Gaza launch incendiary balloons into Israel. On August 29, Israel strikes target a Hamas weapons manufacturing complex and a suspected Hamas tunnel.“Israel bombs Hamas sites in Gaza over fire balloons – military,” Reuters, August 29, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-bombs-hamas-sites-gaza-over-fire-balloons-military-2021-08-29/.
August 21-23, 2021: On August 21, gunmen in Gaza fire toward the Israeli border, wounding an Israeli border patrol officer who dies of his injuries a week later. Israel launches airstrikes against Hamas targets in Gaza. On August 22, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett says Israel will settle the score with anyone who attacks its soldiers. On August 23, Egypt indefinitely closes its border to Gaza, citing security concerns.“Egypt closes Rafah border crossing to Gaza after Israel-Hamas escalation,” Jerusalem Post, August 23, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/egypt-closes-rafah-border-crossing-to-gaza-strip-report-677450; Michael Starr and Tal Spungin, “Border policeman dies from Gaza riot shooting injury,” Jerusalem Post, August 30, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/border-policeman-dies-from-gaza-riot-shooting-injury-677482.
August 12, 2021: Human Rights Watch issues a report accusing Hamas of committing war crimes during its May 2021 conflict with Israel by indiscriminately “launching thousands of unguided rockets towards Israeli cities.” Human Rights Watch also concludes a Hamas rocket fell short during the conflict and killed seven civilians in Gaza.Ilan Ben Zion, “Rights group says Hamas rockets at Israel a clear war crime,” Associated Press, August 12, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-business-israel-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-1032a5117375ba8c0cdffbdd62ce02ad.
August 6, 2021: Gaza militants launch incendiary balloons into southern Israel, causing at least four brushfires in Israel near the Gaza border. On August 7, Israel launches airstrikes against a Hamas rocket launching site and a Hamas compound. There are no reports of damage or casualties from the Israeli strikes.“Israel strikes Hamas sites in Gaza in response to fire balloons – military,” Reuters, August 7, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-strikes-hamas-sites-gaza-response-fire-balloons-military-2021-08-07/.
July 25, 2021: Hamas-linked militants launch incendiary balloons into southern Israel, causing multiple fires. “Time is running out” is written on one of the balloons. In response, Israel launches airstrikes against multiple buildings in a Hamas military base in Gaza “adjacent to civilian sites, including a school,” according to the IDF. The Israeli military also targets “infrastructure and utilities used for activities” of Hamas. Israel also reduces Gaza’s fishing zone by half from 12 to six miles. “Further restrictions on Gaza will only generate an explosion in the face of the occupation,” Hamas spokesperson Abd al-Latif al-Qanou threatens “an explosion in the face of the occupation” if Israel further tightens restrictions on Gaza.Aaron Boxerman and Judah Ari Gross, “IDF strikes Gaza after incendiary balloons spark fires in south,” Times of Israel, July 25, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-strikes-gaza-after-incendiary-balloons-spark-fires-in-south/; Edmund DeMarche, “Israel says it struck Hamas military base after arson balloon launch,” Fox News, July 26, 2021, https://www.foxnews.com/world/israel-says-it-struck-hamas-military-base-after-arson-balloon-launch; Aaron Boxerman and Judah Ari Gross, “Israel restricts Gaza fishing zone after arson balloons spark fires in south,” Times of Israel, July 25, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/gaza-arson-balloons-spark-3-fires-in-south-in-first-attack-in-weeks/.
July 25, 2021: Hamas police raid the al-Nuseirat Refugee Camp in Gaza’s Deir al-Balah and allegedly beat 27-year-old Imad Tawil. According to the Independent Commission for Human Rights, Tawil complains of chest pains a half hour after he is beaten and is taken to a hospital where he later dies. The European Union and Palestinian rights groups condemn the incident and call for an independent investigation.Aaron Boxerman, “EU ‘appalled’ by alleged killing of 2 Gazans by Hamas security forces,” Times of Israel, July 27, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/eu-appalled-by-alleged-killing-of-2-gazans-by-hamas-security-forces/.
July 23, 2021: Hamas security forces fire on a car allegedly speeding through a security checkpoint in Gaza City, killing one of two passengers. The Hamas-run Interior Ministry says the security forces fired two warning shots at the vehicle when it did not slow down as it approached the checkpoint. Passenger Hassan Abu Zayed is wounded in the car and taken to a hospital where he dies of his wounds. A doctor contracted by the Independent Commission for Human Rights says there are discrepancies in the Hamas account of the incident. The European Union and Palestinian rights groups condemn the incident and call for an independent investigation.Aaron Boxerman, “EU ‘appalled’ by alleged killing of 2 Gazans by Hamas security forces,” Times of Israel, July 27, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/eu-appalled-by-alleged-killing-of-2-gazans-by-hamas-security-forces/.
July 22, 2021: An explosion at a weapons storage facility in a multi-story home in Gaza City’s Al-Zawiya market kills one and wounds 14, including six children. The explosion damages neighboring homes and shops. Initial reports say the weapons facility belongs to PIJ, which issues a statement it will “rise up to its responsibilities” after the explosion. Later reports claim the facility belongs to Hamas. Palestinian NGOs in Gaza call for a thorough investigation and for Hamas and other groups to cease storing weapons in civilian areas. Palestinian writer Fadel Al-Manasfeh says Hamas uses popular markets for its ammunition warehouses because it knows Israel does not target such places.Tzvi Joffre, “1 killed, 10 injured in explosion at Gaza City market,” Jerusalem Post, July 22, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/explosion-at-market-in-gaza-city-injuries-reported-674567; Khaled Abu Toameh, “Palestinians accuse Hamas of storing weapons in residential areas,” Jerusalem Post, July 24, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/palestinians-accuse-hamas-of-storing-weapons-in-residential-areas-674793.
June 2021: Ahead of a planned June 15 ultranationalist Israeli march in Jerusalem’s Old City, Hamas calls on Palestinians to show “valiant resistance” and “rise up in the face of the occupier and resist it by all means to stop its crimes and arrogance.” The march was originally scheduled for Jerusalem Day on May 10 but postponed because of the Gaza conflict. A Hamas spokesman calls the planned march “like an explosive that will cause a new campaign to protect Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque to ignite.” Egypt reportedly requests Hamas not cause an escalation that would embarrass Cairo. Hamas responds all options remain on the table, but escalation could be avoided “if the event doesn’t get out of control.”Patrick Kingsley, Isabel Kershner, and Adam Rasgon, “Israeli Aircraft Bomb Gaza Just Days Into New Government,” New York Times, June 16, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/15/world/middleeast/israel-coalition-hamas.html; Ilan Ben Zion, “Israeli airstrikes target Gaza sites, first since cease-fire,” Associated Press, June 16, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/jerusalem-israel-middle-east-israel-palestinian-conflict-9a3a1cb047227999330dd44bb080e6c8; “Incendiary balloons from Gaza spark fires in south ahead of Jerusalem flag march,” Times of Israel, last updated June 16, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/incendiary-balloons-from-gaza-spark-fires-in-south-ahead-of-jerusalem-flag-march/.
June 17: Hamas continues to send incendiary balloons into Israel, claiming they are a legitimate “popular action” against Israel and should not be considered a ceasefire violation. The balloons start at least eight fires in southern Israel’s Eshkol and Sha’ar Hanegev regions. Moussa Abu Marzouk says Hamas could further escalate, but Hamas limits its strikes to the incendiary balloons. Israel targets Hamas rocket launcher sites and other military targets overnight. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Aviv Kohavi warns Israeli military officials to prepare for another round of fighting with Hamas.Patrick Kingsley, Adam Rasgon, and Isabel Kershner, “Israel and Hamas Scale Down the Conflict, Avoiding Another War,” New York Times, June 17, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/16/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-gaza-cease-fire.html; “Gaza incendiary balloons spark 8 fires in Israel as assault from Strip continues,” Times of Israel, June 17, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/gaza-incendiary-balloons-spark-8-fires-in-israel-as-assault-from-strip-continues/; Judah Ari Gross, “IDF hits Hamas sites across Gaza after arson attacks; warning sirens near border,” Times of Israel, June 17, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-strikes-hamas-sites-in-gaza-in-response-to-arson-attacks-report/; Edmund DeMarche, “Top Israeli military official warns about renewed fighting with Hamas: report,” Fox News, June 18, 2021, https://www.foxnews.com/world/top-israeli-military-official-warns-about-renewed-fighting-with-hamas-report.
June 15-16: Israeli soldiers clash with Palestinian protesters along the Gaza border. In Jerusalem, the march proceeds as planned as hundreds of Israeli ultranationalists parade through the Old City chanting nationalist slogans. Some also chant “Death to Arabs,” which the Israeli government condemns. At the same time, Hamas launches incendiary balloons into southern Israel from Gaza, causing at least 20 fires. It is Hamas’s first cross-border attack since a ceasefire ended 11 days of fighting in May. In response, Israel launches airstrikes against Hamas targets in the coastal strip on June 16. Israel claims to strike Hamas “military compounds … used as facilities and meeting sites for terror operatives” in Hamas’s Khan Younis and Gaza Brigades. Palestinian media report some property damage but no casualties from the strikes. Hamas incendiary balloons start at least 24 fires. According to Egyptian mediators, Hamas is not interested in a major escalation.Patrick Kingsley, Isabel Kershner, and Adam Rasgon, “Israeli Aircraft Bomb Gaza Just Days Into New Government,” New York Times, June 16, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/15/world/middleeast/israel-coalition-hamas.html; Ilan Ben Zion, “Israeli airstrikes target Gaza sites, first since cease-fire,” Associated Press, June 16, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/jerusalem-israel-middle-east-israel-palestinian-conflict-9a3a1cb047227999330dd44bb080e6c8; “Incendiary balloons from Gaza spark fires in south ahead of Jerusalem flag march,” Times of Israel, last updated June 16, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/incendiary-balloons-from-gaza-spark-fires-in-south-ahead-of-jerusalem-flag-march/; Patrick Kingsley, Adam Rasgon, and Isabel Kershner, “Israel and Hamas Scale Down the Conflict, Avoiding Another War,” New York Times, June 17, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/16/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-gaza-cease-fire.html; “Gaza incendiary balloons spark 8 fires in Israel as assault from Strip continues,” Times of Israel, June 17, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/gaza-incendiary-balloons-spark-8-fires-in-israel-as-assault-from-strip-continues/; Judah Ari Gross, “IDF hits Hamas sites across Gaza after arson attacks; warning sirens near border,” Times of Israel, June 17, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-strikes-hamas-sites-in-gaza-in-response-to-arson-attacks-report/.May 2021:
May 20: IRGC Quds Force commander Ismail Ghaani writes to Deif to praise Hamas’s actions during the conflict. Ghaani addresses Deif as a “living martyr” and writes he is confident of Hamas’s victory. After an eight-hour lull in rocket fire overnight, Hamas and PIJ renew their campaign with salvos targeting Ashkelon, Ashdod, Beersheba, and neighboring communities. Rockets strike homes in Ashkelon and Ashdod, wounding one. An anti-tank missile strikes an empty military bus in southern Israel, wounding one. The Israeli military claims to strike at least three homes in Gaza’s Khan Younis and Rafah belonging to Hamas commanders. As of May 20, Hamas and PIJ have launched more than 4,000 rockets toward Israel. Hamas and PIJ claim only 20 of their fighters have been killed in the fighting while Israel claims it has killed 130 fighters from both groups. An Egyptian intelligence official says a ceasefire is likely by the end of the week. Israel’s security cabinet approves a truce for “quiet in exchange for quiet.” A Hamas official confirms a truce will go into effect at 2 a.m. the following day.Seth J. Frantzman, “IRGC head praises Hamas commander Deif as ‘living martyr’ – analysis,” Jerusalem Post, May 20, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/irgc-head-praises-hamas-commander-deif-as-living-martyr-analysis-668656; Fares Akram and Joseph Krauss, “Israel unleashes strikes as expectations for truce rise,” Associated Press, May 20, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-middle-east-israel-palestinian-conflict-caac81bc36fe9be67ac2f7c27000c74b; Anna Ahronheim, “Rocket fire continues despite talk of an imminent ceasefire,” Jerusalem Post, May 20, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/rocket-strikes-ashkelon-house-leaving-26-year-old-with-light-injuries-668657; “Hamas says Gaza truce with Israel to begin at 2 a.m on Friday,” Reuters, May 20, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-cabinet-approves-gaza-truce-yedioth-ahronoth-reporter-says-2021-05-20/.
May 18-19: After a six-hour lull in rocket fire, Gaza militants continue to launch rockets toward Israeli cities. Hamas threatens to strike Tel Aviv. On May 18, a mortar shell strikes a packing house in Israel’s Eshkol region, killing two Thai foreign workers and wounding 10 others. Rockets also target the Erez pedestrian crossing and Keren Shalom crossing into Gaza, wounding one Israeli soldier and forcing both crossings to close. The crossings are used to bring food and aid into Gaza. Hamas claims to fire multiple rockets toward six Israeli air force bases overnight. The Israeli military says there is no indication any of its bases were struck by rockets. At least 50 rockets are fired toward Israel, 10 of which fall within Gaza. The military strikes a PIJ cell preparing a rocket attack from central Gaza. The IDF claims to kill at least 10 members of Hamas and PIJ in overnight airstrikes in Khan Younis and Rafah in Gaza. The IDF also strikes several targets overnight in the upscale Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City, where many Hamas commanders reportedly live. Israeli planes also target Hamas’s network of underground tunnels in Gaza. Israeli media reveals the military has targeted Deif at least twice during the conflict, but he escaped both attempts. In Iran, IRGC commander Hossein Salami addresses a group of anti-Israel protesters in Tehran, declaring Iran will continue its “unwavering support for the Palestinian people.” In Iraq, a spokesman for the Iran-backed militia Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba declares his group is ready to join with Hamas in confronting Israel. As of May 19, Hamas and PIJ have launched almost 3,700 rockets since the beginning of the conflict. The fighting kills at least 217 in Gaza and wounds 1,400, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. The Israeli military says at least 160 Hamas and PIJ operatives have been killed since the start of the fighting. According to Israel’s Magen David Adom, the fighting has killed 12 in Israel and wounded more than 330.Fares Akram and Ravi Nessman, “Palestinians go on strike as Israel-Hamas fighting rages,” Associated Press, May 18, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/hamas-gaza-middle-east-israel-israel-palestinian-conflict-ab0bfc2b25d2a03756fb0c084fca1a3d; Judah Ari Gross and Staff, “Hamas says it targeted air force bases in barrages toward south, central Israel,” Times of Israel, May 19, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-says-it-targeted-air-force-bases-in-barrages-toward-south-central-israel/; Jackie Northam, “Israeli Warplanes Pound Hamas Tunnels In Gaza,” NPR, May 19, 2021, https://www.npr.org/2021/05/19/998152164/israeli-warplanes-pound-hamas-tunnels-in-gaza; Anna Ahronheim, “IDF plans ‘intensive’ strikes against Hamas tunnel network,” Jerusalem Post, May 19, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/rocket-barrage-renews-after-night-of-quiet-idf-continues-striking-hamas-668391; Anna Ahronheim, “Israel says 160 terrorists killed in Gaza since beginning of operation,” Jerusalem Post, May 18, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/idf-ships-eliminate-targets-off-coast-of-gaza-strip-report-668385; Judah Ari Gross, “IDF twice tried, failed to kill Hamas military chief Muhammad Deif last week,” Times of Israel, May 19, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-twice-tried-failed-to-killed-hamas-military-chief-muhammad-deif-last-week/; “IRGC Commander Pledges Iran's Unwavering Support for Palestinian Nation,” Fars News Agency, May 20, 2021, https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14000230000178/IRGC-Cmmander-Pledges-Iran's-Unwavering-Sppr-fr-Palesinian-Nain; “Iraqi Resistance Forces Voice Readiness for Direct War against Israel,” Fars News Agency, May 19, 2021, https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14000229000537/Irai-Resisance-Frces-Vice-Readiness-fr-Direc-War-agains-Israel.
May 17: The French and Egyptian governments issue a joint call for a ceasefire. U.S. officials reportedly tell Israeli leaders to begin winding down operations in Gaza. Israel kills Hussam Abu Harbeed, PIJ’s northern division commander, in Gaza.Agence France-Presse, “Macron, El-Sisi agree ‘absolutely necessary’ to end Israel-Gaza hostilities: Elysee,” Arab News, May 17, 2021, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1860071/middle-east; Ellen Knickmeyer, Aamer Madhani, and Lisa Mascaro, “AP source: US encouraging Israel to wind down Gaza offensive,” Associated Press, May 19, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/europe-middle-east-israel-palestinian-conflict-government-and-politics-d313985ade629d9c33e9147e07712180; “Israeli air strike kills Islamic Jihad commander in Gaza,” Reuters, May 17, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-air-strike-kills-islamic-jihad-commander-gaza-militant-group-says-2021-05-17/.
May 16: Israel targets the home of Yahya Sinwar in Khan Younis. He is reportedly unharmed. Militants fire at least 150 rockets toward southern Israel, striking buildings in Ashkelon and Ashdod, including a synagogue. At least 66 people are wounded in the strikes. Two rockets destroy five cars and a house in Ashkelon, while another lands near a supermarket in Beersheba. No injuries are reported in those strikes. Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continue, killing at least two and wounding 25, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. Israeli airstrikes target a Hamas tunnel system, which collapses and brings down houses above, killing 42. Israel says civilian casualties are unintentional. Since the beginning of the conflict, at least 192 have been killed in Gaza and 1,125 injured. Hamas and PIJ have launched more than 2,000 rockets and missiles since the beginning of the conflict. The United States and United Nations say they are working on a ceasefire agreement. The head of Israel’s southern command says Israel could target Sinwar, Deif, and other top Hamas leaders.Ibrahim Dahman, Abeer Salman, Kareem Khadder, Mohammad Tawfeeq, Ben Wedeman, and Hadas Gold, “Israeli strikes hit home in Gaza refugee camp, media offices as conflict intensifies,” CNN, last updated May 16, 2021, https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/15/middleeast/israel-palestinian-conflict-intl/index.html; Lahav Harkov, “Israel showed US ‘smoking gun’ on Hamas in AP office tower, officials say,” Jerusalem Post, May 16, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israel-showed-us-smoking-gun-on-hamas-in-ap-office-tower-officials-say-668303; “Wide scale Hamas rocket barrage scores direct hits in Ashkelon, Ashdod,” Jerusalem Post, May 16, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/rocket-barrages-from-gaza-continue-to-slam-into-israel-sunday-668287; Tovah Lazaroff, “Guterres to UNSC: We’re working on a Gaza ceasefire, violence must stop,” Jerusalem Post, May 16, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/guterres-to-unsc-were-working-on-a-gaza-cease-fire-violence-must-stop-66831; Nidal Al-mughrabi and Jeffrey Heller, “Israel air strikes kill 42 Palestinians, rockets fired from Gaza,” Reuters, May 16, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-bombs-hamas-gaza-chiefs-home-fighting-enters-seventh-day-2021-05-15/; “Top IDF general says Hamas chiefs Deif and Sinwar ‘remain in Israel’s sights,’” Times of Israel, May 17, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/top-general-says-idf-will-continue-to-try-kill-hamas-senior-leaders/.
May 15: Hamas and PIJ continue to launch missiles toward Israeli cities. An Israeli airstrike destroys a building in Gaza hosting the offices of the Associated Press, Al Jazeera, and other media outlets. Israel accuses Hamas of using civilian infrastructure, including the building hosting press offices, as shields. Israel presents evidence that Hamas military intelligence units were operating in the building. Hamas launches dozens of missiles and rockets towards Tel Aviv, Beersheba, Ashdod, and Sderot, killing one in the Tel Aviv suburb of Ramat Gan and raising the death toll in Israel to 10. Militants fire at least 120 rockets that night at southern Israel. Almost 300 rockets are fired throughout the day, about 40 of which fall inside Gaza.Ibrahim Dahman, Abeer Salman, Kareem Khadder, Mohammad Tawfeeq, Ben Wedeman, and Hadas Gold, “Israeli strikes hit home in Gaza refugee camp, media offices as conflict intensifies,” CNN, last updated May 16, 2021, https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/15/middleeast/israel-palestinian-conflict-intl/index.html; “Wide scale Hamas rocket barrage scores direct hits in Ashkelon, Ashdod,” Jerusalem Post, May 16, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/rocket-barrages-from-gaza-continue-to-slam-into-israel-sunday-668287; Nidal Al-mughrabi and Jeffrey Heller, “Israel air strikes kill 42 Palestinians, rockets fired from Gaza,” Reuters, May 16, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-bombs-hamas-gaza-chiefs-home-fighting-enters-seventh-day-2021-05-15/.
