Is Hamas an Idea?

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The future of the Israel-Gaza War rests on a single question: Is Hamas an idea? If Hamas is an idea, then Israel is in a pointless war in the Gaza Strip, for armies cannot destroy ideas. If Hamas is not an idea but an ideological organization, then Israel may stand a chance at achieving victory.

I argue that Hamas is a two-pronged entity: An idea and an ideological organization. While counterinsurgency tactics are unlikely to destroy the former, the IDF is well poised to destroy the latter. It is here that Israel must clarify the aims of the War to make the endgame clear to the Israeli public and its allies.

Hamas as an Idea

Founded as the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas is a movement with a following throughout the world. “Hamas as an idea” manifests itself in 3 core beliefs, which are discussed at length in its .1) Hamas is a global movement based on the principles and teachings of Islam.2) The fight between Palestinians and Israelis is a mere microcosm in the war between the religion of Islam and the ultimate enemy: The Jewish people.3) Followers of Islam must wage jihad against the State of Israel with the goal of wiping Israel off the map, for the entire territory of “Palestine” in its definition (modern-day Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza…