Since the 1980s, Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist group also known as the Islamic Resistance Movement, has been fighting Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Following Israel’s withdrawal of its soldiers and settlers from Gaza in 2005, Hamas turned to politics and social programmes. It is well-known for offering education, health and medical services (hospitals), and social services. However, the group maintained its military wing. It has been involved in proxy wars against Israel.
Hamas is more than just a violent group rooted in Palestine. It backs the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) is one of the most extremist and uncompromising Palestinian armed factions operating in the West Bank.
Worryingly, the PIJ opposes any political peace process. It sees armed victory against Israel as the only way to transform Israel, including Gaza and the West Bank, into an Islamic state. This organisation collaborates with Hamas and holds Israeli hostages.