From: Patterns of Global Terrorism, 2000. United States
Department of State, April 2001.
Description
Formed in late 1987 as an outgrowth of the Palestinian
branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. Various HAMAS elements have used both
political and violent means, including terrorism, to pursue the goal of
establishing an Islamic Palestinian state in place of Israel. Loosely
structured, with some elements working clandestinely and others working openly
through mosques and social service institutions to recruit members, raise money,
organize activities, and distribute propaganda. HAMAS's strength is concentrated
in the Gaza Strip and a few areas of the West Bank. Also has engaged in peaceful
political activity, such as running candidates in West Bank Chamber of Commerce
elections.
Activities
HAMAS activists, especially those in the Izz el-Din
al-Qassam Brigades, have conducted many attacks--including large-scale suicide
bombings--against Israeli civilian and military targets. In the early 1990s,
they also targeted suspected Palestinian collaborators and Fatah rivals. Claimed
several attacks during the unrest in late 2000.
Strength
Unknown number of hardcore members; tens of thousands of
supporters and sympathizers.
Location/Area of Operation
Primarily the occupied territories,
Israel. In August 1999, Jordanian authorities closed the group's Political
Bureau offices in Amman, arrested its leaders, and prohibited the group from
operating on Jordanian territory.
External Aid
Receives funding from Palestinian expatriates, Iran,
and private benefactors in Saudi Arabia and other moderate Arab states. Some
fundraising and propaganda activity take place in Western Europe and North
America.