Understanding Hamas: From Rule in Gaza to Surprise Attacks on Israel

Hamas, the Islamic militant group that controls Gaza, launched a complex and deadly attack on Israel, resulting in hundreds of deaths. Hamas, founded in 1987 as an offshoot of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, rejects Israel's right to exist and seeks the creation of a Palestinian state. Labeled a terrorist organization by several countries, Hamas receives support from Iran and has clashed with Israel since taking control of Gaza in 2007. The recent attack was triggered by escalating tensions around the al-Aqsa Mosque and Israeli settlement expansion. The death toll is expected to rise as Israel retaliates, and President Biden has approved additional assistance to Israel.