May 14: Rioters from Lebanon approach the Israeli border and are repelled by Israeli forces. The rockets are fired from Syria, one falls into the sea or open areas of the Golan. There are no injuries or immediate claims of responsibility. IDF aircraft target a PIJ anti-tank missile operative, two Hamas anti-tank missile positions, and a Hamas surface-to-surface rocket position in Gaza. As of nightfall on May 14, more than 2,000 rockets have been fired toward Israel in five days of fighting. Approximately half of those projectiles are intercepted while 350 fall inside of Gaza. The Hamas-run health ministry claims 126 Palestinians have been killed in five days of fighting, including 31 minors, while 950 are wounded. Israeli casualties rise to eight dead, including two children. Hamas reportedly passes messages to Israel that it is interested in a ceasefire. Israeli media reports increasing chances of a ceasefire over the weekend.Judah Ari Gross, “IDF: Overnight bombardment targeted Hamas’s tunnel network under Gaza City,” Times of Israel, May 14, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-overnight-bombardment-targeted-hamass-tunnel-network-under-gaza-city/; “450 bombs in 35 minutes: This is how the IDF tricked Hamas,” Arutz Sheva, May 14, 2021, https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/306223; Israel Defense Forces, Twitter post, May 14, 2021, 1:46 a.m., https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1393082846324088833; Israel Defense Forces, Twitter post, May 14, 2021, 9:01 a.m., https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1393189744771837952; Israel Defense Forces, Twitter post, Israel Defense Forces, Twitter post, May 14, 2021, 3:15 p.m., https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1393283891000119300; Israel Defense Forces, Twitter post, May 14, 2021, 3:38 p.m., https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1393289683153600516; “3 projectiles from Syria fall in open area in Golan Heights; none injured,” Times of Israel, May 14, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/3-projectiles-from-syria-fall-in-open-area-in-golan-heights-none-injured/; Emanuel Fabian, “Gaza health ministry says 126 Palestinians killed in conflict,” Times of Israel, May 14, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/gaza-health-ministry-says-126-palestinians-have-been-killed-in-operation-guardian-of-the-walls/; Jacob Magid, “Gaza ceasefire appears increasingly likely over weekend — diplomatic sources,” Times of Israel, May 14, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/a-ceasefire-seeming-increasingly-likely-over-weekend-diplomatic-sources/; Nidal Al-mughrabi and Stephen Farrell, “Israel pounds Gaza to curb Palestinian militants but rockets still fly,” Reuters, May 14, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-fires-artillery-into-gaza-amid-persistent-palestinian-rocket-attacks-2021-05-13/.
May 13-14: Israel strikes at least five Hamas cells preparing to launch anti-tank guided missiles. Israel’s targets the home of Hamas military commander Iyad Tayib, which the IDF says was being used for terrorist purposes. A rocket strikes a building in Tel Aviv, wounding five Israeli civilians. Hamas spokesman Abu Ubaida claims Hamas has launched rocket strikes on Israel bigger than any seen since the 1948 Independence War. Rocket fire kills an Israeli soldier and a 5-year-old in Israel. As of May 13, at least 46 Israelis are wounded and seven are killed since the beginning of the conflict. In Gaza, the death toll reaches at least 109. Hamas and PIJ confirm 20 deaths between the two groups. In those four days, Israel claims to strike more than 700 Hamas targets in Gaza, including 50 Hamas fighters and 10 senior commanders. Hamas begins sending armed drones into Israel while continuing to target southern Israel, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem with rockets. The drones are either shot down or blown up in the air. That night, Israel mobilizes air and ground forces to strike inside Gaza. The Israeli military denies it is an invasion, insisting its forces are firing artillery from the Israeli side of the border. Egypt sends mediators to Israel to discuss a ceasefire. Hamas rejects a proposal for a three-hour lull in the fighting to further discussions. Abu Ubaida says Hamas views a potential Israeli ground invasion as an opportunity “to increase our catch” of dead or captive soldiers. Overnight, Israel conducts airstrikes on some 150 targets around Gaza while infantry near the Gaza-Israel border—but staying on the Israeli side—strike nearby Hamas positions. The IDF claims to damage several kilometers of Hamas’s underground tunnels. According to some reports, Israel intentionally leaked misinformation of a ground invasion to draw Hamas into positions around and beneath the border for aerial bombardment.Anna Ahronheim and Tzvi Joffre, “Soldier killed as cabinet okays more attacks,” Jerusalem Post, May 13, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/four-dead-from-latest-wave-of-rockets-aimed-at-central-israel-667902; Anna Ahronheim and Tzvi Joffre, “IDF strikes four anti-tank missile cells in Gaza as rockets pound Tel Aviv,” Jerusalem Post, May 13, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israel-striking-gaza-in-response-to-rocket-barrage-directed-at-jerusalem-667776; Nidal Al-mughrabi and Rami Ayyub, “Gaza conflict intensifies with rocket barrages and air strikes,” Reuters, May 13, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/biden-expects-spiralling-israel-gaza-conflict-end-soon-2021-05-12/; Anna Ahronheim, “IDF: Air and ground troops attacking in Gaza Strip,” Jerusalem Post, May 14, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israel-striking-gaza-in-response-to-rocket-barrage-directed-at-jerusalem-667776; Nidal Al-mughrabi and Jeffrey Heller, “Israel fires artillery into Gaza, Palestinian rocket attacks persist,” Reuters, May 13, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-fires-artillery-into-gaza-amid-persistent-palestinian-rocket-attacks-2021-05-13/; Josef Federman and Fares Akram, “Israel threatens Gaza ground invasion despite truce efforts,” Associated Press, May 13, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-conflict-violence-spreads-1ad9613de6ad16c4d248da9934cf0412.
May 12: Hamas and PIJ continue to fire rockets toward Israeli cities. Israeli strikes reportedly kill 16 Hamas militants, including senior commanders. Rockets target Sderot and other Israeli communities near the Gaza border. A rocket strikes a home in Sderot, wounding three. A Kornet anti-tank guided missile strikes a Jeep in Israel’s Netiv Ha’Asara, north of Gaza, killing a soldier and wounding three others. Hamas claims to fire 130 rockets in a single barrage. Israeli strikes kill six Hamas military commanders. Israeli operations also kill 13 members of Hamas’s weapons manufacturing staff. Israel strikes a building in southern Gaza allegedly housing Jamas’s military intelligence offices. Three senior Hamas officials, Gaza Brigade commander Bassam Issa, Khan Younis Brigade commander Rafa Salama, and Hamas intelligence chief Mohammed Yazouri, are also killed. Israeli media reports more than 1,200 rockets have been launched at Israel since the start of fighting on Monday, though 200 fell within Gaza. Israel’s missile defense systems reportedly intercept 80 to 90 percent of the rockets. Israel destroys Hamas’s central bank and internal security headquarters in Gaza. Moussa Abu Marzouk reportedly tells Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov Hamas is ready for a ceasefire if Israel ends its military campaign and the international community pressures Israel to Israel to end “military actions” at the al-Aqsa Mosque.“Hamas says it fired 130 rockets into Israel in latest barrage,” Times of Israel, May 12, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-says-it-fired-130-rockets-into-israel-in-latest-barrage/; “3 hurt, one seriously as rocket hits home in Sderot; another hits Ashkelon house,” Times of Israel, May 12, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/3-hurt-one-seriously-as-rocket-hits-home-in-sderot-another-hits-ashkelon-house/; “Military issues names and photos of 6 Hamas commanders killed in airstrikes,” Times of Israel, May 12, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/military-issues-names-and-photos-of-6-hamas-commanders-killed-in-airstrikes/; “TV: Some 1,200 rockets have been launched from Gaza so far,” Times of Israel, May 12, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/tv-some-1200-rockets-have-been-launched-from-gaza-so-far/; Staff and Aaron Boxerman, “Hamas official tells Russia: We’re ready for ceasefire with Israel,” Times of Israel, May 12, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-official-tells-russia-were-ready-for-ceasefire-with-israel/.
May 11: Hamas claims to launch 137 rockets within a five-minute span toward the Israeli cities of Ashkelon and Ashdod, just south of Tel Aviv. Israel claims one-third of the rockets from Gaza had fallen short and landed inside the coastal enclave, resulting in increased Palestinian casualties. An Israeli strike in Gaza kills a Hamas commander and three PIJ commanders. The strike primarily targets Sameh Fahim Al-Mamlouk, a senior PIJ military commander. The other two PIJ fighters killed are field commanders who oversaw the group’s rocket attacks. Rockets strike homes in the Israeli city of Ashkelon, killing two and wounding dozens of others, marking the first Israeli fatalities in the conflict. A rocket strike outside a home in Rishon Lezion kills one inside and a neighbor dies from a heart attack after the strike.Aaron Boxerman, “IDF kills 4 Islamic Jihad, Hamas commanders in targeted strikes in Gaza,” Times of Israel, May 11, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-military-kills-3-islamic-jihad-commanders-in-targeted-strike/; Nidal Al-mughrabi and Jeffrey Heller, “Israel strikes kill senior Hamas commander, Palestinians fire rockets,” Reuters, May 12, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/35-killed-gaza-3-israel-violence-escalates-2021-05-12/; Judah Ari Gross and Aaron Boxerman, “2 women killed by rockets in Ashkelon amid massive barrages from Gaza,” Times of Israel, May 11, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/2-killed-by-rockets-in-ashkelon-amid-massive-barrages-from-gaza/.
May 10: Palestinians in Jerusalem throw rocks at an Israeli car, causing the driver to lose control. Hamas launches more than 150 rockets from the Gaza Strip toward Israeli border communities, with some reaching as far as Jerusalem and the nearby settlement of Beit Shemesh. One rocket strikes a house near Jerusalem, lightly wounding those inside. Hamas claims responsibility for the rocket fire, saying it is “in retaliation to [Israel’s] crimes and aggression on the holy city and brutality against our people in Sheikh Jarrah and Al Aqsa Mosque.” Hamas demands Israel remove its forces from both the Temple Mount and the Sheikh Jarah neighborhood and sets a deadline of that evening. PIJ joins in launching rockets and posts a video online of an anti-tank missile striking an Israeli car near Gaza, wounding one. In response, Israel launches Operation Guardians of the Wall, launching airstrikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip. At least nine people are killed and two wounded in Gaza. Israeli authorities claim the strikes killed eight Hamas operatives while the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza claimed the Israeli strikes killed 21 people, including 10 children. Hamas spokesman Abu Ubaida warns Hamas will increase its attacks if Israel increases theirs. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken calls for an immediate end to rocket attacks on Israel. Rocket attacks from Gaza continue into May 11 as the death toll rises to two Israelis and 26 in Gaza. At least 30 are wounded in southern Israel.Felicia Schwartz and Dov Lieber, “Israel Strikes Hamas Targets After Rockets Fired at Jerusalem,” Wall Street Journal, May 10, 2021, https://www.wsj.com/articles/israeli-military-says-rockets-fired-from-gaza-toward-jerusalem-11620646448; “Islamic Jihad releases footage of anti-tank missile attack,” Times of Israel, May 10, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/islamic-jihad-releases-footage-of-anti-tank-missile-attack/; “Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi Before Their Meeting,” U.S. Department of State, May 10, 2021, https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-and-jordanian-foreign-minister-ayman-safadi-before-their-meeting/; Nidal Al-mughrabi and Jeffrey Heller, “Israel airstrikes kill 20 in Gaza, Palestinians say, after militants fire rockets at Jerusalem,” Reuters, May 10, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-airstrikes-kill-20-gaza-palestinians-say-after-militants-fire-rockets-2021-05-10/.
May 9: As Israelis rally in Jerusalem on to mark Jerusalem Day, celebrating the 1967 capture of east Jerusalem from Jordan, riots break out on the Temple Mount as hundreds of Palestinians reportedly throw rocks and firecrackers at security forces. Israeli police storm the Temple Mount in response. The protests coincide with an expected Israeli supreme court decision on the eviction of Palestinians from their homes in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah. The decision is delayed because of the rioting. Haniyeh writes to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei asking the Muslim world to support Hamas.Tzvi Joffre, “Jerusalem Day festivities shaken by rockets, violent riots,” Jerusalem Post, May 10, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/jerusalem-day-riots-break-out-on-temple-mount-667735; “Palestinians say nine killed in Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip,” Jerusalem Post, May 10, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israel-striking-gaza-in-response-to-rocket-barrage-directed-at-jerusalem-667776; “Hamas chief writes to Leader, asks Muslim world to support al-Quds,” Tehran Times, May 9, 2021, https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/460758/Hamas-chief-writes-to-Leader-asks-Muslim-world-to-support-al-Quds.December 2020:On December 29, PIJ announces widescale military drills, reportedly organized by Iran, in preparation for a future conflict with Israel. PIJ launches eight rockets into the sea off of Gaza’s coast. The drill includes Hamas and smaller armed groups.Nidal al-Mughrabi, “Gaza militants fire rockets into the sea in first joint exercise,” Reuters, December 29, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east-africa/gaza-militants-fire-rockets-into-sea-first-joint-exercise-2020-12-29/.
August 2020: On August 6, militants in Gaza resume sending clusters of balloon bombs over the Gaza-Israel border. On August 8, Lebanese media reports that Hamas and other factions informed Egyptian mediators that the period of calm along the Gaza-Israel border would soon end as militants called for an “escalation.” On August 9, militants launch a rocket toward southern Israel. Israel’s anti-missile system intercepts the rocket. On August 10, Hamas launches several rockets into the sea as a warning to Israel. On August 11, Israel closes the Karam Abu Salem commercial border crossing between Israel and Gaza. A spokesman calls the continued balloon bombs a message of anger to Israel over conditions in Gaza. The balloons do not result in casualties but cause several fires in Israeli communities near the Gaza border. Israel launches strikes against Hamas targets in Gaza in response to the balloon attacks. Between August 12 and August 30, Israel strikes 100 Hamas targets, according to the Israeli military. On August 31, Hamas and Israel agree to a new ceasefire brokered by Qatar, the Egyptian military, and the United Nations.Mohammad Habosh, “Gaza’s balloon bombs spark new cycle of violence,” Al-Monitor, August 14, 2020, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/08/hamas-gaza-balloons-israel-truce-understandings.html; Aaron Boxerman and Judah Ari Gross, “After Gaza incendiary balloon attacks, Israel strikes Hamas observation post,” Times of Israel, August 10, 2020, https://www.timesofisrael.com/after-gaza-incendiary-balloon-attacks-israel-strikes-hamas-observation-post/; Jack Khoury and Almog Ben Zikri, “Hamas Official: Balloon Bombs From Gaza Are Message to Israel Over Stalled Negotiations,” Haaretz (Tel Aviv), August 8, 2020, https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-hamas-official-gaza-balloon-bombs-are-message-to-israel-over-stalled-negotiations-1.9057676; “Israel targets Hamas in Gaza in response to fire-bomb balloons,” France 24, August 13, 2020, https://www.france24.com/en/20200813-israel-targets-hamas-in-gaza-in-response-to-fire-bomb-balloons; Judah Ari Gross, “IDF: 100 Hamas targets bombed in past month in response to fire-balloon attacks,” Times of Israel, September 1, 2020, https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-100-hamas-targets-bombed-in-past-month-in-response-to-fire-balloon-attacks/.
March – June 2020: Ahead of Israel’s parliamentary elections, militants in the Gaza Strip begin sending explosives-filled balloons floating across the Gaza-Israel border. Approximately one-third of the balloons carry some type of explosive device while the rest act as decoys.Steve Hendrix, Hazem Balousha, and Ruth Eglash, “Gaza militants target Israel with party balloons bearing bombs,” Washington Post, March 8, 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/gaza-palestinian-balloon-bombs-israel/2020/03/08/d2069346-54d5-11ea-80ce-37a8d4266c09_story.html.
May 3-5, 2019: On May 3, PIJ snipers wound two Israeli soldiers along the Gaza border during weekly protests. Israeli forces retaliate with a strike on a Hamas post near the border, killing two. PIJ and Hamas launch almost 700 rockets into Israel over the course of three days, killing at least four Israeli civilians and wounding dozens more. Most of the rockets are intercepted or fall in open areas, but at least 50 rockets reportedly hit Israeli population centers. Israel retaliates with airstrikes on more than 350 targets in Gaza. The airstrikes kill at least 29, including fighters from Hamas and PIJ, as well as civilians, according to Hamas, though Israeli military officials say some Palestinian civilians were actually killed by misfired Hamas rockets. It is reportedly the most violent conflict between the two sides since the 2014 war. PIJ threatens to launch a full-scale war with Israel. On May 5, Israel restarts its tactic of targeted assassinations after a five-year lull and kills Hamed Ahmed al-Khodary, a senior Hamas finance official accused of funneling Iranian money to PIJ and Hamas. Egypt negotiates a new ceasefire that goes into effect that night. Hamas claims that though this round of violence is over, the conflict will continue.Jacob Magid, “Two soldiers wounded by gunfire on Gaza border; IDF hits Hamas post, killing 2 ,” Times of Israel, May 3, 2019, https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-nabs-gazan-armed-with-knife-who-breached-border-fence-into-israel/; “As ceasefire goes into effect, Netanyahu says Gaza campaign not over,” Times of Israel, May 6, 2019, https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-ceasefire-goes-into-effect-netanyahu-says-gaza-campaign-not-over/; “Islamic Jihad threatens to escalate Gaza violence to all-out war,” Times of Israel, May 5, 2019, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/islamic-jihad-threatens-to-escalate-gaza-violence-to-all-out-war/; Felicia Schwartz, “Gaza, Israel Reach Cease-Fire After Days of Deadly Clashes,” Wall Street Journal, May 6, 2019, https://www.wsj.com/articles/gaza-israel-reach-cease-fire-after-days-of-deadly-clashes-11557133042?mod=hp_lead_pos5; Richard Spencer, “Israel and Gaza reach ceasefire after days of violence,” The Times (London), May 6, 2019, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/world/israel-on-brink-of-war-after-gaza-rocket-strikes-g3mh57md9; “The Latest: Hamas says it doesn’t want a new war with Israel,” Associated Press, May 5, 2019, https://www.apnews.com/7965a592ba4b4e79ad93276ff97a1159.
December 9, 2018: A drive-by shooting at a bus stop in the Ofra settlement in the West Bank wounds seven, including a 30-weeks pregnant woman. Doctors perform an emergency delivery, but the baby dies later that week. On December 12, Israeli forces locate the gunman, Saleh Barghouti, who dies during an arrest raid in the West Bank. Hamas’s Qassam Brigades claim responsibility for the attack and praise Barghouti as a martyr.Adam Rasoon, “Hamas spokesman praises ‘heroic’ West Bank terror attack,” Times of Israel, December 13, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-spokesman-praises-heroic-west-bank-terror-attack/; Ruth Eglash and Loveday Morris, “Two Israelis shot dead in West Bank attack as Hamas claims earlier attacks,” Washington Post, December 13, 2018, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/israel-hunts-down-palestinians-behind-pair-of-attacks-as-3-day-old-victim-is-buried/2018/12/13/88a34a68-feab-11e8-83c0-b06139e540e5_story.html?utm_term=.9df174daf37d.
