1. Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas

2. Hamas • “Devotion and zeal in the path of Allah” • Founded in 1988 • Mahmoud Al-Zahar • Sheikh Ahmed Yassin

3. Hamas Charter • Creation of an Islamic state in Palestine • Replace Israel and Palestinian Territories • Obliteration or nullification of Israel • Renouncing any part of Palestine means renouncing part of the religion • Tolerance of other religions • Only if other religions don’t stand in the way of stated objectives of Hamas

5. Muslim Brotherhood in Palestine • Members are Muslims who “fear Allah and raise the banner of Jihad in the face of the oppressors” • Resisting and stopping the enemy is duty of every Muslim • Zionists are behind events and disasters as far back as French Revolution

6. Arab Israeli Conflict is irreconcilable struggle • Jews vs. Muslims • Judaism vs. Islam • Not a territorial conflict • Conflict between believers and infidels • Jihad is only solution until victory or martyrdom

7. Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades • Military wing of Hamas • Founded in 1992 by YahyaAyyash • Primary objective • Build coherent military organization to support goals of Hamas • Terrorist organization for many countries: • EU, US, Australia

8. Independent cells • Cells often unaware of work of other cells • Identities remain secret until death • Current leader is Mohammed Deif

9. Bombing Attacks and Casualties • Suicide Bombings and Rocket Attacks • 786 casualties from 1993 – 2008 • 171 attacks

10. 10-yr Truce • January 26, 2004 • Abdel Aziz al-Rantissi offers 10 year truce to Israel • Complete withdrawal of Israel from territories captured during 6-Day War • Establishment of Palestinian state within Israel • Truce would last ten years, but no longer • Israel refuses to accept because they cannot trust Hamas

11. Ahmed Yassin • Spiritual leader of Hamas • Assassinated March 22, 2004 • Missile fired by Israeli gunship following morning prayer

12. Hamas and Children • Israel accuses Hamas of using children as human shields • Arab news video of military training of children under the age of 15 • Spotters • Transport explosives and weapons • Deter Israeli attacks • Unknowingly used as bombers • Children’s magazine Al-Fateh • Al-Aqsa TV