Checking Hamas's Military Approach

Hamas’ Resistance Doctrine

Armed resistance is the most central principle of Hamas' identity, and it is the most commonly identified strategy that is associated with Hamas. The word Muqawama, an Arabic synonym of “resistance”, is defined as an act to oppose something. More precisely, Khaled Mashal defines the Muqawama Doctrine as “the doctrine of constant combat,” or “persistent warfare.” (Yaari, 2006) Hamas defines itself as a “resistance movement'', and this means that it enhances this identity as a constant doctrine that justifies its raison d'être, as well its course of action. (Yaari, 2006) Hamas’ insistence on resistance is empowered and inspired by Islamic references. In order to elucidate Hamas' resistance conviction, it is important to consider the classification of Hamas as a movement that belongs to the right path of God. Hamas’ leaders often interpret the Quranic texts in a specific context to expand their resistance project and in turn gain legitimacy. (Hamas Charter, 1988) The theological arguments provide a theoretical umbrella under which its military actions of “resistance” can be conducted. Hamas believes that “The day that enemies usurp part of the Muslem land, Jihad becomes the individual duty of every Muslim. In face of the Jews’ usurpation of Palestine, it is compulsory that the banner of Jihad be raised.” (Hamas Charter, 1988, Article 13) Therefore, abandoning the resistance project highly relies on achieving the ultimate goal for which it was initially launched. Interim solutions are insufficient. According to Hamas’ resistance strategy, the ultimate goal is liberation. The resistance project is thus interrelated with the existence of the occupation itself. This narrative considers Israel as an usurper that built its country on Palestinian territory, at the expense of Palestinian rights. Therefore, resistance would never cease until the end of this occupation, and it has emerged solely because of the Israeli occupation. (Hsiu-Ping, 2016, p. 89) Hamas was not convinced that the restoration of rights could be achieved by negotiation. To overcome the occupation, resistance seemed to be the right path to fulfill this goal. Hamas legitimated the use of weapons as a natural right in the defense of Palestinians, and aimed to destabilize Israeli security, exhaust Israel in a long-term conflict, and finally, render Israel incapable of sustaining the occupation. (Hsiu-Ping, 2016, p. 90) The formation of Hamas as an ‘Islamic Resistance Movement’ was declared to affirm its position against any other approaches to regain the rights of the Palestinians. Therefore, the armed resistance was Hamas’ early tactic to respond to the repercussion of the Oslo Peace Process. (Hsiu-Ping, 2016, p. 69)