November 12-14, 2018: Hamas and PIJ fire more than 450 rockets into Israel, killing one and wounding dozens. After Israel responds with airstrikes in Gaza, the groups agree to a ceasefire on November 13. Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman resigns on November 14 in protest of the ceasefire, briefly destabilizing Israel’s governing coalition. Hamas claims the move as a victory.Oren Liebermann, “Biggest Israel-Gaza firefight since 2014 ends in ceasefire,” CNN, November 13, 2018, https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/13/middleeast/israel-gaza-tesnions-escalate-intl/index.html; Judah Ari Gross and Raoul Wootliff, “Hamas claims Liberman’s resignation as a ‘victory for Gaza,’” Times of Israel, November 14, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-claims-libermans-resignation-as-a-victory-for-gaza/; Raoul Wootliff, “Israel heads toward elections as Jewish Home says it will leave coalition,” Times of Israel, November 16, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-heads-toward-elections-as-jewish-home-says-will-leave-coalition/.
October 7, 2018: A Palestinian gunman attacks the Barkan Industrial Park in the West Bank, killing two and wounding one. The attacker, identified as industrial park employee Ashraf Naalwa, reportedly binds two Israeli employees and shoots them at close range, killing them both. Naalwa flees afterward. On December 13, Israeli forces in the West Bank locate Naalwa, who dies in an ensuing firefight. After his death, Hamas’s Qassam Brigades identifies Naalwa as a member and claim responsibility for the attack.“Manhunt after two Israelis killed at West Bank factory,” BBC News, October 8, 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-45783482; Adam Rasoon, “Hamas spokesman praises ‘heroic’ West Bank terror attack,” Times of Israel, December 13, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-spokesman-praises-heroic-west-bank-terror-attack/; Ruth Eglash and Loveday Morris, “Two Israelis shot dead in West Bank attack as Hamas claims earlier attacks,” Washington Post, December 13, 2018, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/israel-hunts-down-palestinians-behind-pair-of-attacks-as-3-day-old-victim-is-buried/2018/12/13/88a34a68-feab-11e8-83c0-b06139e540e5_story.html?utm_term=.9df174daf37d.
May 29, 2018: Hamas and PIJ fire at least 28 mortars at communities in southern Israel. The Israeli military responds by bombing Gaza facilities belonging to Hamas and PIJ. There are no casualties reported on either side. It is reportedly the largest confrontation between Hamas and Israel since the 2014 war.Bethann McKernan, “Gaza militants pelt Israel with rockets in biggest attack in years,” Independent (London), May 29, 2018, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/gaza-rocket-attack-israel-hamas-palestinians-protest-idf-a8373556.html; “Live Updates: Why Israel Agreed to Hamas’ Request to End Fighting,” Haaretz (Jerusalem), May 31, 2018, https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/why-israel-agreed-gaza-cease-fire-with-hamas-1.6131634.
October 1, 2015: Gunmen kill American-Israeli citizen Eitam Henkin and his wife, Naama Henkin, in their car between the settlements of Itamar and Elon Moreh, near the Palestinian village of Beit Furik in the West Bank. The Henkins’ four children in the car are unharmed. Hamas praises the attack. Israeli authorities arrest Yahia Muhammad Naif Abdullah Hajj Hamad, Samir Zahir Ibrahim Kusah, Karem Lufti Fatahi Razek, and Zir Ziad Jamal Amar for the attack. According to an Israeli indictment, the four attackers initially intended to kidnap the Henkins but killed them instead when Eitam Henkin attempted to fight them off. The four are found guilty. In April 2019, the Henkins’ children and estate file a U.S. lawsuit against Syria and Iran for providing Hamas with material support. In July 2021, a U.S. court finds Syria, Iran, the IRGC, the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security, and three Iranian banks financially liable for the Hamas attack.Judah Ari Gross and staff, “Israeli mother and father shot dead in West Bank terror attack,” Times of Israel, October 1, 2015, https://www.timesofisrael.com/two-seriously-wounded-in-west-bank-terror-attack/; Stuart Winer, “Terrorists initially intended to kidnap Henkins — prosecution ,” Times of Israel, November 19, 2015, https://www.timesofisrael.com/terrorists-initially-intended-to-kidnap-henkins-prosecution/; Yonah Jeremy Bob, “Henkin family files $360m. lawsuit against Iran, Syria for parents’ murder,” Jerusalem Post, April 25, 2019, https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/henkin-family-sues-iran-syria-for-360m-for-murders-587789; “US court: Iran, Syria liable for deaths of Israeli couple in 2015 terror attack,” Times of Israel, July 15, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-court-rules-iran-syria-liable-for-deaths-of-israeli-couple-in-2015-attack/.
April 18, 2016: A bomb explodes on board a Jerusalem bus, wounding 21 people in an attack later claimed by Hamas. On April 20, a 19-year-old Palestinian man wounded in the explosion dies from his wounds.Amos Harel, Jack Khoury, Yair Ettinger, and Nir Hasson, “Hamas Claims Responsibility for Jerusalem Bus Bombing,” Haaretz, April 20, 2016, http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.715554; “Hamas claims responsibility for Jerusalem bus bombing,” Jerusalem Post, April 20, 2016, http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Hamas-claims-responsibility-for-Jerusalem-bus-bombing-451891.
April 1, 2016: The Qassam Brigades releases photos of four Israelis it claims to be holding in Gaza. The photos are of two living soldiers and the bodies of Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, both of whom were killed during the 2014 war. Hamas does not identify the living captives. Hamas also denies that it is negotiating with Israel for their return.Diaa Hadid, “Hamas Releases Photographs Said to Show Captured Israelis,” New York Times, April 1, 2016, http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/02/world/middleeast/hamas-releases-photographs-said-to-show-captured-israelis.html.
August 26, 2015: Hamas posts a video online of its members digging underground tunnels beneath Gaza, fighting Israeli soldiers, and a simulated takeover of an IDF base.“Watch: Hamas reveals ‘commando tunnel unit’ in new propaganda clip,” Jerusalem Post, August 27, 2015, http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/WATCH-Hamas-reveals-commando-tunnel-unit-in-new-propaganda-clip-413421.
July 28, 2015: Jordan state security court sentences 12 to prison for a Hamas plot to carry out violent attacks in the West Bank. Four of the defendants were sentenced in absentia to 15-year sentences. The other eight received sentences of one to five years. The defendants reportedly received training in Jordan and Gaza on bomb-making.Karin Laub, “Jordan court sentences 12 in alleged Hamas plot,” Associated Press, July 28, 2015, http://bigstory.ap.org/article/2dd4c8c21bc741eca2dd7caed5a2d921/jordan-court-sentences-12-alleged-hamas-plot.
July 9, 2015: The Israeli government reveals Hamas is holding captive two Israeli citizens in Gaza. Avraham Mengistu, an Ethiopian-Israeli in his 20s, crossed into Gaza on September 7, 2014. The government did not reveal the identity of the other man except that he is an Arab-Israeli. An unidentified Hamas member says Hamas released Mengistu when they realized he was not a soldier and he left through a tunnel to Egypt. Mengistu remains in captivity.Isabel Kershner, “Israel Says Hamas Is Holding Two Citizens in Gaza,” New York Times, July 9, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/10/world/middleeast/mengistu-gaza-israel.html;
Stuart Winer, “Hamas refuses to swap Israeli civilian for imprisoned operative — report,” Times of Israel, February 5, 2017, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-refuses-to-swap-israeli-civilian-for-imprisoned-operative-report/.
2014: Hamas continues to call for violence against Israelis, while firing—or allowing others to fire—rockets into Israel from Gaza. Hamas members also continue trying to carry out terror attacks in Israel.
August: A 72-hour ceasefire goes into effect on August 5. Hamas has fired more than 2,200 rockets into Israel during the three-month conflict and is accused of launching attacks from civilian areas and encouraging Gaza’s civilians to ignore Israeli evacuation warnings, effectively turning Gaza’s population into human shields. The Israel Defense Forces destroys 32 tunnels underneath the Gaza-Israel border that Hamas uses to move terrorists and weapons.Yasmine Saleh and Lin Noueihed, “Israel, Hamas Militants Begin 72-Hour Truce,” Chicago Tribune, August 5, 2014, http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-israel-hamas-gaza-truce-20140804-story.html. Shortly before the ceasefire goes into effect, an Indian television reporter records footage of Hamas preparing and firing rockets outside of a hotel where foreign journalists are staying. According to NDTV, the report airs after its crew leaves Gaza because Hamas “has not taken very kindly to any reporting of its rockets being fired. But just as we reported the devastating consequences of Israel's offensive on Gaza's civilians, it is equally important to report on how Hamas places those very civilians at risk by firing rockets deep from the heart of civilian zones.”Sreenivasan Jain, “NDTV Exclusive: How Hamas Assembles and Fires Rockets,” NDTV, August 5, 2014, http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/ndtv-exclusive-how-hamas-assembles-and-fires-rockets-571033. This follows other reports that Hamas has fired rockets from civilian areas, such as al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City,“Finnish TV Reporter at Gaza’s Al Shifa Hospital: ‘It’s True That Rockets Are Launched Here From the Gazan Side Into Israel’ (VIDEO),” Algemeiner, August 1, 2014, http://www.algemeiner.com/2014/08/01/finnish-tv-reporter-at-gazas-al-shifa-hospital-its-true-that-rockets-are-launched-here-from-the-gazan-side-into-israel-video/. while threatening journalists to deter them from covering such activities.
July 7, 2014: The Qassam Brigades launch dozens of mortars, Qassam rockets, and Grad rockets at Israel. A Brigades spokesman tells Al-Monitor that Hamas has set numerous traps for Israeli soldiers in Gaza, while the group releases a video in which it prepares rockets.Adnan Aby Amer, “Hamas Readies for Israeli Ground Offensive with Tunnels, Traps,” Al-Monitor, July 9, 2014, http://www.al-monitor.com/pulseen/originals/2014/07/palestine-gaza-hamas-preparations-israel-ground-offensive.html.
June-August: Following the murder of three Israeli teenagers, for which Israel holds Hamas responsible, Hamas and other extremist groups resume rocket fire from Gaza into Israel. Israel responds with air bombardments and a subsequent ground invasion of Gaza. Despite attempts to negotiate a ceasefire, Hamas violates each ceasefire shortly after they come into force.“U.S. calls Hamas attack 'barbaric' violation of Gaza ceasefire: CNN,” Reuters, August 1, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/01/us-mideast-gaza-whitehouse-idUSKBN0G143S20140801.
February: Israeli forces arrest a 15-member Hamas cell suspected of planting explosives along an Israeli highway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.Mitch Ginsburg, “Hamas Cell Planned Bomb Attack on Major J’lem-TA Road,” Times of Israel, February 24, 2014, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-cell-planned-roadside-bombing-on-major-jlem-ta-route/.2013: The Times of Israel reports that Hamas has shifted from smuggling weapons into Gaza via Egypt and has developed a domestic industry capable of manufacturing rockets that are able to reach targets up to 50 miles away, including Tel Aviv.Stuart Winer, “Hamas Manufacturing Rockets That Threaten Tel Aviv,” Times of Israel, July 15, 2013, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-manufacturing-rockets-that-threaten-tel-aviv/.
2012: Hamas launches more than 750 rockets into Israeli territory before Israel launches a major retaliatory ground operation in November.Matthew Kalman, “Massed Israeli Troops Poised for Invasion of Gaza,” Independent [U.K.], November 15, 2012, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/massed-israeli-troops-poised-for-invasion-of-gaza-8316615.html.
2011: During the year, Hamas kidnaps approximately 20 Palestinian civilians and 30 political party members in Gaza. In March, a Hamas-led IED attack wounds a government employee in Jerusalem; and in April, Hamas fires an anti-tank missile at a school bus, killing an Israeli teenager.“Chapter 6. Foreign Terrorist Organizations,” U.S. Department of State, July 31, 2012, http://www.state.gov/j/ct/rls/crt/2011/195553.htm.
December 2008 – January 2009: On December 27, in response to Hamas rocket fire, Israel launches Operation Cast Lead, a three-week-long military offensive in the Gaza Strip. The Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that Hamas operatives regularly launch rockets into Israel “from, within or near residential and public buildings, including schools, mosques and hospitals…. [as well as] from densely populated areas and protected sites.” Israel accuses Hamas of using its citizens as human shields, firing rockets from populated areas, and taking cover in civilian infrastructure. On January 18, Hamas and other Palestinian groups fighting in Gaza declare a one-week ceasefire. Sporadic rockets attacks and Israeli reprisals continue after the declarations.“Rights group names 1,417 Gaza war dead,” Washington Times, March 19, 2009, http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/19/rights-group-names-1417-gaza-war-dead-1/; Yaakov Lappin, “IDF Releases Cast Lead Casualty Numbers,” Jerusalem Post, March 26, 2009, http://www.jpost.com/Israel/IDF-releases-Cast-Lead-casualty-numbers; “Operation Cast Lead,” Institute for Middle East Understanding, January 4, 2012, http://imeu.org/article/operation-cast-lead; “Israel/Gaza Operation ‘Cast Lead’: 22 Days of Death and Destruction,” Amnesty International, 2009, 67, 76, http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/MDE15/015/2009/en/8f299083-9a74-4853-860f-0563725e633a/mde150152009en.pdf; Khaled Abu Toameh, “Analysis: Trumpets of Victory Strike False Note,” Jerusalem Post, January 19, 2009, http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Analysis-Trumpets-of-victory-strike-false-note; Taghreed el-Khodary and Isabel Kershner, “Warnings Not Enough for Gaza Families,” New York Times, January 5, 2009, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/world/middleeast/06scene.html?_r=1&hp; “One Year After: Gaza Early Recovery and Reconstruction Needs Assessment,” United Nations Development Programme, accessed 21, 27, 42, 49, 57, 60, 89, 90, 91, http://www.undp.ps/en/newsroom/publications/pdf/other/gazaoneyear.pdf; Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff, “IDF surprises Hamas with largest Gaza operation since 1967; at least 225 killed,” Haaretz, December 28, 2008, http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/idf-surprises-hamas-with-largest-gaza-operation-since-1967-at-least-225-killed-1.260365; Hanan Greenberg, “IDF Ponders Response to Rocket Fire,” Ynet, January 18 2009, http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3658356,00.html; “‘Five rockets’ fired into Israel,” BBC News, February 28, 2009, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7916555.stm.
2007: Hamas’s assumption of power in the Gaza does not moderate the group’s ideology or actions, and the year begins with Hamas rocket fire into Israel.Isabel Kershner, “Hamas Military Wing Fires Rockets at Israel,” New York Times, April 24, 2007, http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/24/world/middleeast/24cnd-mideast.html. The group also remains at odds with Fatah, and the two factions violently clash:
June: Hamas fighters overrun the Palestinian Authority’s Gaza offices and forcibly expel Fatah from the strip.Conal Urquart, Ian Black, and Mark Tran, “Hamas Takes Control of Gaza,” Guardian [U.K.], June 15, 2007, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/jun/15/israel4. The international community condemns Hamas’s coup, but the terror group promises to remain in power.
May: During May alone, Hamas claims responsibility for approximately 300 Qassam rockets launched against Israel.“The Hamas terror war against Israel,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, March 2011, http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/foreignpolicy/terrorism/palestinian/pages/missile%20fire%20from%20gaza%20on%20israeli%20civilian%20targets%20aug%202007.aspx.
March: Despite the announcement of a unity government in March, Hamas and Palestinian Authority forces continue tit-for-tat battles.Conal Urquart, Ian Black, and Mark Tran, “Hamas Takes Control of Gaza,” Guardian [U.K.], June 15, 2007, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/jun/15/israel4.
January: Factional fighting claims the lives of 33 Palestinians, and members of the Hamas-led Interior Ministry’s police force, the “Executive Force,” kill a Fatah commander and his bodyguards in his Gaza home. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas outlaws the Hamas-controlled Interior Ministry’s police force, calling for its 6,000 members to become part of the Fatah-loyal PA security forces. Richard Boudreaux and Maher Abukhater, “Abbas Bans Hamas Police Force,” Los Angeles Times, January 7, 2007, http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jan/07/world/fg-palestinian7.Hamas perceives this as “a green light to those who seek to shed the blood of the Executive Force members,” according to Interior Ministry spokesman Khaled Abu Helal, who adds that the Executive Force will “deal firmly” with any attackers.Richard Boudreaux and Maher Abukhater, “Abbas Bans Hamas Police Force,” Los Angeles Times, January 7, 2007, http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jan/07/world/fg-palestinian7.July 2006: The kidnapping of Gilad Shalit leads to Israel’s Operation Summer Rains, during which Hamas hits Israel with hundreds of rockets.“The Hamas terror war against Israel,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, March 2011, http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/foreignpolicy/terrorism/palestinian/pages/missile%20fire%20from%20gaza%20on%20israeli%20civilian%20targets%20aug%202007.aspx.
June 25, 2006: A group of Palestinian terrorists from multiple groups, including Hamas, cross the Gaza border into Israel using an underground tunnel and attack an IDF military outpost, killing two soldiers and taking 19-year-old Corporal Gilad Shalit hostage.Tim Butcher, “Soldier Kidnapped and Two Killed in Gaza Tunnel Attack,” Telegraph [U.K.], June 26, 2006, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/1522370/Soldier-kidnapped-and-two-killed-in-Gaza-tunnel-attack.html. Hamas denies participation.Steven Erlanger, “Tensions Rise After Israeli Is Kidnapped,” New York Times, June 26, 2006, http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/26/world/middleeast/26cnd-mideast.html.
2005-2006: According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, 757 rockets land in Israel from Gaza between the 2005 disengagement and June 2006.“The Hamas terror war against Israel,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, November 30, 2008, http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/foreignpolicy/terrorism/pages/missile%20fire%20from%20gaza%20on%20israeli%20civilian%20targets%20aug%202007.aspx.
2001-2008: From 2001 through May 2008, Hamas launches more than 3,000 Qassam rockets and 2,500 mortar attacks at Israeli targets.“Israel At ‘War to the Bitter End,’ Strikes Key Hamas Sites,” Fox News, December 29, 2008, http://www.foxnews.com/story/2008/12/29/israel-at-war-to-bitter-end-strikes-key-hamas-sites.
September 2000 – March 2004: Hamas carries out 425 terrorist attacks, including 52 suicide bombings, which collectively leave 377 people dead and 2,076 civilians and soldiers wounded.Tzippe Barrow, “Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement,” CBN News, March 8, 2011, https://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/insideisrael/2011/March/Hamas-the-Islamic-Resistance-Movement/. A 2007 study in the Journal Of Economic Perspectives found that Hamas was responsible for 40 percent of suicide attacks during the Second Intifada, which collectively killed more than 1,000 people.Efraim Benmelech and Claude Berrebbi, “Human Capital and the Productivity of Suicide Bombers,” Journal of Economic Perspectives 21, no. 3 (Summer 2007): 223–38, http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/faculty/benmelech/html/BenmelechPapers/Human_Capital_Suicide_Bombers.pdf;
“Victims of Palestinian Violence and Terrorism since September 2000,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accessed June 14, 2017, http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/foreignpolicy/terrorism/palestinian/pages/victims%20of%20palestinian%20violence%20and%20terrorism%20sinc.aspx.
March 14, 2004: Hamas and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade claim responsibility for a double attack at the Israeli port of Ashdod that kills 10 Israelis.“Timeline: The Evolution of Hamas,” CNN, December 30, 2008, http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/12/30/hamas.profile/.
August 19, 2003: A suicide bomber blows up the No. 2 Egged bus in Jerusalem, killing at least 23 people and wounding over 130. Hamas and Islamic Jihad claim responsibility.James Bennet, “With Cease-Fire Crumbling, Israel Refuses to Suspend Raids Against Palestinians,” New York Times, August 24, 2003, http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/24/world/with-cease-fire-crumbling-israel-refuses-to-suspend-raids-against-palestinians.html; “Suicide bombing of No 2 Egged bus in Jerusalem-19-Aug-2003,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accessed November 7, 2016, http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFA-Archive/2003/Pages/Suicide%20bombing%20of%20No%202%20Egged%20bus%20in%20Jerusalem%20-%201.aspx.
June 11, 2003: A Hamas suicide bomber disguised as an ultra-Orthodox Jew blows up the No. 14A Egged bus in Jerusalem, killing 17 people and wounding over 100.“Timeline: The Evolution of Hamas,” CNN, December 30, 2008, http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/12/30/hamas.profile/; “Suicide bombing of Egged bus No 14A in Jerusalem-11-Jun-2003,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accessed November 7, 2016, http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFA-Archive/2003/Pages/Suicide%20bombing%20of%20Egged%20bus%20No%2014A%20in%20Jerusalem%20-.aspx.
November 1, 2002: A Hamas suicide bomber blows up the No. 20 Egged bus in Jerusalem, killing 11 people and wounding 50 others.“Suicide bombing of No 20 Egged bus in Kiryat Menahem- Jerusalem,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accessed November 7, 2016, http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFA-Archive/2000/Pages/Suicide%20bombing%20of%20No%2020%20Egged%20bus%20in%20Kiryat%20Menah.aspx.
August 4, 2002: A suicide bomber explodes aboard the Egged Bus 361 as it is leaving a station at Meron Junction near the Israeli city of Safed, wounding 50. Hamas claims responsibility, calling the bombing revenge for a recent Israeli airstrike that killed a Hamas military commander and 14 others. Hamas also calls the bombing a demonstration of its disappointment with a U.N. investigation into Israel’s counterterrorism operation in Jenin that April. The report criticized Israeli and Palestinian actions in clashes during the operation, but concluded there was no substantiating evidence of Palestinian claims of a massacre of 500 Palestinians.“Latest terror attacks kill 12,” CNN, August 4, 2002, http://www.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/meast/08/04/mideast/.
March 31, 2002: A suicide bomber kills 15 people and wounds 33 at the Matza restaurant in Haifa. Hamas claims responsibility and identifies the bomber as a man from Jenin.“Suicide bomber kills 14 in northern Israeli city,” CNN, March 31, 2002, http://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/meast/03/31/haifa.bombing/.
March 27, 2002: Twenty-five-year-old Abdel-Basset Odeh, disguised as a woman, blows himself up at the Park Hotel in the Israeli city of Netanya, killing 30 and wounding almost 150 others during a Passover Seder. Hamas claims responsibility.“Terrorist Attack against the Park Hotel in Netanya (2002),” Israel Security Agency, accessed August 5, 2014, http://www.shabak.gov.il/English/History/Affairs/Pages/theParkHotelinNetanya.aspx.
August 9, 2001: Ahlam Ahmad al-Tamimi drives Izz al-Din Shuheil al-Masri from the West Bank village of Aqabah and to the Sbarro pizza restaurant in Jerusalem where he sets off his explosives, killing 15 and wounding 130. Two U.S. nationals are among the fatalities and four U.S. nationals are among the wounded. Hamas claims responsibility. Tamimi reports on the bombing for Palestinian televised news. In 2003, Tamimi is sentenced to 16 life sentences for her role in the bombing. In October 2011, Tamimi is freed with more than 1,000 other prisoners and deported to Jordan after a prisoner swap for captured IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.Brian Whitaker, “Who carried out suicide bombing?,” Guardian (London), August 9, 2001, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/aug/10/israel2; Frimet Roth, “Nine years after the Sbarro attack,” Jerusalem Post, August 9, 2010, http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Nine-years-after-the-Sbarro-massacre; Khaled Abu Toameh, “Female terrorist hosts talk show on Hamas TV,” Jerusalem Post, March 1, 2012, https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Female-terrorist-hosts-talk-show-on-Hamas-TV; “Individual Charged in Connection With 2001 Terrorist Attack in Jerusalem That Resulted in Death of Americans,” U.S. Department of Justice, March 14, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/individual-charged-connection-2001-terrorist-attack-jerusalem-resulted-death-americans; Avi Issacharoff and Aimee Amiga, “Prisoners Deported Under Shalit Deal Arrive in Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and Qatar,” Haaretz (Tel Aviv), October 19, 2011, https://www.haaretz.com/1.5201410.
June 1, 2001: A Hamas suicide bomber blows up outside the Dolphinarium discotheque in Tel Aviv, killing 21 people and wounding 120.“Tel-Aviv suicide bombing at the Dolphin disco-1-Jun-2001,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accessed November 7, 2016, http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFA-Archive/2001/Pages/Tel-Aviv%20suicide%20bombing%20at%20the%20Dolphin%20disco%20-%201-.aspx.February 1996 – March 1996: A series of Hamas suicide bombings in Israel kill more than 50 people. Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat condemns the bombings and the PA arrests 140 Hamas suspects.“Timeline: The Evolution of Hamas,” CNN, December 30, 2008, http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/12/30/hamas.profile/.
February 25, 1996: Twin Hamas bus bombings in Jerusalem kill 40 people, including American students Sara Duker and Matt Eisenfeld. Hamas claims responsibility.Rachel Gottlieb, “Parents Of Two Bombing Victims Take On Iran,” Hartford Courant, February 9, 1999, http://articles.courant.com/1999-02-09/news/9902090099_1_gaza-strip-bombing-killed.
April 6, 1994: Hamas dispatches its first suicide bomber against Israeli civilians. 19-year-old Ra’id Zaqarna drives up alongside the No. 348 bus in Afula, Israel, and detonates his explosives, killing eight and wounding 44.Clyde Haberman, “Arab Car Bomber Kills 8 in Israel, 44 Are Wounded,” New York Times, April 7, 1994, http://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/07/world/arab-car-bomber-kills-8-in-israel-44-are-wounded.html. Hamas claims the new tactic is in response to the Goldstein massacre.
1993: Hamas rigs a car to explode at a restaurant near the Israeli settlement of Mehola in the West Bank. The explosion kills two Arabs and wounds eight Israeli soldiers and an Arab civilian.“Car Bomb in West Bank Kills 2 Arabs; 8 Israelis Wounded,” New York Times, April 17, 1993, http://www.nytimes.com/1993/04/17/world/car-bomb-in-west-bank-kills-2-arabs-8-israelis-wounded.html.
Designations by the U.S. Government:
August 29, 1995: The Department of the Treasury lists Mousa Mohammed Abu Marzouk as a Specially Designated Terrorist (SDT) under Executive Order 12947, prohibiting financial transactions between US persons or charities and the designated SDT.“Resource Center: Sanctions,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 29, 1995, http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/SDN-List/Documents/sdnew95.txt.
January 24, 1995: The US Department of the Treasury designates Hamas a Specially Designated Terrorist Organization (SDTO) under, prohibiting financial transactions between US persons or charities and the designated SDTO.“Executive Order 12947,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 23, 1995, http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Documents/12947.pdf. On this same date, the Department of the Treasury also lists Shaykh Ahmad Yasin (a.k.a. Sheikh Ahmed Yassin) as a Specially Designated Terrorist (SDT) under Executive Order 12947, prohibiting financial transactions between US persons or charities and the designated SDT.“Resource Center: Sanctions,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 29, 1995, http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/SDN-List/Documents/sdnew95.txt.
October 8, 1997: The Department of State lists Hamas as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This freezes any of the designated FTO’s assets in U.S. financial institutions, bans admission of members to U.S., and bans providing “material support or resources” to the designated entity.“Foreign Terrorist Organizations,” U.S. Department of State, May 8, 2009, http://www.state.gov/j/ct/rls/other/des/123085.htm.
August 22, 2004: The Department of the Treasury lists Khalid Mishaal (a.k.a. Khaled Meshaal) as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Executive Order 13224, which blocks all property in the US or under possession of control of US persons, bans any property-related transactions by US persons or within US, including giving or receiving contributions to the entity.“U.S. Designates Five Charities Funding Hamas and Six Senior Hamas Leaders as Terrorist Entities,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 22, 2003, http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/js672.aspx.
March 18, 2010: The Department of the Treasury designates Al-Aqsa TV as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist pursuant to Executive Order 13224 as the station is controlled and financed by Hamas. According to Treasury, Al-Aqsa TV is “a primary Hamas media outlet and airs programs and music videos designed to recruit children to become Hamas armed fighters and suicide bombers upon reaching adulthood.”“Treasury Designates Gaza-Based Business, Television Station for Hamas Ties,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 18, 2010, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg594.aspx.
September 8, 2015: The Department of State designates “Muhammed Deif,” Yahya Sinwar, and Rawhi Mushtaha as Specially Designated Global Terrorists.“Terrorist Designations of Yahya Sinwar, Rawhi Mushtaha, and Muhammed Deif,” U.S. Department of State, September 8, 2015, https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/09/246686.htm.
January 31, 2018: The Department of State and Department of the Treasury designate Ismail Haniyeh as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Executive Order 13224.“Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 31, 2018, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20180131.aspx; “State Department Terrorist Designations of Ismail Haniyeh, Harakat al-Sabireen, Liwa al-Thawra, and Harakat Sawa'd Misr (HASM),” U.S. Department of State, January 31, 2018, https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/01/277792.htm.
December 13, 2023: The U.S. Department of the Treasury designates Ismail Barhum, Haroun Nasser Al-Din, Ali Baraka, Jihad Yaghmour, Maher Obeid, Nizar Awadallah, Hassan Al-Wardian, and Mehmet Kaya as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) under Executive Order 13224.“U.S. And UK Target Additional Hamas Finance Officials and Representatives,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 13, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1981.Designations by Foreign Governments and Organizations:
European Union—The Council of the European Union designates “Hamas-Izz al-Din al-Qassem” as a terrorist group on December 27, 2001.“Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad: Council establishes dedicated sanctions framework and lists six individuals,” Council of the European Union, January 19, 2024, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/01/19/hamas-and-palestinian-islamic-jihad-council-establishes-dedicated-sanctions-framework-and-lists-six-individuals/.
European Union— 15 member states froze Hamas’ assets on September 11, 2003.“EU Blacklists Hamas Political Wing,” BBC News, September 11, 2003, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3100518.stm.
European Union—On September 12, 2003, the Council adopted Common Position 2003/651/CFSP reviewing the Annex to Common Position 2001/931/CFSP and replacing “Hamas-Izz al-Din al-Qassem” with “Hamas (including Hamas-Izz al-Din al-Qassem)” as a terrorist group.“Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad: Council establishes dedicated sanctions framework and lists six individuals,” Council of the European Union, January 19, 2024, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/01/19/hamas-and-palestinian-islamic-jihad-council-establishes-dedicated-sanctions-framework-and-lists-six-individuals/.
European Union— Office Journal of the European Union froze Hamas’s European assets under Article 2(3) of Regulation (EC) No. 2580/2001 on December 21, 2005.“Council Decision,” Office Journal of the European Union, December 23, 2005, https://web.archive.org/web/20060107142924/http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2005/l_340/l_34020051223en00640066.pdf.
European Union—The Council of the European Union added Mohammed Deif and Marwan Issa to the EU terrorist list on December 8, 2023.“Fight against terrorism: Council adds two individuals to the EU terrorist list in response to the 7 October attacks,” Council of the European Union, December 8, 2023, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/12/08/fight-against-terrorism-council-adds-two-individuals-to-the-eu-terrorist-list-in-response-to-the-7-october-attacks/.
European Union—On January 19, 2024, the Council of the European Union enacted a dedicated framework of restrictive measures to allow the European Union to hold accountable any individual or entity who supports, facilitates, or enables violent actions by Hamas. The measures allow the European Union to target those who support, materially or financially, Hamas. The European Union may also target those who participate in the planning, preparation, or enabling of violent actions by Hamas.“Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad: Council establishes dedicated sanctions framework and lists six individuals,” Council of the European Union, January 19, 2024, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/01/19/hamas-and-palestinian-islamic-jihad-council-establishes-dedicated-sanctions-framework-and-lists-six-individuals/.
New Zealand— listed the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades as a Terrorist Entity on October 11, 2010, under the Terrorism Suppression Act of 2002, which freezes the assets of terrorist entities and makes it a criminal offense to participate in or support the activities of the designated terrorist entity.“Designated Individuals and Organization,” New Zealand Terrorism Suppression Act 2002, last updated October 9, 2014, http://www.police.govt.nz/advice/personal-community/counterterrorism/designated-entities/lists-associated-with-resolutions-1267-1989-1988.
February 28, 2024—New Zealand designated Hamas in its entirety as a terrorist entity.“New Zealand lists Hamas as terrorist group, sanctions 'extremist' Israeli settlers,” Reuters, February 28, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/new-zealand-lists-hamas-terrorist-group-sanctions-extremist-israeli-settlers-2024-02-29/.
United Kingdom—listed the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades as a Terror Group under the Terrorism Act 2000 in March 2001.James Brokenshire MP, “Proscribed Terror Groups or Organizations,” The Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism in the Home Office, last updated September 15, 2014, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/proscribed-terror-groups-or-organisations--2. The United Kingdom proscribed Hamas in its entirety as a terrorist organization on November 26, 2021.“Islamist terrorist group Hamas banned in the UK,” U.K. Home Office, November 26, 2021, https://www.gov.uk/government/news/islamist-terrorist-group-hamas-banned-in-the-uk.
Australia—listed the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades as a terrorist organization on November 9, 2003.“Listed terrorist organisations,” Australian National Security, accessed February 23, 2015, http://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/Listedterroristorganisations/Pages/default.aspx. Australia designated Hamas in its entirety as a terrorist organization on March 4, 2022.“Australia lists all of Hamas as a terrorist group,” Reuters, March 4, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/australia-lists-all-hamas-terrorist-group-2022-03-04/.
Israel—listed Hamas as a terrorist organization.“Israel At ‘War to the Bitter End,’ Strikes Key Hamas Sites,” Fox News, December 29, 2008, http://www.foxnews.com/story/2008/12/29/israel-at-war-to-bitter-end-strikes-key-hamas-sites; “Profile: Hamas Palestinian Movement,” BBC News, last updated July 11, 2014, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-13331522. Designated the Gaza-based, Hamas-controlled Al-Aqsa TV station as a terrorist entity on March 6, 2019.“Israel blacklists Hamas station said to use on-air cues to recruit terrorists,” Times of Israel, March 6, 2019, https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-blacklists-hamas-station-said-to-use-on-air-cues-to-recruit-terrorists/.
Egypt—banned Hamas on March 4, 2014. Yasmine Saleh, “Court Bans Activities of Islamist Hamas in Egypt,” Reuters, March 4, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/04/us-egypt-hamas-idUSBREA230F520140304. Egypt’s Urgent Matters Court designated Hamas’s armed wing a terrorist organization in January 2015 and Hamas as a terrorist group that February.Joshua Berlinger and Ian Lee, “Egyptian court designates Hamas as a terror organization, state media says,” CNN, February 28, 2015, http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/28/middleeast/egypt-hamas-terror-designation/. An appeals court canceled the designation in June 2015.“Egyptian court cancels Hamas listing as terrorist organization: sources,” Reuters, June 6, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-egypt-hamas-idUSKBN0OM0BZ20150606.
Paraguay—announced the designation of Hamas as a global terrorist organization on August 19, 2019.Presidencia Paraguay, Twitter post, August 19, 2019, 10:09 a.m., https://twitter.com/PresidenciaPy/status/1163452948615237633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1163452948615237633&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesofisrael.com%2Fparaguay-recognizes-hamas-hezbollah-as-terror-groups-drawing-israeli-praise%2F; Michael Bachner, “Paraguay recognizes Hamas, Hezbollah as terror groups, drawing Israeli praise,” Times of Israel, August 19, 2019, https://www.timesofisrael.com/paraguay-recognizes-hamas-hezbollah-as-terror-groups-drawing-israeli-praise/.Ties to entities designated by the U.S. or foreign governments:
Terror Groups
Hezbollah
Hamas and Hezbollah have at times cooperated, though the groups have split somewhat over competing allegiances in the Syrian civil war. Despite tensions between Hamas and Hezbollah over the Syrian civil war, relations between the two groups are reportedly still good, a Hezbollah source told Al-Monitor in 2013.Haytham Mouzahem, “Hezbollah-Hamas Relations ‘Good’ Despite Beirut Bombing Accusations,” Al-Monitor, August 27, 2013, http://www.al-monitor.com/pulseen/originals/2013/08/hezbollah-hamas-relations-beirut-bombing-accusations.html. During the July 2014 conflict between Israel and Hamas, Hamas reportedly invited Hezbollah to join in its rocket campaign against Israel.Ariel Ben Solomon, “Hamas Invites Hezbollah to Join in Fighting against Israel,” Jerusalem Post, July 30, 2014, http://www.jpost.com/Operation-Protective-Edge/Hamas-invites-Hezbollah-to-join-in-fighting-against-Israel-369379. In November 2015, leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah met in Beirut to discuss paramilitary coordination against Israel and ISIS.Khaled Abu Toameh, “Hamas and Hezbollah leaders meet in Beirut to discuss Palestinian ‘intifada,’” Jerusalem Post, November 22, 2015, http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Hamas-and-Hezbollah-leaders-meet-in-Beirut-to-discuss-Palestinian-Intifada-434948. In January 2015, Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif reportedly called for Hezbollah and Hamas to unite in battling Israel.“Hamas calls on Hezbollah to unite fight against Israel,” Reuters, January 22, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/22/us-israel-palestinians-hezbollah-idUSKBN0KV1O920150122. After the Gulf Cooperation Council designated Hezbollah a terrorist organization in March 2016, Hamas signed an Iranian statement of support for Hezbollah.Maayan Groisman, “PA envoy to Iran signs statement of support for Hezbollah,” Jerusalem Post, March 10, 2016, http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Palestinian-Authoritys-envoy-to-Iran-signs-statement-of-support-for-Hezbollah-447476.
Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade
Hamas and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade carried out several joint terrorist operations during the Second Intifada, including a March 2004 attack at the port of Ashdod that killed 10 Israelis,“Timeline: The Evolution of Hamas,” CNN, December 30, 2008, http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/12/30/hamas.profile/. and a suicide bombing the following month at Gaza’s Erez Crossing that killed a border guard and wounded three others.Conal Urquhart, “Israeli Missile Attack Kills New Hamas Chief,” Guardian [U.K.], April 18, 2004, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/apr/18/israel. The Brigade has also joined Hamas in launching rockets at Israel over the years, most recently during the July 2014 conflict.Elhanan Miller, “Fatah Joins Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Missile Launches,” Times of Israel, July 10, 2014, http://www.timesofisrael.com/moderate-fatah-joins-hamas-and-islamic-jihad-in-missile-launches/.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)
On June 25, 2006, a group of Palestinian terrorists from multiple groups, including Hamas, crossed the Gaza border into Israel using an underground tunnel and attacked an IDF military outpost, killing two soldiers and taking 19-year-old Corporal Gilad Shalit hostage.Tim Butcher, “Soldier Kidnapped and Two Killed in Gaza Tunnel Attack,” Telegraph [U.K.], June 26, 2006, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/1522370/Soldier-kidnapped-and-two-killed-in-Gaza-tunnel-attack.html. Hamas denied any participation, but it was later revealed that the group—as well as members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad—were involved in the operation.Steven Erlanger, “Tensions Rise After Israeli Is Kidnapped,” New York Times, June 26, 2006, http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/26/world/middleeast/26cnd-mideast.html; “Q&A: Gilad Shalit Capture,” BBC News, June 24, 2010, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6238858.stm. Hamas and PIJ announced a formal agreement in 2012 to combine forces in their fight against Israel.Elhanan Miller, “Gaza’s Hamas and Islamic Jihad Formally Join Forces to Fight Israel,” Times of Israel, October 10, 2012, http://www.timesofisrael.com/gazas-hamas-and-islamic-jihad-formally-join-forces-to-fight-israel/. The following year, the two groups announced plans to create a joint command and a new political vision for Gaza.Elhanan Miller, “Hamas and Islamic Jihad to Form Joint Command,” Times of Israel, September 17, 2013, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-and-islamic-jihad-to-form-joint-command/. PIJ and Hamas have since continued to coordinate politically and militarily.Yaniv Kubovich, “Analysis Iran's Fighting Force in Gaza, Calling and Firing the Shots: This Is Islamic Jihad in Palestine,” Haaretz, June 17, 2018, https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/iran/.premium-what-is-islamic-jihad-in-palestine-iran-s-fighting-force-in-gaza-calling-and-firing-the-shots-1.6158730; “Hamas meets with Islamic Jihad’s leadership, concludes with unified stances,” Hamas, November 2, 2018, http://hamas.ps/en/post/1660/hamas-meets-with-islamic-jihad%E2%80%99s-leadership-concludes-with-unified-stances. The two groups announced in December 2019 they would join forces against Israel in the next round of conflict with the Jewish state.Khaled Abu Toameh, “Hamas, Islamic Jihad agree to stand together in future fight with Israel,” Jerusalem Post, December 20, 2019, https://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Hamas-PIJ-agree-to-stand-together-in-future-confrontation-with-Israel-611458.
In May 2021, Hamas and PIJ jointly launched more than 4,000 rockets toward Israel during an 11-day conflict that left 13 dead in Israel and more than 230 dead in Gaza. Israel claimed at least 120 of those people killed in Gaza belonged to Hamas and 25 belonged to PIJ. Both Hamas and PIJ claimed victory in the conflict, which ended with an Egypt-negotiated ceasefire.Aaron Boxerman and staff, “Hamas chief says war foils Israel’s attempts at Arab coexistence, normalization,” Times of Israel, May 21, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-chief-says-war-foils-israels-attempts-at-arab-coexistence-normalization/.
Hamas and PIJ continued to elevate their coordination in 2022. On March 16 that year, Hamas’s Saleh al-Arouri met in Beirut with PIJ Secretary-General Ziad al-Nakhalah. The two leaders jointly called for escalating “resistance operations” against Israel in the West Bank and Jerusalem until “the liberation of Palestine.” With increased Jewish visitations to the Temple Mount expected during the coming Passover holiday, Hamas and PIJ called on Palestinians to “thwart” the planned “incursions.”Khaled Abu Toameh, “Hamas, Islamic Jihad call to step up attacks in West Bank, Jerusalem,” Jerusalem Post, March 16, 2022, https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/article-701471. Later that year, on October 20, a Hamas delegation met with Nakhalah in Beirut. The officials reaffirmed their stance that Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Palestine, and it will remain the core of the Palestinian struggle against Israel. They also reiterate their opposition to Israeli attempts to “Judaise” or divide the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Hamas and PIJ jointly call on the Palestinian people to escalate their “resistance” against Israel until “liberation and return.”“Hamas official concludes visit to Beirut,” Hamas, October 20, 2022, https://hamas.ps/en/post/4353/Hamas-official-concludes-visit-to-Beirut.
ISIS
Hamas has reportedly used its underground tunnel system beneath the Gaza-Egypt border to transport aid to ISIS’s Sinai-based affiliate, Wilayat Sinai.Avi Issacharoff, “Under Egypt’s nose, Hamas boosts cooperation with IS in Sinai,” Times of Israel, March 6, 2016, http://www.timesofisrael.com/under-egypts-nose-hamas-boosts-cooperation-with-is-in-sinai/. Hamas has also reportedly provided military training and medical aid to ISIS militants in the Sinai. In 2016, Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal called for a suspension of contacts with Wilayat Sinai as Hamas has moved to reconcile with Egypt. Despite this, the al-Qassam Brigades have continued their coordination with the ISIS affiliate.Avi Issacharoff, “Inside Hamas, a bitter and very personal battle for control,” Times of Israel, March 19, 2016, http://www.timesofisrael.com/inside-hamas-a-bitter-and-very-personal-battle-for-control/; Avi Issacharoff, “Rising new Hamas leader is all too familiar to Israel,” Times of Israel, December 18, 2015, http://www.timesofisrael.com/rising-new-hamas-leader-is-all-too-familiar-to-israel/. Israeli media reported in January 2017 that Wilayat Sinai had opened a media propaganda office in the Gaza Strip. Hamas has also reportedly continued to provide medical aid to wounded ISIS fighters from the Sinai.Avi Issacharoff, “Hamas, Islamic State resume close cooperation despite pressure from Cairo,” Times of Israel, January 15, 2017, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-islamic-state-resume-close-cooperation-despite-pressure-from-cairo/. The Times of Israel reported in February 2017 that “dozens” of top Hamas commanders had defected to Wilayat Sinai in the past three years.Avi Issacharoff, “Elite Hamas commanders defecting to Islamic State,” Times of Israel, February 7, 2017, http://www.timesofisrael.com/elite-hamas-fighters-defecting-to-islamic-state/.
Relations between Hamas and Wilayat Sinai deteriorated in early 2018. That January, Wilayat Sinai released a 22-minute execution video of an alleged Hamas collaborator. Also in the video, an ISIS agent identified as Abu Kazem al-Maqdisi called on ISIS supporters to attack Hamas in Gaza because the group failed to stop U.S. President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in December 2017. Hamas spokesman Salah Bardawil dismissed the declaration of war as an Israeli plot “in which Arab tools participate to distort the resistance.”Vasudevan Sridharan, “Islamic State issues threats against Hamas with brutal execution video,” International Business Times, January 5, 2018, http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/islamic-state-issues-threats-against-hamas-brutal-execution-video-1653878.Countries
Iran
Iran has long been a benefactor of Hamas, providing weapons, training, and money. Though Hamas is a primarily Sunni organization, Iran’s support transcended the Shiite-Sunni divide based on a common enemy in Israel.“Palestinian Territories/Gaza,” United Against Nuclear Iran, accessed January 18, 2017, http://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/report/palestinian-territoriesgaza. During the 1990s, Iran was a key financier of Hamas terrorism, providing financial rewards for bombings and higher rewards for higher death tolls.Matthew Levitt, “Hezbollah Finances: Funding the Party of God,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy February 2005, http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/hezbollah-finances-funding-the-party-of-god. In 1993, Iran pledged $30 million in annual support to Hamas. Iran also provided military training and weaponry such as improvised explosive devices, anti-tank munitions, and UAVs.“Palestinian Territories/Gaza,” United Against Nuclear Iran, accessed January 18, 2017, http://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/report/palestinian-territoriesgaza. Following Hamas’s electoral victory in the January 2006 Palestinian elections, Iran equipped Hamas with an estimated $23 million a month in financial and military aid, including for governing expenses.Rushdi Abu Alouf, “Gazans squeezed by triple taxes as Hamas replaces lost income,” BBC News, June 20, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36274631; Robert Tait, “Iran Cuts Hamas Funding over Syria,” Telegraph (London), May 31, 2013, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/10091629/Iran-cuts-Hamas-funding-over-Syria.html. In January 2022, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh revealed Iran had provided the group with $70 million to develop missiles and defense technology. Haniyeh declared that while multiple countries supported Hamas, Iran was the group’s biggest donor.“Iran Funded Hamas Missiles With $70 Million, Haniyeh Says,” Iran International, March 1, 2022, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202201038619. In April 2024, Israel’s military uncovered correspondence between Hamas deputy leader Yahya Sinwar and deceased Quds Force deputy leader Marwan Issa detailing almost $250 million in Iranian payments to Hamas between 2014 and 2020.Anshel Pfeffer, “Revealed: secret letters that show Iran’s £200m payments to Hamas,” Times (London), April 11, 2024, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/iran-hamas-israel-payments-letters-6l6mtpnbw.
The Syrian civil war drove a wedge between Hamas and Iran, as Hamas had voiced support for rebel forces while Iran supports Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. As a result, Iran reportedly cut approximately $10 million a month to Hamas,Rushdi Abu Alouf, “Gazans squeezed by triple taxes as Hamas replaces lost income,” BBC News, June 20, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36274631. reducing the group’s funding to a “tiny amount” to maintain ties and its support of the Palestinian cause.Robert Tait, “Iran Cuts Hamas Funding over Syria,” Telegraph (London), May 31, 2013, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/10091629/Iran-cuts-Hamas-funding-over-Syria.html. Ghazi Hamad, Hamas’s deputy foreign minister, remarked in May 2013: “I cannot deny that since 2006 Iran supported Hamas with money and many [other] things. But the situation is not like the past. I cannot say that everything is normal.”Robert Tait, “Iran Cuts Hamas Funding over Syria,” Telegraph [U.K.], May 31, 2013, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/10091629/Iran-cuts-Hamas-funding-over-Syria.html.
The overthrow of Egypt’s pro-Hamas, Brotherhood–controlled government in 2013 left Hamas without a major ally, leading the group to restore its relationship with Iran out of necessity. In 2014, Hamas and Iranian officials began to repair ties. In January 2014, senior Hamas official Bassem Naim claimed that ties between the two “had never been conclusively severed” and that several recent meetings had led to “a marked improvement and progression in the relationship.”Harriet Sherwood, “Hamas and Iran Rebuild Ties Three Years after Falling out over Syria,” Guardian (London), January 9, 2014, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/09/hamas-iran-rebuild-ties-falling-out-syria. Taher al-Nounou, an aide to Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, said relations were “almost back to how they were before.”Harriet Sherwood, “Hamas and Iran Rebuild Ties Three Years after Falling out over Syria,” Guardian (London), January 9, 2014, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/09/hamas-iran-rebuild-ties-falling-out-syria. That March, Iranian parliament speaker Ali Larijani said that relations between Hamas and Iran had returned to normal and that Iran continues to support Hamas as a “resistance organization.”Elhanan Miller, “Hamas and Iran Admit Increased Cooperation,” Times of Israel, March 12, 2014, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-and-iran-admit-increased-cooperation/.
During the July 2014 Hamas-Israel conflict, Iranian officials admitted that Iran had transferred technology to Hamas to allow the terror group to build its own rockets. “Once upon a time, they [Hamas] needed the arms manufacture know-how and we gave it to them” and Hamas can now “meet their own needs for weapons,” Larijani said.Agence France-Presse, “Iran gave Hamas its rocket know-how, official boasts”, Yahoo News, July 24, 2014, http://news.yahoo.com/iran-gave-hamas-rocket-know-official-boasts-190726914.html. Senior Hamas leader Moussa Abu Marzouk said in July 2015 that all Iranian aid to Hamas’s political and military wings had ceased.Jack Moore, “Iran Ceases Financial Aid to Hamas in Gaza, Officials Claim,” Newsweek, July 28, 2015, http://europe.newsweek.com/iran-ceases-financial-aid-hamas-gaza-official-claims-330889?rx=us. He further accused Iranian officials of lying about support for Hamas, which he said had not received any Iranian money since 2009.“Hamas slams Iranian ‘lies’ of financial, military support,” i24News, January 31, 2016, http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/middle-east/101236-160131-hamas-slams-iranian-lies-about-financial-military-support.
Despite this reported breakdown in relations, leaders of Hamas’s military wing have reportedly continued to receive funding from the Iranian government. British-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat reported in April 2016 that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intended to send Hamas forces into Iraq to aid in the liberation of Mosul from ISIS.Maayan Groisman, “Report: Iran looks to deploy Hamas in the battle to liberate Mosul from ISIS,” Jerusalem Post, April 25, 2016, http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Iran-News/Report-Iran-to-deploy-Hamas-in-the-battle-for-the-liberation-of-Mosul-from-ISIS-452253. Ahmed Yousef, a Hamas leader and political adviser to former Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, confirmed in January 2016 that Iranian aid to the Qassam Brigades slowed but never stopped completely. According to Yousef, Iran publicly supports Palestinian “resistance forces” as a challenge to the United States and Israel.Ahmad Abu Amer, “Will Iran deal mean more money for Hamas?,” Al-Monitor, January 27, 2016, http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/01/gaza-hamas-resistance-iran-support.html. After the slowdown in Iranian funding following the Syrian fallout, Hamas military leaders reportedly continued to receive more than $45 million annually from the IRGC, though the figure reportedly represents a decrease in funding. According to anonymous Palestinian leaders cited in Arab media, the relationship between Iran and Hamas’s military wing may have diminished somewhat, but it has never ended.Ariel Ben Solomon, “Palestinian sources say Hamas seeking to repair relations with Iran, report says,” Jerusalem Post, June 30, 2016, http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Palestinian-sources-say-Hamas-seeking-to-repair-relations-with-Iran-report-says-459228.
In August 2017, Hamas’s political leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, announced that Iran and Hamas had renewed their ties. Sinwar told reporters that ties between Iran and Hamas were “excellent, or very excellent.”Fares Akram and Josef Federman, “New Hamas leader says it is getting aid again from Iran,” Associated Press, August 28, 2017, https://apnews.com/0427f88fe857479caa633fad5683aa96/New-Hamas-leader-says-it-is-getting-aid-again-from-Iran. Sinwar also called Iran the “largest backer financially and militarily” of Hamas.“Hamas leader in Gaza: Ties with Iran now ‘fantastic’; we’re preparing battle for Palestine,” Times of Israel, August 28, 2017, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-leader-in-gaza-ties-with-iran-now-fantastic-were-preparing-battle-for-palestine/. Calling Iranian military support to Hamas “strategic,” Sinwar told reporters that Iran is aiding Hamas in building its “military strength in order to liberate Palestine.”“Hamas leader in Gaza: Ties with Iran now ‘fantastic’; we’re preparing battle for Palestine,” Times of Israel, August 28, 2017, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-leader-in-gaza-ties-with-iran-now-fantastic-were-preparing-battle-for-palestine/.
Less than two weeks after Hamas and rival Fatah signed a reconciliation agreement on October 12, 2017, a Hamas delegation traveled to Tehran to meet with Iranian parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani and other government leaders. Hamas official Saleh Arouri told Iranian media that Hamas would neither give up its weapons nor sever its relationship with Iran.“Hamas deputy leader says to continue Iran ties, armed fight,” Reuters, October 22, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-palestinians-hamas-iran/hamas-deputy-leader-says-to-continue-iran-ties-armed-fight-idUSKBN1CR0MP. According to Arouri, the visit to Tehran is “a sign of our strong will” for maintaining ties with Iran.“Hamas Never to Recognize Israel: Official,” Tasnim News Agency, October 24, 2017, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2017/10/24/1554570/hamas-never-to-recognize-israel-official.
Haniyeh traveled to Iran in January 2020 attend the funeral of Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who died in a U.S. airstrike on January 3, 2020. Haniyeh was only one of a handful of people to speak at the funeral. He praised Iran and pledged that the Palestinian resistance would continue. Haniyeh also stood close to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, signaling that Hamas was attempting to restore its relations with Iran. Prior to the funeral, Haniyeh made a condolence call to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who pledged that Iran would continue to back “the Palestinian people’s rights and resistance in defense of its land and holy sites.”“Hamas leader praises Soleimani at Tehran funeral in show of support for Iran,” Times of Israel, January 6, 2020, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-leader-praises-soleimani-at-tehran-funeral-in-show-of-support-for-iran/.
In April 2021, Iran reportedly agreed to pay Hamas $30 million per month for intelligence on Israeli missile capabilities, including their locations.“Iran Reportedly Agreed To Pay Hamas For Intelligence On Israeli Missiles,” Iran International, May 11, 2021, https://iranintl.com/en/iran-in-brief/iran-reportedly-agreed-pay-hamas-intelligence-israeli-missiles. On May 9, Haniyeh wrote to Khamenei asking for the Muslim world to continue its support of al-Quds as Hamas remains dedicated to achieving an independent Palestine with al-Quds as its capital.“Hamas chief writes to Leader, asks Muslim world to support al-Quds,” Tehran Times, May 9, 2021, https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/460758/Hamas-chief-writes-to-Leader-asks-Muslim-world-to-support-al-Quds. After Hamas and Israel engaged in an 11-day conflict in May 2021, Haniyeh praised Iran’s role in funding Hamas. According to Haniyeh, Iran “did not hold back with money, weapons and technical support” during the conflict.Press TV, Twitter post, May 22, 2021, 10:40 a.m., https://twitter.com/PressTV/status/1395751344535969794; Tobias Siegal, “Hamas' Haniyeh vows to destabilize Jerusalem, thanks Iran for support,” Jerusalem Post, May 22, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/hamas-haniyeh-vows-to-destabilize-jerusalem-thanks-iran-for-support-668791. The following week, Sinwar declared Hamas has “sufficient financial resources… a large part of which are from Iran.”“Hamas Chief Says His Group Has ‘Sufficient’ Money Provided By Iran,” Iran International, May 27, 2021, https://iranintl.com/en/iran-in-brief/hamas-chief-says-his-group-has-sufficient-money-provided-iran.
In July 2023, representatives of Hamas met with a senior commander from the IRGC Quds Force and two Iranian security officials to discuss a response to widespread protests in Israel against the government’s judicial reform legislation. An Iranian diplomat told Reuters the participants concluded the protests had weakened Israel, but they agreed to refrain from “direct interference” to avoid allowing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to shift blame for the social upheaval to foreign adversaries. The Hamas source told Reuters there were ongoing discussions between Hamas, Iran, and the Quds Force on the situation and how to “uprade the work of resistance.”Parisa Hafezi, Laila Bassam, and Nidal Al-Mughrabi, “Israel's enemies see opportunity in its crisis,” Reuters, July 26, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-enemies-see-opportunity-its-crisis-2023-07-25/.
According to documents Israeli forces recovered in Gaza, Hamas’s now-deceased Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar had requested an additional $7 million per month from the IRGC in December 2022 to fund “the big project,” referring to the planned October 7 attack. Sinwar and other Hamas leaders attempted to persuade Iran and Hezbollah to join in the attack, but Iranian officials reportedly said they needed more time.Ronen Bergman, Adam Rasgon, and Patrick Kingsley, “Secret Documents Show Hamas Tried to Persuade Iran to Join Its Oct. 7 Attack,” New York Times, October 12, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/12/world/middleeast/hamas-israel-war.html. On November 17, 2024, families of Americans killed on October 7 and in subsequent fighting in Gaza filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Washington against Iran for supporting the October 7 attacks. The lawsuit accuses the IRGC of coordinating between Hamas and Hezbollah ahead of the attack.Adam Goldman and Ronen Bergman, “Families of American Victims of Oct. 7 Attack Sue Iran,” New York Times, November 17, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/17/us/politics/iran-oct-7-families-lawsuit.html.
North Korea
Hamas has allegedly received arms from North Korea. The link first became public after a cargo of North Korean weapons was seized in Bangkok airport in 2009. Investigators later confirmed that the cargo was destined for Iran, from where it was to be smuggled to Lebanon and Gaza. Western security sources also suspect that North Korea has offered Hamas advice on the building of tunnels, which has enabled Hamas to smuggle weapons and fighters in and out of Gaza. In July 2014, reports indicated that Hamas was attempting to buy arms and communication equipment from North Korea in order to continue attacks on Israel. The deal was reportedly worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.Con Coughlin, “Hamas and North Korea in Secret Arms Deal,” Telegraph (London), July 26, 2014, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/10992921/Hamas-and-North-Korea-in-secret-arms-deal.html.Ties to other entities:
Jordan
Hamas’s leadership based itself in Jordan in the 1990s, and former Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal is himself a Jordanian citizen. In September 1997, Israel reportedly attempted to poison Meshaal, but supplied the antidote after Jordan threatened to reverse its 1994 peace treaty with Israel.“Netanyahu in Spotlight as Assassination Plot Unravels,” CNN, October 5, 1997, https://web.archive.org/web/20080308162315/http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9710/05/israel/. In 1999, Jordan banned Hamas and arrested several of its leaders.Mike O’Connor, “Jordan Acts To Enforce Hamas Ban,” Washington Post, September 23, 1999, https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1999/09/23/jordan-acts-to-enforce-hamas-ban/1742998a-7a9c-4e62-8eb1-25fedf4f7f3e/.Jordan expelled Meshaal and three other Hamas representatives that November.“Jordan Frees Four Jailed Hamas Leaders and Expels Them,” New York Times, November 22, 1999, http://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/22/world/jordan-frees-four-jailed-hamas-leaders-and-expels-them.html.
After a 10-day trip to Jordan in July 2012, Meshaal claimed that Hamas and the Jordanian government had reconciled, though Hamas had committed to not involve Jordan’s Palestinian population in its activities. According to Meshaal, the new relationship focused on four principles: “The safety and stability of Jordan; Hamas’s non-intervention in internal Jordanian affairs; Hamas’ non-intervention in affairs concerning the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan; and finally on Palestinian-Jordanian relations.”Elhanan Miller, “13 years after king booted it out, Hamas leader says his group has reconciled with Jordan,” Times of Israel, July 9, 2012, http://www.timesofisrael.com/jordan-has-reconciled-with-hamas-khaled-mashaal-says/. In 2013, Jordan reportedly refused a Hamas request to reopen its offices in the kingdom.Khaled Abu Toameh, “King Abdullah Says No to Hamas,” Gatestone Institute, September 17, 2013, https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/3978/king-abdullah-hamas
In October 2011, Israel released more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in an exchange with Hamas for captured IDF soldier Gilad Shalit. Among those released was Jordanian citizen Ahlam Ahmad al-Tamimi, who was serving 16 life sentences for her role in coordinating Hamas’s August 2001 suicide bombing of the Sbarro pizzeria in Jerusalem. The bombing killed 15 and wounded 130. Tamimi was deported to Jordan after her release.Jeffrey Heller and Nidal al-Mughrabi, “Israel and Hamas Agree Prisoner Swap to Free Shalit,” Reuters, October 11, 2011, http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/11/us-israel-palestinians-shalit-idUSTRE79A58R20111011; “Individual Charged in Connection With 2001 Terrorist Attack in Jerusalem That Resulted in Death of Americans,” U.S. Department of Justice, March 14, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/individual-charged-connection-2001-terrorist-attack-jerusalem-resulted-death-americans; Avi Issacharoff and Aimee Amiga, “Prisoners Deported Under Shalit Deal Arrive in Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and Qatar,” Haaretz (Tel Aviv), October 19, 2011, https://www.haaretz.com/1.5201410. As of early 2025, the United States had unsuccessfully continued to seek Tamimi’s extradition. On February 3, 2025, the Qatar-linked, London-based news website New Arab reported that Jordan had asked Hamas to find another country to host Tamimi within 24 hours or else it would allow U.S. extradition. According to the New Arab’s Arabic-language Qatari branch, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, Jordan issued the message to Hamas’s leadership in Qatar. Jordanian parliamentarians reportedly sought immediate clarification from the government, which did not immediately comment. Jordan’s Speaker of Parliament Ahmed Safadi later denied the reports, claiming they were “not accurate.”“Jordan asks Hamas to remove Ahlam Tamimi from the kingdom to avoid extradition to U.S,” New Arab, February 3, 2025, https://www.newarab.com/news/jordan-asks-hamas-remove-ahlam-tamimi-kingdom; “Jordan denies requesting freed prisoner Ahlam Tamimi’s deportation,” Middle East Monitor, February 4, 2025, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250204-jordan-denies-requesting-freed-prisoner-ahlam-tamimis-deportation/.
Qatar
The emir of Qatar became the first head of state to visit Gaza after Hamas’s 2007 coup.“Emir of Qatar Become First Head of State to Visit Gaza since Hamas Took Control,” Huffington Post UK, October 23, 2012, http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/10/23/emir-of-qatar-historic-visit-to-hamas-gaza_n_2004960.html. Since then, Qatar has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Gaza, pledging $400 million to Gaza in 2012.“Qatar Ups Gaza Investment to $400 Million,” Agence France-Presse, October 23, 2012, http://tribune.com.pk/story/455921/hamas-qatar-ups-gaza-investment-to-400-million/. After Hamas and Fatah signed a reconciliation agreement in April 2014, the PA refused to pay the salaries of Hamas civil servants in Gaza, and in response Qatar attempted to transfer hundreds of millions of dollars to Hamas to pay the salaries of 44,000 civil servants. The United States reportedly blocked the transfers.Elhanan Miller, “US Blocked Qatari Funds Intended for Hamas Employees,” Times of Israel, July 15, 2014, http://www.timesofisrael.com/us-blocked-qatari-funds-intended-for-hamas-employees/.
Qatar has also hosted former Hamas politburo chief Khaled Meshaal since he left Syria in 2012.Abdullah Rebhy, “Qatar denies it plans to expel Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal,” Associated Press, January 12, 2015,http://bigstory.ap.org/article/04fc2928f3e04a77a1fdd45c24085397/qatar-denies-it-plans-expel-hamas-leader-khaled-mashaal. Qatari officials have referred to Meshaal as a “dear guest.”Peter Kovessy, “Qatar FM: Hamas leader to remain in Doha as ‘dear guest,’” Doha News, January 13, 2015, https://dohanews.co/qatar-fm-hamas-leader-remain-doha-dear-guest/. In June 2017, several Hamas leaders left Qatar amid rumors that the government had expelled them under international pressure. Hamas denied that the government had forced the Hamas leaders to leave.Sue Surkes and agencies, “Hamas commander involved in kidnap of Israeli teens expelled from Qatar,” Times of Israel, June 5, 2017, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-chief-said-involved-in-kidnap-of-israeli-teens-faces-expulsion-from-qatar/;
“Press release issued by Hamas concerning the claims of media outlets regarding the Qatari list,” Hamas website, June 5, 2017, http://hamas.ps/en/post/771/press-release-issued-by-hamas-concerning-the-claims-of-media-outlets-regarding-the-qatari-list. Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani called Hamas a “legitimate resistance movement” and defended Hamas’s presence in the country as a “political representation of the Hamas movement” meant to promote Palestinian unity.“Qatari FM: For Arabs, Hamas is a resistance movement,” Al Jazeera, June 10, 2017, http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/06/qatari-fm-arabs-hamas-resistance-movement-170610224850422.html. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in Doha on December 16, 2019. The Hamas delegation reported received a warm reception from Al-Thani.Seth J. Frantzman, “Turkey and Qatar give warm embrace to Hamas leaders,” Jerusalem Post, December 17, 2019, https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Turkey-and-Qatar-give-warm-embrace-to-Hamas-leaders-611219. In February 2020, Hamas announced Haniyeh would continue to run Hamas’s political bureau from Doha, for the immediate future in order to continue traveling freely through the end of 2020 or early 2021.Khaled Abu Toameh, “Hamas leader Haniyeh decides to settle in Qatar – report,” Jerusalem Post, February 2, 2020, https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Hamas-leader-Haniyeh-decides-to-settle-in-Qatar-report-616253l; Ahmed Fouad, “Egypt may find Gaza more appealing without Haniyeh,” Al-Monitor, February 25, 2020, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/egypt-ban-hamas-haniyeh-return-gaza-iran-qatar.html. Murtaja was sentenced to nine years in prison in 2018.Ami Rojkes Dombe, “Report: Turkish government agency providing funds to Hamas,” Israel Defense (Kfar Saba), February 10, 2021, https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/48273.
During the July 2014 conflict between Hamas and Israel, Qatar and Turkey were considered Hamas’s closest international allies.Mirren Gidda, “Hamas Still Has Some Friends Left,” Time, July 25, 2014, http://time.com/3033681/hamas-gaza-palestine-israel-egypt/; Jonathan Schanzer, “Hamas’s BFFs,” Foreign Policy, August 4, 2014, http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/08/04/hamas_s_bffs_turkey_qatar_israel_gaza?wp_login_redirect=0. Qatar drafted a ceasefire proposal in July 2014 that adopted most of Hamas’s demands, and without consideration of Israel’s.Avi Issacharoff, “Qatar’s Ceasefire Offer Adopts Most Hamas Demands,” Times of Israel, July 19, 2014, http://www.timesofisrael.com/qatars-ceasefire-offer-adopts-most-hamas-demands/. Because of their close ties to Hamas, the United States invited Turkey and Qatar to a Paris meeting in mid-July 2014 to discuss a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. The move drew accusations from the Palestinian Authority and Egypt, suggesting that the United States was attempting to sideline them.Khaled Abu Toameh, “Palestinian Authority Blasts Kerry for ‘Appeasing’ Qatar, Turkey at Ramallah’s Expense,” Jerusalem Post, July 28, 2014, http://www.jpost.com/Operation-Protective-Edge/Palestinian-Authority-blasts-Kerry-for-appeasing-Qatar-Turkey-at-Ramallahs-expense-369091.
Following the October 2017 reconciliation agreement between Hamas and Fatah, rumors emerged that Hamas was dissatisfied with Qatar’s role in the reconciliation talks. Hamas released a statement denying the rumors and praising its relationship with Qatar, which Hamas said has played a “pioneering role” in Gaza that “contributed significantly to prevent the collapse of the Gaza Strip during the years of siege.”“Hamas: No rift with Qatar over Fatah reconciliation,” Al Jazeera, October 22, 2017, http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/hamas-rift-qatar-fatah-reconciliation-171022152847114.html.
A U.S. lawsuit filed in June 2020 alleged Qatar provided funding to PIJ and Hamas through three Qatari financial institutions, the Qatar Charity, Masraf Al Rayan, and Qatar National Bank. The Qatar Charity is a member of the U.S.-sanctioned Union of Good charity network. All three institutions have links to members of the Qatari royal family. The plaintiffs are friends and family members of 10 U.S. citizens who died in terror attacks in Israel carried out by PIJ and Hamas. The lawsuit alleges Qatar Charity allegedly worked with Masraf Al Rayan bank and Qatar National Bank to forward Hamas and PIJ millions of dollars. It further accuses the Qatari government of coopting “several institutions that it dominates and controls to funnel coveted U.S. dollars (the chosen currency of Middle East terrorist networks) to Hamas and PIJ under the false guise of charitable donations.”Ray Hanania, “Lawsuit names Qatar’s royal family in killings of 10 Americans in Israel,” Arab News, June 11, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1688051/middle-east; Adam Kredo, “Lawsuit Alleges Qatar Secretly Financed Terror Attacks that Killed Americans,” Washington Free Beacon, June 10, 2020, https://freebeacon.com/national-security/lawsuit-alleges-qatar-secretly-financed-terror-attacks-that-killed-americans/. On June 26, 2020, Qatar transferred $30 million to Hamas. The terror group claimed one-third of the amount would be distributed to 100,000 needy families.Agence France-Presse, “Gaza families receive Qatari financial aid,” Yahoo! News, June 27, 2020, https://news.yahoo.com/gaza-families-receive-qatari-financial-aid-104017621.html.
Since 2018, Qatar has provided $20 million per month—or $240,000,000 a year—in aid to the Gaza Strip. The aid has helped Hamas pay salaries of its civil servants, as well as pay for electricity costs and food assistance programs. On January 31, 2021, the Qatari government announced it would increase its annual assistance to $360 million in the coming year. Despite concerns that Hamas would misuse the money, Israel has agreed to the Qatari aid to stem a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.“Qatar pledges $360 million in aid to Hamas-ruled Gaza,” Associated Press, January 31, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/world-news-israel-qatar-militant-groups-gaza-strip-49a1591f50b183920b5d4310c2098683. After an 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas in May 2021, Qatar’s emir met with Haniyeh in Doha and pledged continued support for the Palestinian people.Serdar Bitmez and Halime Afra Aksoy, “Qatar ruler, Hamas chief discuss reconstruction of Gaza,” Anadolu Agency, May 23, 2021, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/qatar-ruler-hamas-chief-discuss-reconstruction-of-gaza/2251871. After Hamas’s 11-day war with Israel that month, Qatar pledged $500 million in aid toward Gaza’s reconstruction.“Qatar pledges $500m for Gaza reconstruction,” Al Jazeera, May 26, 2021, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/26/qatar-pledges-500-million-to-gaza-reconstruction. Hamas’s Gaza leader, Yahya Sinwar, pledged Hamas would not touch any international aid pledged toward Gaza’s reconstruction.“Hamas leader says group won’t touch Gaza reconstruction aid,” Al Jazeera, May 26, 2021, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/26/hamas-leader-says-group-wont-touch-gaza-aid. On November 30, 2021, Hamas, Qatar, and Egypt announced a new deal for Qatar to pay the salaries of Hamas’s public servants in Gaza. Under the plan, Qatar will send up to $10 million worth of fuel each month to Egypt, which will transfer the fuel to Gaza for Hamas to resell to Palestinian gas stations and use the proceeds to pay its civil servants.“Hamas announces deal for Qatar to subsidize Gaza public employees,” Times of Israel, November 30, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-announces-deal-for-qatar-to-subsidize-gaza-public-employees/; Fares Akram, “Hamas: Qatar paying public salaries by sending fuel to Gaza,” Associated Press, November 30, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/business-africa-israel-egypt-qatar-167abbe0cf82ab374e3fc1c0c84ca1fa; Nidal Al-Mughrabi, “Hamas official says Qatar enables fuel-to-cash scheme for Gaza civil servants,” Reuters, November 22, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-official-says-qatar-enables-fuel-to-cash-scheme-gaza-civil-servants-2021-11-22/.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of at least 1,200 people and the kidnapping of at least 240 men, women, and children.Josef Federman and Issam Adwan, “Hamas surprise attack out of Gaza stuns Israel and leaves hundreds dead in fighting, retaliation,” Associated Press, October 7, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2; Nidal Al-Mughrabi and Maytaal Angel, “Israel says its forces operating in ‘heart of Gaza City,’” Reuters, November 8, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-says-it-is-open-gaza-fighting-pauses-aid-hostages-2023-11-07/; Lauren Frayer, “Israel revises down its death toll from the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks to about 1,200,” NPR, November 11, 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/11/11/1212458974/israel-revises-death-toll-hamas-attacks-oct-7. Haniyeh and other Hamas leaders watched the attack unfold from Haniyeh’s office in Doha. Haniyeh then issued a press statement calling the attack a response to Israeli crimes after several warnings by Hamas. While watching the news reports, Haniyeh and other leaders reportedly cheered with joy and then prostrated themselves in gratitude before God. Haniyeh praised the attack as the start of a new era in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.Matt Drake, “How Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh watched attack on Israel on TV from his office in Qatar as he celebrated with other officials,” Daily Mail (London), October 8, 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12608271/How-Hamas-leader-Ismail-Haniyeh-watched-attack-Israel-TV-office-Qatar-celebrated-officials.html; Hamas Online, Telegram, October 7, 2023. The initial October 7 attack killed at least 250 people in Israel. Qatar joined with Saudi Arabia and Iran in blaming Israel for the October 7 Hamas attack. According to a Qatari government statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs held Israel “solely responsible for the ongoing escalation due to its ongoing violations of the rights of the Palestinian people, the latest of which was the repeated incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of the Israeli police.”“Qatar Expresses Concern over the Developments in Gaza Strip and Calls for De-escalation,” Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, October 7, 2023, https://www.mofa.gov.qa/en/statements/qatar-expresses-concern-over-the-developments-in-gaza-strip-and-calls-for-de-escalation; Nick Robertson, “Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran say Israel has only itself to blame for Hamas attacks,” Hill, October 7, 2023, https://thehill.com/policy/international/4243388-saudi-arabia-qatar-iran-blame-israel-hamas-attacks/. That night, Qatari officials claimed they had begun mediation talks to convince Hamas to release captive women and children for Palestinian security prisoners in Israel. Israel denied negotiations were underway.Andrew Mills and Nidal Al-Mughrabi, “Qatar in talks with Hamas, Israel to swap hostages for prisoners,” Reuters, October 9, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/qatar-leads-talks-swap-hamas-held-hostages-palestinians-israeli-jails-2023-10-09/. On October 20, Hamas freed two hostages—an American mother and daughter—after Qatari intervention. Hamas said it released the hostages for “humanitarian reasons.”“Hamas releases two American hostages from Gaza after Qatari mediation,” Al Jazeera, October 20, 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/20/hamas-releases-two-american-hostages-from-gaza. On October 24, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani accused Israel of receiving an “unconditional green light and free license to kill.”“Qatar’s ruling emir says Israel shouldn’t have a ‘green light’ to kill,” Associated Press, October 24, 2023, https://apnews.com/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-10-21-23#0000018b-612b-db46-afaf-ed7fce6d0000. As of November 8, Hamas had released four hostages—two Americans and two Israelis—because of Qatari mediation.Daniel Estrin, Samantha Balaban, and Jaclyn Diaz, “What will it take to free the hostages in Gaza? Many Israelis support a prisoner swap,” NPR, November 7, 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/11/07/1210775385/israel-hamas-gaza-hostages-prisoner-exchange#:~:text=Hamas%20has%20so%20far%20released,deal%20is%20on%20the%20table.
In April 2024, the Wall Street Journal reported that Hamas’s political leadership was exploring the possibility of leaving Qatar. According to the reports, Hamas’s leaders believed that its relations with Qatar would be further strained the longer hostage negotiations stalled. Hamas reportedly approached Oman and another Arab country about hosting the group.Summer Said and Stephen Kalin, “Hamas Explores Moving Political Headquarters Out of Qatar,” Wall Street Journal, April 20, 2024, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/hamas-explores-moving-political-headquarters-out-of-qatar-8a3a794b. In mid-April, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered a message to Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani that Qatar should expel Hamas if it rejects a ceasefire with Israel.Missy Ryan, John Hudson, and Susannah George, “U.S. tells Qatar to evict Hamas if it obstructs Israeli hostage deal,” Washington Post, May 3, 2024, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/05/03/us-qatar-hamas-hostages-ceasefire/. According to news reports the following month, Qatari leaders briefly expelled Hamas leaders shortly after an April 17 announcement by Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani that Qatar would review its mediator role following repeated criticism by Israel. According to unnamed Qatari officials cited by the Times of Israel, Qatar’s frustration with Hamas stemmed from the terror group’s refusal to compromise in hostage negotiations. Per the report, Hamas leaders in Qatar traveled to Turkey and remained for several weeks. Egypt launched separate negotiations two weeks later, but those talks also stalled. Qatar reportedly told the Hamas leaders they could return to prevent talks from collapsing altogether.Jacob Maggid, “Qatar briefly kicked out Hamas leaders as hostage talks stalled in April — officials,” Times of Israel, May 17, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/qatar-briefly-kicked-out-hamas-leaders-as-hostage-talks-stalled-in-april-officials/.
In early November 2024, U.S. sources reported that Qatar had recently agreed to shut down Hamas’s diplomatic office in the country and expel Hamas’s leadership. On November 9, the Qatari government announced it was suspending its mediation role between Hamas and Israel, claiming neither side was negotiating in good faith. According to Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari, Qatar had notified both parties 10 days earlier that it would suspend mediation if the parties failed to reach an agreement in the current round of negotiations. U.S. sources reported that Qatar would shut down Hamas’s diplomatic office in the country and expel Hamas’s leaders.Becky Anderson and Tamar Michaelis, “Qatar is suspending its role in talks between Israel and Hamas,” CNN, November 9, 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/09/middleeast/qatar-mediation-israel-hamas-intl/index.html. Later that month, reports emerged that Hamas’s leadership had left Qatar for Turkey. The U.S. government subsequently warned Turkey against taking in Hamas.Jacob Magid, “Hamas officials booted by Qatar last week, now hosted in Turkey, diplomat says,” Times of Israel, November 18, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-officials-booted-by-qatar-last-week-now-hosted-in-turkey-diplomat-says/; Simon Lewis and Daphne Psaledakis, “US warns Turkey against hosting Hamas leaders,” Reuters, November 18, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/us-warns-turkey-against-hosting-hamas-leaders-2024-11-18/. On November 19, Qatar denied that Hamas’s office in the country had permanently closed. According to Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari, Hamas’s office in Doha had been created to facilitate negotiations to end the war in Gaza.“Hamas political office in Doha has not been permanently closed, Qatar says,” Reuters, November 19, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-political-office-doha-has-not-been-permanently-closed-qatar-says-2024-11-19/. Turkey also denied that Hamas had moved its office to the country from Qatar. “Hamas political office has not moved to Turkey from Qatar, Turkish source says,” Reuters, November 18, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-political-office-has-not-moved-turkey-qatar-turkish-source-says-2024-11-18/.
Turkey
Turkey and Hamas maintain close political and financial ties. According to a December 2019 report in British media, Hamas has continued to use Istanbul as a planning base for terrorist activities. At least a dozen Hamas members moved to Istanbul in 2019, according to Israeli and Egyptian intelligence. This includes U.S.-designated financiers such as Kamal Awad, and military leaders who planned spats of suicide bombings in Israel in the 1990s. Turkey has continued to deny that Hamas is a terrorist organization. Turkish intelligence agents reportedly maintain close contact with Hamas operatives in Istanbul.Raf Sanchez, “Exclusive: Hamas plots attacks on Israel from Turkey as Erdogan turns blind eye,” Telegraph (London), December 17, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/12/17/hamas-plots-attacks-israel-turkey-erdogan-turns-blind-eye/.
The Turkish government has welcomed Hamas’s leadership in the country for high-level meetings with Turkish officials, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The meeting included Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who left the Gaza Strip for the first time in three years.“Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh visits Turkey, meets with Erdogan,” Jerusalem Post, December 15, 2019, https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Hamas-leader-Ismail-Haniyeh-visits-Turkey-meets-Erdogan-610942. The meeting also included Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri. Both Arouri and Haniyeh are under U.S sanctions and have rewards for their arrest. Nonetheless, they moved about freely in Turkey. Following the meeting, Erdoğan told media that Turkey “will keep on supporting our brothers in Palestine.”Raf Sanchez, “Exclusive: Hamas plots attacks on Israel from Turkey as Erdogan turns blind eye,” Telegraph (London), December 17, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/12/17/hamas-plots-attacks-israel-turkey-erdogan-turns-blind-eye/.
Turkey has also provided Hamas with financial support. The country reportedly planned to donate $300 million to Gaza’s Hamas government in 2011,Saed Bannoura, “Turkey to Grant Hamas $300 Million,” International Middle East Media Center, December 3, 2011, http://www.imemc.org/article/62607. while other reports cited that this would become an annual donation to Hamas.Zvi Bar’el, “Turkey May Provide Hamas with $300 Million in Annual Aid,” Haaretz, January 28, 2012, http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/turkey-may-provide-hamas-with-300-million-in-annual-aid-1.409708. In February 2017, Israel arrested Muhammad Murtaja, the Gaza coordinator of the Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA), on charges of fundraising for Hamas’s military wing.Yona Jeremy Bob and staff, “Israel arrests head of Turkish humanitarian group in Gaza for financing Hamas,” Jerusalem Post, March 21, 2017, https://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Head-of-Turkish-aid-group-in-Gaza-arrested-by-Israel-funneled-humanitarian-funds-to-Hamas-484771. A year later in February 2018, Israeli authorities arrested a Turkish citizen and an Arab-Israeli suspected of fundraising and laundering money on behalf of Hamas.Judah Ari Gross, “Shin Bet accuses Turkey of allowing Hamas to raise, launder money,” Times of Israel, February 12, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israeli-man-turkish-citizen-arrested-for-helping-to-fund-hamas/. Following that arrest, a Hamas official in Lebanon praised Turkey’s “loyalty” to the Palestinian people.Mahmut Geldi, “Hamas spokesman hails Turkish ‘loyalty’ to Palestine,” Anadolu Agency, March 1, 2019, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/hamas-spokesman-hails-turkish-loyalty-to-palestine/1406697.
During the July 2014 conflict between Hamas and Israel, Qatar and Turkey were considered Hamas’s closest international allies.Mirren Gidda, “Hamas Still Has Some Friends Left,” Time, July 25, 2014, http://time.com/3033681/hamas-gaza-palestine-israel-egypt/; Jonathan Schanzer, “Hamas’s BFFs,” Foreign Policy, August 4, 2014, http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/08/04/hamas_s_bffs_turkey_qatar_israel_gaza?wp_login_redirect=0. Qatar drafted a ceasefire proposal in July 2014 that adopted most of Hamas’s demands, and without consideration of Israel’s.Avi Issacharoff, “Qatar’s Ceasefire Offer Adopts Most Hamas Demands,” Times of Israel, July 19, 2014, http://www.timesofisrael.com/qatars-ceasefire-offer-adopts-most-hamas-demands/. Because of their close ties to Hamas, the United States invited Turkey and Qatar to a Paris meeting in mid July 2014 to discuss a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. The move drew accusations from the Palestinian Authority and Egypt that the United States was attempting to sideline them.Khaled Abu Toameh, “Palestinian Authority Blasts Kerry for ‘Appeasing’ Qatar, Turkey at Ramallah’s Expense,” Jerusalem Post, July 28, 2014, http://www.jpost.com/Operation-Protective-Edge/Palestinian-Authority-blasts-Kerry-for-appeasing-Qatar-Turkey-at-Ramallahs-expense-369091.
On August 12, 2015, then-political chief Khaled Meshaal met with Turkish leaders in Ankara, Turkey. The specifics of the meeting were not publicly revealed.“Hamas chief meets Turkish leaders in Ankara,” Middle East Eye, August 13, 2015, http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/hamas-chief-meets-turkish-leaders-ankara-458667089. Arab media reported in December 2015 that Hamas’s top leader in Turkey had been expelled under U.S. and Israeli pressure as the Turkish and Israeli governments moved toward reconciliation. Hamas denied the reports.Khaled Abu Toameh, “Source: Top Hamas operative has left Turkey following heavy US, Israeli pressure,” Jerusalem Post, December 21, 2015, http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Source-Top-Hamas-operative-has-left-Turkey-following-heavy-US-Israeli-pressure-437969. Later that month, Hamas denied rumors that Turkey intended to take control of Gaza.Lee Gancman, “Hamas denies rumors of Turkish designs on Gaza,” Times of Israel, December 29, 2015, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-denies-rumors-of-turkish-designs-on-gaza/. In the June 2016 reconciliation agreement between Israel and Turkey, the Turkish government agreed not to allow fundraising for Hamas within its territory.Herb Keinon, “Israel, Turkey officially reconcile: Netanyahu says Gaza blockade to remain,” Jerusalem Post, June 27, 2016, http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Netanyahu-Israel-to-uphold-Gaza-blockade-after-Turkey-deal-457868. Hamas rejected the reconciliation agreement, but reportedly acceded to Turkish demands that it not react.Stuart Winer, “Hamas rejects Israel-Turkey deal, but heeds Turkish call not to make a fuss,” Times of Israel, June 28, 2016, http://www.timesofisrael.com/behind-the-scenes-hamas-rejects-israel-turkey-reconciliation/.
Despite Turkey’s agreements to curb Hamas activities in the country, senior Hamas leaders based in Istanbul have reportedly continued to direct terror operations in Jerusalem and the West Bank from the Turkish city. A Hamas official in Istanbul, Zacharia Najib, reportedly ordered failed assassination attempts on Israeli government officials in February 2019. Najib provided weapons, training, and funding to a Hamas member in Jerusalem who was arrested before he could carry out the plot. A Turkish diplomat at the time called Hamas a legitimate political party and denied it had any links to terrorism.Raf Sanchez, “Exclusive: Hamas plots attacks on Israel from Turkey as Erdogan turns blind eye,” Telegraph (London), December 17, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/12/17/hamas-plots-attacks-israel-turkey-erdogan-turns-blind-eye/. In 2018, Hamas reportedly created a secret cyberwarfare and counter-intelligence headquarters in Istanbul. The British Times newspaper revealed details of the network in October 2020. Reportedly, Gaza-based Hamas agent Samakh Saraj runs the network without the knowledge of Turkish officials and separately from Hamas’s offices in the city. According to the Times, the network coordinates cyber-operations against Hamas’s enemies in the Arab world, including the Palestinian Authority and Middle Eastern and European embassies of countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The network also surveils and sometimes interrogates Hamas members suspected of disloyalty.Anshel Pfeffer, “Hamas uses secret cyberwar base in Turkey to target enemies,” Times (London), October 22, 2020, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/hamas-running-secret-cyberwar-hq-in-turkey-29mz50sxs.
In August 2020, Turkey reportedly began granting citizenship to a dozen high-ranking Hamas members in the country. According to the Telegraph, those receiving citizenship are “the most senior Hamas operatives outside of Gaza. [They] are actively raising funds and directing operatives to carry out attacks in the present day.” The Turkish government refused comment and called the accusations baseless.Tuvan Gumrukcu, “Turkey gave Hamas members passports, Israel says,” Reuters, August 26, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-israel-hamas/turkey-gave-hamas-members-passports-israel-says-idUSKBN25M1XW; Cody Levine, “Turkey gave citizenship to Hamas members planning terror attacks – report,” Jerusalem Post, August 15, 2020, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/turkey-gave-citizenship-to-hamas-members-planning-terror-attacks-report-638731. In February and August of 2020, Turkey’s government hosted Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and other Hamas leaders. The United States condemned Turkey’s “continued outreach” to Hamas.“U.S. slams Turkey's Erdogan for hosting Hamas,” Reuters, August 25, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-turkey-hamas/u-s-slams-turkeys-erdogan-for-hosting-hamas-idUSKBN25L29N. Turkey denies Hamas maintains an office in the country. In December 2020, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh wrote to Erdoğan and other regional leaders to warn against any normalization with Israel“Turkey’s ties to Hamas risk hindering normalization with Israel,” Arab News, January 19, 2021, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1795236/middle-east. In January 2021, Israel demanded Turkey close Hamas’s offices in the country as a condition of the two countries’ reconciliation. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu responded Israel should halt its annexations of Palestinian land if it wants normalization.“Israel demands Turkey close Hamas office as condition for improving ties,” Middle East Monitor, January 19, 2021, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210119-israel-demands-turkey-close-hamas-office-as-condition-for-improving-ties/.
Hamas has also used Turkey-based agents and Turkish companies to transfer money and goods to the West Bank and Gaza. In January 2021, Israeli authorities seized more than $120,000 from the bank accounts of four individuals and two companies allegedly part of a scheme to transfer money from Hamas operatives in Turkey to the West Bank using West Bank-based company Sense Sanitary Company and Turkish company Tikkno Plus Ic Ve Dis. The companies are jointly owned by Hamas operatives Abdallah Fuqaha in Turkey and Ayman al-Massri in the West Bank.Judah Ari Gross, “Israel seizes money, goods it says Hamas was sending from Turkey to West Bank,” Times of Israel, February 15, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-seizes-money-goods-it-says-hamas-was-sending-from-turkey-to-west-bank/; Ami Rojkes Dombe, “Once again, funds illegally transferred from Turkey to Hamas in Gaza,” Israel Defense (Kfar Saba), February 15, 2021, https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/48341. That month, Israel demanded Turkey end Hamas’s military activities in Istanbul before the two could countries fully restore diplomatic ties.“Turkey’s ties to Hamas risk hindering normalization with Israel,” Arab News, January 19, 2021, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1795236/middle-east.
During Hamas’s 21-day conflict with Israel in May 2021, Turkish officials issued statements seemingly in support of Hamas. Erdoğan referred to Israel as a “terror state,” while Vice President Fuat Oktay called on Muslim nations to “take a clear stance” against Israel’s strikes on the Gaza Strip.“Turkey calls on Muslims to take clear stance over Gaza,” Reuters, May 13, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-calls-muslims-take-clear-stance-over-gaza-2021-05-13/. Though Turkey was not a party to ceasefire talks during that conflict, Erdoğan maintained open communications with Hamas’s leaders and reassured Haniyeh of Turkey’s continued support for the Palestinian people.Mehmet Tosun, “Turkey’s Erdogan speaks over phone with Palestinian president, Hamas chief,” Anadolu Agency, May 10, 2021, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkey-s-erdogan-speaks-over-phone-with-palestinian-president-hamas-chief/2235820.
On November 20, 2021, Haniyeh praised Turkey for its “critical” role providing political support for Hamas and the Palestinian cause.“Turkey's role ‘critical’ for Palestinian cause at political level,” Daily Sabah (Istanbul), November 21, 2021, https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/turkeys-role-critical-for-palestinian-cause-at-political-level/news. On November 21, Hamas member Sheikh Fadi Abu Shkhaydam killed one and wounded four during a shooting attack in Jerusalem’s Old City. According to Israeli security, Shkhaydam had visited Turkey prior to the attack and allegedly received instructions from Hamas leaders in that country. Shkhaydam’s family denied he had met with Hamas in Turkey, instead claiming he had gone to visit his son who is studying in the country.Khaled Abu Toameh, “Who was the Islamic ‘scholar’ who carried out the Jerusalem attack?,” Jerusalem Post, November 22, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/who-was-the-islamic-scholar-who-carried-out-the-jerusalem-attack-685588?_ga=2.208174480.369480656.1636311589-1969581575.1579377799&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Who+was+the+Islamic++scholar++who+carried+out+the+Jerusalem+attack%3F&utm_campaign=November+21%2C+2021+Night; Rina Bassist, “Israel calls on Ankara to close Hamas offices in Turkey,” Al-Monitor, November 23, 2021, https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/11/israel-calls-ankara-close-hamas-offices-turkey. On November 22, Israel’s Shin Bet security organization announced it had broken up a Hamas cell in the West Bank and seized explosive belts, weapons, and an undisclosed amount of money. The Shin Bet accused Arouri and Zacharia Najib—released during the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner swap—of directing the cell from Turkey. Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid called on the Turkish government to close Hamas’s offices in the country.Judah Ari Gross, “Shin Bet: Forces thwart major Hamas terror plans, nab more than 50 cell members,” Times of Israel, November 22, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/shin-bet-forces-thwart-major-hamas-terror-plans-nab-dozens-of-members/; “After Jerusalem killing and 50 terror arrests, Lapid urges Turkey to shut down Hamas,” Times of Israel, November 23, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/after-jerusalem-killing-and-50-terror-arrests-lapid-urges-turkey-to-shut-down-hamas/. In response, Erdoğan has sent mixed messages to Israel, with whom Turkey was earlier that month negotiating for the release of two Israeli tourists accused of espionage in Turkey. A November 24 statement from Erdoğan accused Israel of “oppressive” policies regarding the Palestinians and his government “must work with all our might to preserve the status and sanctity of Jerusalem, the capital of Palestine.”“In fresh broadside, Erdogan slams Israel’s ‘oppressive’ treatment of Palestinians,” Times of Israel, November 24, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-fresh-broadside-erdogan-slams-israels-oppressive-treatment-of-palestinians/.
With new U.S. and Israeli governments taking office in 2021, Turkey began sending reconciliatory signals to Israel. On November 29, without referencing Hamas, Erdoğan announced Turkey would seek to improve its relations with Israel.“Erdogan says Turkey will move to improve ties with Egypt, Israel,” Al-Monitor, November 29, 2021, https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/11/erdogan-says-turkey-will-move-improve-ties-egypt-israel. That December, a senior Turkish official told Al-Monitor that ending Hamas’s operations in Turkey “is not even an option open for negotiation for us.”Pinar Tremblay, “Turkey not yet ready to give up on Muslim Brotherhood,” Al-Monitor, December 12, 2021, https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/12/turkey-not-yet-ready-give-muslim-brotherhood. In February 2022, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu declared Turkey would not turn its back on the Palestinians to improve relations with Israel.“Turkey says it will not abandon Palestinian support for closer ties to Israel,” Reuters, February 8, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-says-it-will-not-abandon-palestinian-support-closer-ties-israel-2022-02-08/. Nonetheless, the two countries exchanged high-level diplomatic delegations that month ahead of a planned March 2022 visit to Turkey by Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Israeli officials have continued to stress that any normalization between the countries must include limiting Hamas’s activities in Turkey.Barak Ravid, “Israeli president plans to accept invitation to visit Erdoğan,” Axios, January 26, 2022, https://www.axios.com/israeli-president-herzog-invitation-turkey-erdogan-237c4572-cb03-4b73-8d3f-dc3a4f6cffe1.html; “Turkey sending senior officials to Israel ahead of Herzog visit,” Reuters, February 15, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-sending-senior-officials-israel-ahead-herzog-visit-2022-02-15/.
In late April 2022, a Palestinian official told Israel Hayom that Turkey had deported dozens of identified Hamas members at Israel’s request in recent months. According to the Palestinian official, the Turkish government told Hamas “economic interests” were at play and Hamas had violated its agreement not to conduct terrorist activities from Turkey. The Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar confirmed the report.“Turkey extradites Hamas members to Israel,” i24News, April 27, 2022, https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/middle-east/levant-turkey/1651051066-turkey-extradite-hamas-members-to-israel; Dana Ben-Shimon, “‘Turkey deporting Hamas members at Israel’s request,’” Israel Hayom (Tel Aviv), April 27, 2022, https://www.israelhayom.com/2022/04/27/turkey-deporting-hamas-members-at-israels-request/. In early November 2022, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu rejected an October Israeli request to expel Hamas leaders living in Turkey. According to Cavusoglu, Turkey does not see Hamas “as a terrorist organization.”Media Line, “Turkey refuses Israel's request to deport Hamas terrorists,” Jerusalem Post, November 13, 2022, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-722299; “Turkiye rejects Israel's request to deport Hamas leaders,” Middle East Monitor, November 10, 2022, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221110-turkiye-rejects-israels-request-to-deport-hamas-leaders/.
On December 13, 2023, the United States sanctioned eight Hamas leaders “who perpetuate Hamas’s violent agenda by representing the group’s interests abroad and managing its finances.”“U.S. And UK Target Additional Hamas Finance Officials and Representatives,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 13, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1981. The designations included Turkey-based financiers Haroun Nasser Al-Din and Mehmet Kaya. The United States also sanctioned Hamas’s representative to Turkey, Jihad Yaghmour.“U.S. And UK Target Additional Hamas Finance Officials and Representatives,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 13, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1981. Hamas condemned the sanctions as “collusion” with Israel against the Palestinian people and “demonization of its legitimate resistance.”Hamas statement, Hamas Online Telegram Channel, December 13, 2023.
Hamas’s Qatar-based leadership reportedly temporarily relocated to Turkey in April and May 2024. According to unnamed Qatari officials cited by the Times of Israel, Qatar’s frustration with Hamas stemmed from the terror group’s refusal to compromise in hostage negotiations with Israel. Per the report, Hamas leaders in Qatar traveled to Turkey and remained for several weeks. The leaders reportedly met with Erdoğan, who praised their fight against Israel. In May, Qatar reportedly told the Hamas leaders they could return to prevent talks from collapsing altogether.Jacob Maggid, “Qatar briefly kicked out Hamas leaders as hostage talks stalled in April — officials,” Times of Israel, May 17, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/qatar-briefly-kicked-out-hamas-leaders-as-hostage-talks-stalled-in-april-officials/.
In November 2024, reports emerged that Hamas’s leadership had left Qatar for Turkey. The U.S. government subsequently warned Turkey against taking in Hamas.Jacob Magid, “Hamas officials booted by Qatar last week, now hosted in Turkey, diplomat says,” Times of Israel, November 18, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-officials-booted-by-qatar-last-week-now-hosted-in-turkey-diplomat-says/; Simon Lewis and Daphne Psaledakis, “US warns Turkey against hosting Hamas leaders,” Reuters, November 18, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/us-warns-turkey-against-hosting-hamas-leaders-2024-11-18/. Turkey denied that Hamas had moved its office to the country from Qatar. A Turkish official told Reuters that “Hamas Political Bureau members visit Turkey from time to time,” but Hamas had not moved its political office to the country.“Hamas political office has not moved to Turkey from Qatar, Turkish source says,” Reuters, November 18, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-political-office-has-not-moved-turkey-qatar-turkish-source-says-2024-11-18/.
Muslim Brotherhood
The Muslim Brotherhood has built grassroots support among Palestinians with the creation of charities in the Gaza Strip in 1960.Paola Caridi, Hamas: From Resistance to Government, (New York: Seven Stories Press, 2012), 53. Hamas was created in 1987 as the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood in Gaza.“The Covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement,” Avalon Project, Yale Law School, accessed August 13, 2014, http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp. More than two decades later, Hamas continues to enjoy close ties to the Brotherhood. Hamas members were suspected of aiding in a jailbreak of Brotherhood activists, including former Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi, in 2011.“Morsi Faces Court over Egypt Prison Break,” Al Jazeera, January 28, 2014, http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/01/morsi-arrives-trial-over-egypt-jailbreak-20141287589134944.html. The Brotherhood-controlled Egyptian government in 2013 reportedly provided Hamas with support and turned a blind eye to illegal smuggling beneath the Egypt-Gaza border. After the downfall of the Brotherhood-controlled government that year, the Egyptian army closed off most of the tunnels, resulting in the loss of millions of dollars in revenue for the Hamas government and an economic crisis in Gaza.Karin Laub and Ibrahim Barzak, “Hamas in Worst Cash Crisis since Seizing Gaza,” Associated Press, March 13, 2014, http://news.yahoo.com/hamas-worst-cash-crisis-since-seizing-gaza-181239758.html.
