Hamas

Hamas is an Islamist Palestinian movement that was created in 1987. During the period of the First Intifada, Muslim Brotherhood members, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and Mohammad Taha conspired to create this movement. Throughout the 1990s and the Second Intifada, Hamas carried out numerous suicide bombings, kidnappings and shootings. The movement condones civilian attacks and has taken responsibility (or supported) the firing of Qassam rockets from Gaza to Israeli sovereign territory.  Recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, Israel, and Canada, it won the majority of seats in the parliamentary elections in 2006. Hamas' covenant calls for the destruction of the state of Israel and references anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. In June 2007, Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip followed by internal Palestinian fighting. As a result, the government in Ramallah was dissolved. Hamas is also known for its social welfare activities which include building hospitals and schools and providing financial assistance to the needy. 

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