5.0 out of 5 stars HAMAS to most is an in-depth look at the history and development of the unique organization.

g. · March 27, 2025

HAMAS - Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya - is very familiar to Middle East specialists, for its leadership has been around since the days of French and British colonial control, over Syria and Palestine, respectively - but be less known and understood by average readers the world over. This book answers most questions on could have - and is an outstanding tour de force regarding the multi-faceted organization.As Jordan's deputy prime minister stated once: "Hamas is an idea. You cannot bomb an idea out of existence." [p.7] This is essential, along with a ground war, what today's Israel is attempting to do, since the destructive cross-border terrorist attack on Israel, October 7th last year. What were HAMAS's beginnings? What governs the conduct and philosophy of the organization? How has HAMAS changed since it early founding in Syria? What role do the Qassam Brigades and martyrs play in past efforts at gaining independence for Gaza from Israeli occupation? How did Hamas win a freely conducted election in the Israeli occupation strip and what future does the ongoing war foretell?The author has 15 chapters, all relatively short, in an attempt to answer these and other major questions across the history of Hamas, since its founding. Too numerous to list all, this do include Hamas's origins, The First and Second Intifada days and its internal war with the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), the role of the militant and armed Qassam Brigades, the role education, social organization, women, and how Hamas managed to win a freely conducted election against the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Gaza, and how that split leadership in Gaza and on the West Bank has impacted efforts at a Two-State solution. Also not ignored are POTUS Clinton's efforts with the Oslo Accords, the PLO and Arafat - and why they collapsed.Mohammed Izz ad-Din bin Abdul Qadar bin Mustafa al-Qassam - more commonly know by just "al-Qassam" was the founder, born in 1882, near the Syrian gown of Latakia, from a prominent Muslim family of scholars and leaders. Qassam studied in Egypt and on return to Syria, "sought the reform of Islam as a means of resistance" to colonial rule. The Syrians and Palestinians had hope the end of World War One would herald independence - the French and British division of the region followed an April 1920 conference in San Remo (Italy). "By the early to mid-1920s Jewish immigration to Palestine was causing an accelerated and unprecedented rate of land dispossession among the Palestinian peasant classes. Palestine, as a predominantly peasant society, as being forcibly altered by Zionist land settlement." [p.25] Through the 1920s and 1930s, what began as a religious reformation would lead to armed resistance, targeting Mandate officials and those accused of land sales (to Jews), arms traders, or collaboration with the Zionist cause. Ultimately, the revolt failed, for within a decade, Gaza and the West Bank would fall largely into Jewish control.Armed resistance was not to end, and by the mid-1970s, suicide bombings became almost a daily occurrence in Israel, whether it be in Tel Aviv, Ashdod, or other major cities. The Second Intifada would follow after September 2000, largely due to actions of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his approach to the Al-Aqsa (Al Haram al-Sharif) / Noble Sanctuary site, "being a deliberate political provocation over a site of contested sovereignty." [p. 79] Thus emerged the Qassam Brigades, initially established in the 1980s by Sheikh Yassin, called "al-Majd" (Glory) - headed by Raqhi Mushtaha and Yahya Sinwar - future architects of the 2023 attacks [both since killed in Israeli attacks]. As the authors note, "the heart of the conflict remained, as always, Jerusalem." [p.233] Annexation by Israel of East Jerusalem has only extended that conflict.Fast forward to October 2023, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) became again involved in the issue of treatment of Gaza Palestinians, and Jewish settlements on the West Bank - declaring them illegal under provisions of the Genocide Convention. The January 2024 ICJ ruling only infuriated Israeli supporters of the West Bank settlements and the Israeli government of Bibi Netanyahu, but failed to change Israeli policies. Thus, the war would begin anew in October.The authors note: It is important to also recognize the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum. The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56-years of suffocating occupation. They have seen their land steadily devoured by settlements and plagued by violence; their economy stifled; their people displaced, and their homes demolished. Their hopes for a political solution to their plight have been banishing.But, the grievances of the Palestinian people cannot justify the appalling attacking by Hamas." [p.8] The authors note the International Criminal Court (ICC) examination of war crimes associated with the October 7th attack, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan noted: "If there has been evidence that Palestinians....has committed crimes. Yes, we have jurisdiction wherever they're committed, including on the territory of Israel." [p. 270] The renewed ground war and bombings began anew in late-March 2025; PM Netanyahu remained in office, despite being under war crimes indictment by the ICC; and, Palestinians began widespread marches against Hamas rule on March 25th. The author don't predict a future, but the widespread destruction of Gaza will likely generate a new generation of Hamas-like organization, as long as Israeli occupation and lack of statehood continues for the Palestinians -the cycle will begin anew.The book is thorough, well written, easily understood - and, certainly timely. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!!

Essential to understand the Israeli/Palestinian "problem"

B.L. · April 24, 2025

I wish I had been aware of this book some time ago. While I, in no way, support Islam as a religion (ditto for Judaism), I very firmly support the Palestinian opposition to Israel, and admire Hamas's tenacity in being steadfast in their wish to get Palestine (as it was known) back from the Israelis, hopeless though that aim may be.I firmly believe that Israel was formed by the extermination, rape and murder of what we knew as Palestinians.I had not appreciated that Hamas was initially created as an "opposition" to the likes of the PLO, Fatah, etc. There does not appear to be anything "nice" about Hamas (or Israel for that matter) who appear to maintain order through fear.What is interesting is what the book has not told me. I am under the clear impression that Hamas's "parent organisation" is the Muslim Brotherhood. However, the book gives absolutely no indication of what, if any at all, the Brotherhood "dictates" what Hamas must do at any one time. During Morsi's brief "reign" in Egypt there was a flurry of praise and support for him from Hamas in the book, but nothing more.I live in Cyprus and wrote an article for the Cyprus Mail way back in October 2024 in which I stated that Israel would not be able to eliminate Hamas (or Hezbollah for that matter) and it looks as if I have been proven right.Is there a solution ? Well yes, I think there is. Israel as we know it today took a lot of land from the Palestinians. I would take the size of what is now called the "occupied West Bank" and extend Gaza up the coast and inland by the equivalent amount of land. The West Bank would then be given to Israel and any Palestinians within the West bank would be relocated if they wished to the "new" Palestine. The new Palestine would get proper seaport and airport facilities, etc. and be classified as a sovereign nation.Regardless, thank you Beverly Milton-Edwards and Stephen Farrell for a riveting and very educational read.

Okay, but use with caution

M. · July 26, 2025

It is okay, but seems to favour israel, often cites opinions as facts (both sides).You need to double check anything that seems suspicious - I was using this for my masters thesis, and I found some factual errors eg dates etc. Very repetitive at times, and some incidents explained 2 or more times (eg settler terrorist attack on Ibrahimi mosque), and often out of contextIf this book was the only one you read on the topic, you'd have a really warped view of the PLO and Hamas