Hamas is a Palestinian political party founded by Ahmed Yassin in the year 1987 as a resistance movement to liberate the country of Palestine from Israeli occupation. Since June 2007 Hamas has governed Gaza, after it won 74 out of 132 seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council in the January 2006 Palestinian legislative elections. The party campaigned for a corruption-free government and advocating for resistance as a means to liberate Palestine from Israeli occupation. In terms of foreign policy, Hamas has historically sought out relations with Russia, Egypt, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Turkey. Hamas (along with 38 other countries) does not recognize the State of Israel. In 2018, the United Nations voted to reject an American claim to condemn Hamas.
Party Symbolism[]
Emblem[]
The emblem of Hamas features the statements; "There is no god but God" and "Muhammad is the Messanger of God" in calligraphic writing. Central to the emblem is the main building of the Al-Aqsa mosque complex. Above Al-Aqsa is the borders of Palestine before the creation of the State of Israel (see Palestine (1920-1948) ). Below Al-Aqsa is 'Palestine' and below that in white upon a green strip is "Islamic Resistance Movement - Hamas".
Green Flag[]
The Green Flag is a symbol of Palestinian nationalism rather than Hamas specifically. It's use by the party has caused an association between Hamas and the flag in western media.
Trivia[]
- It was established in 1987 during the First Uprising, primarily as a response to Israeli violence.
- It runs social care programs, including schools, hospitals and housing initiatives.