Brad Power

Hamas and Hezbollah Brad Power

Hamas is an acronym for Harakat al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyyah (Islamic Resistance Movement). Founded in 1987, Hamas is a militant Sunni Palestinian organization operating primarily in the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank. The group's followers are opposed to the existence of Israel, and believe that it is the religious duty of every Muslim to assist in the return of all Israeli-controlled territory to the Palestinians. Hamas is part militant fighting force, part Sunni political party and part social service organization that has a growing influence in its OE. An overarching Shura council provides organizational guidance and over-sight for the organization as a whole. Hamas is composed of three overlapping "wings" or sections-the social services/welfare section, the political bureau and the military wing. The political bureau is led by Khalad Mashal. Mashal's deputy, Mousa Abu Marzouk, operates in the Gaza Strip. The political bureau, which is the public political face of Hamas, is composed of 8-12 members and oversees the combat elements (Qassam Brigades) and social services section. Despite public pronouncements of such organizational boundaries, the divisions are operationally less significant. Missions, personnel and resources flow between the sections with the military component ultimately garnering the most attention and funding. The fighting section, as the group's name states, defines it is the heart and soul of Hamas.