Hamas: A Beginner's Guide

The Islamic resistance movement Hamas was created in 1987, won the elections of the Legislative Council in 2006, and governed the Gaza Strip since 2007. The attacks on October 7th and the subsequent war on Gaza have turned the international spotlight on them. What then is Hamas' history, beliefs and political agenda? From its founding to its fierce fighting in the most recent war, this is an indispensable introduction to the controversial political, social, religious and military organization.

Looking beyond the caricatures of Hamas' leaders and cadre, Palestinian writer Khaled Hroub reveals a group often guided by pragmatic aims. Asking the reader to re-think what they know, he provides the key facts often missing from news reports, and incisive analysis of their relationship with Israel and the West.

This third edition of the popular guide is fully updated, including a new introduction and chapters on Hamas and the Arab Spring, Hamas and Donald Trump’s ‘Deal of the Century’, and the shocking events of October 7th.