Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist political and militant organization that governs the Gaza Strip. Founded in 1987 during the First Intifada as an offshoot of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, it has both a political wing and a military wing known as the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. It is designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and the European Union, among others.

Hamas seeks to end Israeli occupation, establish a Palestinian state based on Islamic principles, and maintain control over Gaza. Strategically, it uses both military confrontation and political leverage, including negotiations for prisoner swaps and temporary ceasefires, to further its goals and legitimacy among Palestinians.