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Description
Formed in late 1987 as an outgrowth of the
Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. Various HAMAS elements
have used both political and violent means, including terrorism, to
pursue the goal of establishing an Islamic Palestinian state in place of
Israel. Loosely structured, with some elements working clandestinely and
others working openly through mosques and social service institutions to
recruit members, raise money, organize activities, and distribute
propaganda. HAMAS's strength is concentrated in the Gaza Strip and a few
areas of the West Bank. Also has engaged in peaceful political activity,
such as running candidates in West Bank Chamber of Commerce elections.
Activities
HAMAS activists, especially those in the Izz
el-Din al-Qassam Brigades, have conducted many attacks--including
large-scale suicide bombings--against Israeli civilian and military
targets. In the early 1990s they also targeted suspected Palestinian
collaborators and Fatah rivals.
Strength
Unknown number of hardcore members; tens of
thousands of supporters and sympathizers.
Location/Area of Operation
Primarily the occupied
territories, Israel. In August 1999, Jordanian authorities closed the
group's Political Bureau offices in Amman, arrested its leaders, and
prohibited the group from operating on Jordanian territory.
External Aid
Receives funding from Palestinian expatriates,
Iran, and private benefactors in Saudi Arabia and other moderate Arab
states. Some fundraising and propaganda activity take place in Western
Europe and North America.