In January 2014, Cairo publicly hosted the first conference of Tamarud (“Rebellion”), a new anti-Hamas youth group.Yasmine Saleh, “Court Bans Activities of Islamist Hamas in Egypt,” Reuters, March 4, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/04/us-egypt-hamas-idUSBREA230F520140304. In March 2014, Egypt banned all activities by Hamas following a lawsuit against the group due to its connections to the Muslim Brotherhood.“Court in Egypt bans Palestinian group Hamas,” BBC News, March 4, 2014, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26432122.
In March 2016, Egypt’s Interior Ministry accused Hamas of conspiring with the Muslim Brotherhood and coordinating the June 2015 assassination of Hisham Barakat, Egypt’s chief prosecutor, in a Cairo car bombing. Later that month, Hamas removed all pictures of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi and any other signs of Muslim Brotherhood links from its Gaza offices. The move reportedly came after a meeting between Hamas leaders and Egypt officials who demanded Hamas renounce its links with the Brotherhood before Egypt would restore relations with Hamas.“Hamas removes picture of Morsi, Muslim Brotherhood in Gaza,” Middle East Monitor, March 22, 2016, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/24610-hamas-removes-picture-of-morsi-muslim-brotherhood-in-gaza. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri later denied any links between his group and the Muslim Brotherhood.Jack Khoury, “Hamas Denies Links With Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and Elsewhere,” Haaretz (, March 23, 2016, http://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/.premium-1.710423.
In May 2017, Hamas released a new guiding political document, which made no mention of the Muslim Brotherhood.“Document of General Principles & Policies,” Hamas, May 1, 2017, http://hamas.ps/en/post/678/a-document-of-general-principles-and-policies; Patrick Wintour, “Hamas presents new charter accepting a Palestine based on 1967 borders,” Guardian (London), May 1, 2017, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/01/hamas-new-charter-palestine-israel-1967-borders.
PLO/Fatah/Palestinian Authority
Hamas has remained separate from the PLO, emerging in the late 1980s when the PLO began to moderate its positions in order to launch a peace process with Israel. In 1996, Hamas contemplated joining the Palestinian Authority government but ultimately decided to remain apart.Jonathan Schanzer, “The Challenge of Hamas to Fatah,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Spring 2003, http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/the-challenge-of-hamas-to-fatah.
In the power-vacuum that followed PLO leader Yasser Arafat’s death in 2004, Hamas ran in the January 2006 PA legislative elections and won a majority in the PA Legislative Council. After a year of clashes between Hamas and Fatah gunmen, Hamas expelled the PA’s forces from Gaza and took control of the coastal strip. In April 2014, the PLO and Hamas signed a reconciliation agreement and pledged to form a unity government.Jodi Rudoren and Michael R. Gordon, “Palestinian Rivals Announce Unity Pact, Drawing U.S. and Israeli Rebuke,” New York Times, April 23, 2014, http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/24/world/middleeast/palestinian-factions-announce-deal-on-unity-government.html. The move helped derail U.S.-led peace talks between Israel and the PLO.
The sides failed to implement the reconciliation agreement, however, resulting in a continued split between the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza. At least five reconciliation agreements to date have failed. Hamas and the PA argue over who would retain control of Gaza’s border crossings and assume responsibility for paying the salaries of civil servants.Adnan Abu Amer, “Another Hamas-Fatah reconciliation agreement bites the dust,” Al-Monitor, March 1, 2016, http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/03/palestinian-reconciliation-hamas-fatah-qatar-meeting.html.
Hamas agreed to join the PLO in 2011 and 2014 under failed reunification deals with the Fatah-led PA. On November 2, 2016, Khaled Meshaal called for Hamas to join the PLO. In response, a senior PLO member told Israeli media that the PLO wants to bring Hamas under its wings.Dov Lieber, “Hamas looks to join PLO, marking major unification step,” Times of Israel, November 2, 2016, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-head-makes-unprecedented-call-for-group-to-join-plo/.
In January 2017, after unofficial talks in Moscow hosted by Russia, Hamas and Fatah announced an agreement to form a unity government.Agence France-Presse, “Hamas, Fatah announce deal to form Palestinian unity government,” Times of Israel, January 17, 2017, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-fatah-agree-to-form-palestinian-unity-government/?utm_source=The+Times+of+Israel+Daily+Edition&utm_campaign=47ba7211d8-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_01_18&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_adb46cec92-47ba7211d8-55118405. The parties agreed to form a new National Council that includes Palestinians in exile, and hold new elections. Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and other violent Palestinian factions agreed to the reconciliation, but the parties did not set a timetable for moving forward.“Fatah and Hamas to form unity government,” Al Jazeera, January 18, 2017, http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/01/fatah-hamas-form-unity-government-170118031339203.html.
In June 2017, in a move to pressure Hamas to reconcile, the PA ended payments to Israel for the Gaza Strip’s electricity supply. The PA blamed Hamas for failing to reimburse it for paying for Gaza’s electricity. The PA called for Hamas to return Gaza’s governance back to the PA.Nidal al-Mughrabi and Jeffrey Heller, “Israel reduces power supply to Gaza, as Abbas pressures Hamas,” Reuters, June 12, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-palestinians-power/israel-reduces-power-supply-to-gaza-as-abbas-pressures-hamas-idUSKBN1931XK. That September, Hamas announced its intention to dissolve its government in Gaza and called on the PA to immediately resume responsibility for the Gaza Strip. Hamas agreed to the PA’s demand to hold new parliamentary elections in the West Bank and Gaza for the first time since 2006. The move followed talks in Cairo between Hamas and the Egyptian government.Fares Akram, “Hamas invites Abbas to resume control of Gaza,” Associated Press, September 20, 2017, https://apnews.com/e8438c54e9384220a423bcd33ed7fa5c/Hamas-invites-Abbas-to-resume-control-of-Gaza;
Mohamed Daraghmeh, “Hamas says it accepts reconciliation demands,” Associated Press, September 17, 2017, https://apnews.com/aec26df1cc2740c791033b3637e82d27/Hamas-says-it-accepts-reconciliation-demands;
Dov Lieber, “Abbas talks reconciliation with Hamas leader, but is mum on ending sanctions,” Times of Israel, September 18, 2017, https://www.timesofisrael.com/abbas-talks-reconciliation-with-hamas-leader-but-is-mum-on-ending-sanctions/;
“Press Release issued by Hamas,” Hamas website, September 17, 2017, http://hamas.ps/en/post/965/press-release-issued-by-hamas.
In October 2017, Hamas and Fatah signed an Egyptian-brokered agreement to implement a 2011 reconciliation pact. Hamas and Fatah agreed to allow the PA to resume control of Gaza by December 1 and later take control of Gaza’s border crossings. The sides delayed negotiation on Hamas’s armed wing.Hamza Hendaqi and Fares Akram, “Palestinian rivals reach preliminary deal on governing Gaza,” Associated Press, October 12, 2017, https://apnews.com/28b183dff81c41cc9e2bbd1e62361b26/Palestinian-rivals-reach-preliminary-deal-on-governing-Gaza; Dov Lieber, “Translation of leaked Hamas-Fatah agreement,” Times of Israel, October 13, 2017, https://www.timesofisrael.com/translation-of-leaked-hamas-fatah-agreement/; Dov Lieber, “In deal with Fatah, Hamas said to agree to halt attacks from West Bank,” Times of Israel, October 15, 2017, https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-deal-with-fatah-hamas-said-to-agree-to-halt-attacks-from-west-bank/.
On October 13, 2022, Hamas, Fatah, and representatives of 12 other Palestinians factions signed a reconciliation agreement in Algeria recognizing the PLO as the sole representative of the Palestinian people. The factions also agreed to hold new presidential and legislative elections within a year. The agreement did not address the formation of a unity government. Haniyeh praised the Algeria-negotiated unity agreement, calling it a “day of joy” for the Palestinian people and a “day of sadness for the Zionist entity (Israel).”“Palestinian groups Fatah, Hamas meet in Algeria to heal rift,” Al Jazeera, October 11, 2022, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/11/palestinian-groups-fatah-hamas-meet-in-algeria-to-heal-rift; “Palestinian factions sign reconciliation agreement in Algeria,” Al Jazeera, October 13, 2022, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/13/palestinian-factions-sign-reconciliation-agreement-in-algeria; “Hamas chief hails Algeria’s invitation to heal Palestinian division,” Hamas, October 13, 2022, https://hamas.ps/en/post/4327/Hamas-chief-hails-Algeria-s-invitation-to-heal-Palestinian-division; Agence France-Presse, “Palestinian rivals Hamas and Fatah sign reconciliation deal in Algiers,” France 24, October 14, 2022, https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20221013-palestinian-rivals-hamas-and-fatah-sign-reconciliation-deal-in-algiers.
Saudi Arabia
Hamas officials held meetings in July 2015 with the Saudi leadership in what some analysts suspect were attempts to sway Hamas away from Iran and built a Sunni coalition against the Persian country.David D. Kirkpatrick and Ben Hubbard, “King Salman of Saudi Arabia Meets With Hamas Leaders,” New York Times, July 17, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/18/world/middleeast/king-salman-of-saudi-arabia-meets-with-hamas-leaders.html. Also that summer, Saudi Arabia also reportedly attempted to mediate reconciliation between Hamas and Egypt.“Egypt rejects Saudi mediation to restore relations with Hamas,” Middle East Monitor, July 21, 2015, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/africa/19932-egypt-rejects-saudi-mediation-to-restore-relations-with-hamas; “Hamas plans another visit to Saudi and improved relations with Egypt,” Middle East Monitor, July 27, 2015, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/20051-hamas-plans-another-visit-to-saudi-and-improved-relations-with-egypt. In August 2015, citing Hamas meetings with Saudi Arabia’s king and meetings with Egyptian leaders, Hamas officials told Israel’s Haaretz newspaper that the group had been successfully elevating its international status.Jack Khoury, “Hamas Considers Gaza War a Failure, Favors Diplomacy,” Haaretz (Tel Aviv), August 6, 2015, http://www.haaretz.com/beta/.premium-1.669751.
Syria
Syria has long acted as a conduit between Hamas and its Iranian benefactor, allowing weapons and money to cross its borders. Hamas’s political leadership was based in Damascus until 2012, when it relocated due to the ongoing Syrian civil war.“Hamas Political Chiefs Exit Syria,” BBC News, February 28, 2012, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17192278. On June 21, 2022, Reuters reported unidentified Hamas officials confirmed the group had decided to restore its ties with Syria and the two sides had held high-level meetings.“Hamas to restore Syria ties after 10 years of dispute, sources say,” Reuters, June 21, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-restore-syria-ties-after-10-years-dispute-sources-say-2022-06-21/. Those overtures resulted in an October 19, 2022, meeting in Damascus between a Hamas delegation and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on restoring relations between Hamas and Syria. Hamas and Assad agreed to move past their previous disagreements while the Hamas delegation called the meeting a new start for joint Palestinian-Syrian work in a welcoming Syrian environment.“Hamas leaders meet Assad in Damascus to 'turn the page,’” Reuters, October 19, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-leaders-meet-assad-damascus-turn-page-2022-10-19/; “Hamas concludes historic visit to Syria,” Hamas, October 19, 2022, https://hamas.ps/en/post/4351/Hamas-concludes-historic-visit-to-Syria; Agence France-Presse, “US Denounces Syria-Hamas Reconciliation,” Barron’s, October 20, 2022, https://www.barrons.com/news/us-denounces-syria-hamas-reconciliation-01666297206?refsec=topics_afp-news.Political connections to U.S. or global leaders:
United States
Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government, which has refused to recognize the legitimacy of the Hamas government in Gaza. Since Hamas and the PLO signed a unity deal in April 2014, however, the U.S. State Department announced its willingness to work with a unity government, as the cabinet is made up of technocrats unaffiliated with Hamas.Lesley Wroughton and Patricia Zengerle, “U.S. Says to Work With, Fund Palestinian Unity Government,” Reuters, June 2, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/06/02/us-palestinian-unity-usa-idUSKBN0ED1VQ20140602. Members of the U.S. Congress have since called for cutting U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority because of the unity deal.Lesley Wroughton and Patricia Zengerle, “U.S. Says to Work With, Fund Palestinian Unity Government,” Reuters, June 2, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/06/02/us-palestinian-unity-usa-idUSKBN0ED1VQ20140602.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter met with Hamas’s political chief Khaled Meshaal in 2008 in an attempt to broker peace. During a press conference, Meshaal said Hamas accepts a Palestinian state with the June 4, 1967, borders with east Jerusalem as its capital.“Hamas: No Plan to Recognize Israel,” CNN, April 21, 2008, http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/04/21/carter.hamas/index.html. Meshaal also offered Israel a 10-year hudna, which he told Carter was proof of Hamas’s tacit recognition of Israel.“Hamas Offers Truce in Return for 1967 Borders,” Associated Press, April 21, 2008, http://www.nbcnews.com/id/24235665/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/t/hamas-offers-truce-return-borders/#.U-0eFYBdV5w. Meshaal and other Hamas leaders have since denied agreeing to the 1967 lines.
Iran
In March 2014, Iranian parliament speaker Ali Larijani announced the restoration of ties between Hamas and Iran and that Iran continues to support Hamas as a “resistance organization.”Elhanan Miller, “Hamas and Iran Admit Increased Cooperation,” Times of Israel, March 12, 2014, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-and-iran-admit-increased-cooperation/. During the July 2014 Hamas-Israel conflict, Iranian officials admitted that Iran had transferred technology to Hamas to allow the terror group to build its own rockets. “Once upon a time, they [Hamas] needed the arms manufacture know-how and we gave it to them” and Hamas can now “meet their own needs for weapons,” Larijani said.Agence France-Presse, “Iran gave Hamas its rocket know-how, official boasts,” Yahoo News, July 24, 2014, http://news.yahoo.com/iran-gave-hamas-rocket-know-official-boasts-190726914.html.
On August 5, 2021, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh attended the inauguration of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran.Aaron Boxerman, “Hamas, Islamic Jihad leaders arrive in Tehran for Iran president’s inauguration,” Times of Israel, August 5, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-islamic-jihad-leaders-arrive-in-tehran-for-iran-presidents-inauguration/. On May 12, 2023, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian called Haniyeh to express Raisi’s continued solidarity with Hamas. Haniyeh thanked him for Iran’s ongoing support of Hamas. “Hamas head receives phone call from Iran's foreign affairs minister,” Hamas, May 12, 2023, https://hamas.ps/en/post/4724/Hamas-head-receives-phone-call-from-Iran-s-foreign-affairs-minister.
Russia
Russia is a member of the Quartet of Middle East Peacemakers and has signed on to the Quartet’s demands that Hamas recognize Israel, renounce terrorism, and accept past agreements before it receives international recognition. Russia has attempted to push Hamas toward these goals by inviting Hamas government representatives to Moscow for official meetings.
In March 2006, a Hamas delegation visited Moscow for three days of meetings with Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.Steven Lee Myers and Greg Myre, “Hamas Delegation Visits Moscow for a Crash Course in Diplomacy,” New York Times, March 4, 2006, http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/04/international/middleeast/04hamas.html. It was the first Hamas state visit outside of the Islamic world since Hamas joined the Palestinian Authority. Hamas viewed the invitation as a way to foil American and Israeli attempts to isolate it, while Russian officials used the visit to try to convince Hamas to accept the Quartet’s demands of recognizing Israel, renouncing violence, and accepting past agreements.Steven Lee Myers and Greg Myre, “Hamas Delegation Visits Moscow for a Crash Course in Diplomacy,” New York Times, March 4, 2006, http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/04/international/middleeast/04hamas.html.
In May 2010, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev met with Hamas political chief Khaled Meshaal in Damascus. Israel condemned the meeting, during which Medvedev called for the release of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit and for Hamas to reconcile with Fatah.“Israeli ‘Disappointment’ over Russia-Hamas Meeting,” CNN, May 13, 2010, http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/05/13/israel.russia.hamas/.
In response to Israeli criticism, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko said his country has “regular” contacts with Hamas, and “all other members of the Quartet on the Middle East maintain contacts with Hamas leaders in one way or another, although they are reluctant to admit this publicly, for some reason.” During a November 2015 press conference, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov called Hezbollah and Hamas “legitimate societal-political forces.”“Russia Says Hezbollah, Hamas Aren't Terrorist Groups,” Moscow Times, November 16, 2015, http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/russia-says-hezbollah-hamas-arent-terrorist-groups/549136.html.
Qatar
In 2012, the emir of Qatar became the first head of state to visit Gaza after Hamas’s 2007 coup.“Emir of Qatar Become First Head of State to Visit Gaza since Hamas Took Control,” Huffington Post UK, October 23, 2012, http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/10/23/emir-of-qatar-historic-visit-to-hamas-gaza_n_2004960.html. Since then, Qatar has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into Gaza, pledging $400 million to Gaza in 2012.“Qatar Ups Gaza Investment to $400 Million,” Agence France-Presse, October 23, 2012, http://http://tribune.com.pk/story/455921/hamas-qatar-ups-gaza-investment-to-400-million/. After Hamas and Fatah signed a reconciliation agreement in April 2014, the PA refused to pay the salaries of Hamas civil servants in Gaza, and in response Qatar attempted to transfer hundreds of millions of dollars to Hamas to pay the salaries of 44,000 civil servants, but the United States reportedly blocked the transfers.Elhanan Miller, “US Blocked Qatari Funds Intended for Hamas Employees,” Times of Israel, July 15, 2014, http://www.timesofisrael.com/us-blocked-qatari-funds-intended-for-hamas-employees/.
Saudi Arabia
During the summer of 2015, Hamas officials held meetings with King Salman and other Saudi leaders.Elhanan Miller, “In Hamas’s embrace of Sunni Saudi Arabia, a slap to Iran,” Times of Israel, July 21, 2015, https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-hamass-embrace-of-sunni-saudi-arabia-a-slap-to-iran/. Observers viewed Salman’s meetings with Hamas an attempt to sway the terror group away from Iran’s influence.David D. Kirkpatrick and Ben Hubbard, “King Salman of Saudi Arabia Meets with Hamas Leaders,” New York Times, July 17, 2015, https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/18/world/middleeast/king-salman-of-saudi-arabia-meets-with-hamas-leaders.html.
Turkey
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ruling Justice and Development Party supports what analysts call “other neo-Islamist allies.”Mirren Gidda, “Hamas Still Has Some Friends Left,” Time, July 25, 2014, http://time.com/3033681/hamas-gaza-palestine-israel-egypt/. This has resulted in Turkey investing millions of dollars into Gaza’s Hamas government, (detailed in the financial support section). Turkey reportedly planned to donate $300 million to Gaza’s Hamas government in 2011,Saed Bannoura, “Turkey to Grant Hamas $300 Million,” International Middle East Media Center, December 3, 2011, http://www.imemc.org/article/62607. while other reports cited that this would become an annual donation to Hamas.Zvi Bar’el, “Turkey May Provide Hamas with $300 Million in Annual Aid,” Haaretz, January 28, 2012, http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/turkey-may-provide-hamas-with-300-million-in-annual-aid-1.409708. During the July 2014 conflict between Hamas and Israel, Qatar and Turkey were considered Hamas’s closest international allies. Mirren Gidda, “Hamas Still Has Some Friends Left,” Time, July 25, 2014, http://time.com/3033681/hamas-gaza-palestine-israel-egypt/; Jonathan Schanzer, “Hamas’s BFFs,” Foreign Policy, August 4, 2014, http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/08/04/hamas_s_bffs_turkey_qatar_israel_gaza?wp_login_redirect=0.
Europe
In May 2006, after Hamas won Palestinian Authority legislative elections, Sweden granted a visa to PA Refugee Minister Atef Adawan, a Hamas member, to attend a conference in Sweden. After the conference, Adawan allegedly traveled to Norway where he met with Kaare Eltervaag, the head of the Norwegian Foreign Ministry's Middle Eastern affairs. Afterward, he traveled to Germany where he met with Bundestag representative Detlef Dzembritzki, a member of the Social Democratic Party.“Hamas Minister meets German MEP thanks to Swedish visa,” European Jewish Congress, May 18, 2006, http://www.eurojewcong.org/20/480-hamas-minister-meets-german-mep-thanks-to-swedish-visa.html.