Unmasking Hamas: From Resistance to Governance
By Jude Obuseh In the vibrant streets of Gaza, where tension hangs like a dense fog, the roots of Hamas took hold during the First Intifada in 1987. A response to the Israeli occupation, it emerged as a fervent call for resistance and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and a group of Palestinian activists birthed the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, intertwining its roots with Islamic fundamentalism and the fervor of Palestinian nationalism. 🌍✊ However, Hamas transcended the realm of armed conflict. As political tides shifted, the organization secured a significant political foothold. In the 2006 Palestinian Legislative Council elections, Hamas emerged victorious, gaining control of the Gaza Strip. Beyond politics, the group extended its influence into social services, providing education, healthcare, and welfare to a population beleaguered by conflict. 🗳️🏥📚 Yet, militancy remained an integral aspect of Hamas's identity. Ar...