Hamas: The Government Elected by the Palestinians in Gaza

By Roberto Miguel Rodriguez

This comprehensive book delves deep into the political landscape of Gaza, spotlighting HAMAS's journey from its origins to its role as a democratically elected governing body. It sheds light on the intricacies of Palestinian politics, the socio-economic factors that contributed to HAMAS's rise to power, and the subsequent implications for the Palestinian territories and broader Middle East politics.

The narrative begins by exploring HAMAS's roots, charting its evolution from a socio-political movement in the 1980s to its armed resistance against Israel, and its designation as a terrorist organization by many countries. The book provides an in-depth examination of the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections, a turning point where HAMAS secured a significant victory, transitioning from an opposition group to the dominant party in Gaza.

Subsequent chapters analyze the challenges and dilemmas HAMAS faced in transitioning from a militant group to a governing body, including issues related to governance, service delivery, and international relations. The narrative also evaluates the consequences of the organization's dual role, both as a political party and as an armed faction, on the peace process and regional stability.

Drawing upon a vast array of sources, from interviews with key stakeholders to archival research, "HAMAS: The Government Elected by Palestinians in Gaza" provides readers with a nuanced understanding of the complexities and challenges of Palestinian governance in Gaza. The book avoids taking a simplistic or partisan stance, aiming instead to present a balanced and informed account of HAMAS's political journey and its implications for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Roberto Miguel Rodriguez
• Release date: Oct 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223795636

Book preview

Hamas: The Government Elected by Palestinians in Gaza

By Roberto Miguel Rodriguez

Chapter 1: Hamas: The Government Elected by Palestinians in Gaza

Understanding the Complexity of Palestinian Politics

Palestinian politics is a complex web of interrelated factors, ideologies, and historical events that have shaped the current political landscape in Gaza and the wider Palestinian territories. This subchapter aims to provide the American public with an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of Palestinian politics, focusing on the role of Hamas in governing Gaza and its impact on various aspects of Palestinian life.

Hamas, the government elected by Palestinians in Gaza, is a key player in Palestinian politics. It emerged as a resistance movement in the late 1980s, with a primary objective of liberating Palestine from Israeli occupation. Over the years, Hamas has evolved into a political party, winning the 2006 parliamentary elections in Gaza and assuming governance responsibilities. Understanding the origins and transformation of Hamas is crucial for comprehending its actions and policies today.

One cannot discuss Hamas without acknowledging its role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hamas, as a resistance movement, has engaged in armed resistance against Israeli forces, leading to both praise and condemnation from various quarters. This subchapter explores the dynamics of the conflict, highlighting Hamas' perspective and its impact on the peace process.

Examining the social and economic policies of Hamas in Gaza sheds light on the challenges and opportunities faced by the government in governing a conflict zone. The subchapter delves into Hamas' efforts to provide basic services, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development, despite limited resources and ongoing Israeli restrictions.

Hamas' relationship with other political factions in Palestine is also crucial to understanding the broader political dynamics. This subchapter examines the alliances and rivalries between Hamas and other Palestinian political groups, such as Fatah, and the implications for Palestinian unity and governance.

The impact of Hamas rule on human rights in Gaza is a critical issue that cannot be overlooked. This subchapter critically evaluates the human rights situation in Gaza under Hamas' governance, addressing concerns raised by international organizations and human rights activists.

The international community's response to Hamas' governance in Gaza is explored, focusing on the diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian dimensions. This includes an examination of the Western perception of Hamas as a terrorist organization and the resulting implications for international aid and recognition.

Furthermore, this subchapter delves into Hamas' approach to education and cultural policies in Gaza, shedding light on how the government seeks to shape Palestinian identity and nationalism. Additionally, it explores Hamas' efforts in building infrastructure and public services, highlighting the challenges faced in a conflict zone.

Understanding the complexity of Palestinian politics requires an exploration of the multifaceted role that Hamas plays in governing Gaza. This subchapter aims to provide the American public with a comprehensive understanding of Hamas' governance, its impact on various aspects of Palestinian life, and its role in shaping Palestinian identity and nationalism in Gaza.

The Historical Context of Hamas' Rise to Power

In order to understand the complexities of Palestinian politics and the rise of Hamas to power, it is crucial to examine the historical context in which this resistance movement emerged. Hamas, an acronym for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya (Islamic Resistance Movement), was established in 1987 during the First Intifada, a popular uprising against Israeli occupation in the Palestinian territories.

The roots of Hamas can be traced back to the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamic organization founded in Egypt in 1928. The Brotherhood's ideology, which emphasized the establishment of an Islamic state, resonated with Palestinians who sought an alternative to the secular Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). As the PLO struggled to achieve tangible results in its quest for Palestinian self-determination, Hamas emerged as a grassroots movement, providing social services and engaging in armed resistance against Israeli occupation.

Hamas gained significant support among Palestinians due to its emphasis on resistance and its ability to mobilize disenfranchised communities. The movement's leaders, such as Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and Mahmoud Zahar, appealed to Palestinians' sense of identity and nationalism, portraying Hamas as the true defenders of Palestinian rights. Their rhetoric and actions resonated with Palestinians who felt marginalized and disenchanted with the peace process, which they perceived as failing to deliver tangible results.

Hamas' rise to power was further fueled by the failure of the Oslo Accords in the 1990s. The peace process, which aimed to establish a two-state solution, was marred by continued Israeli settlement expansion, economic disparities, and political deadlock. As disillusionment with the peace process grew, Hamas capitalized on these frustrations and positioned itself as the voice of resistance against Israeli occupation.

The turning point for Hamas came in 2006 when it participated in the Palestinian legislative elections. To the surprise of many, Hamas emerged victorious, winning a majority of seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council. This electoral success was seen as a rejection of the corrupt and ineffective governance of the Fatah party, which had dominated Palestinian politics for decades.

Hamas' rise to power