Hamas

[hah-mahs]

noun

1. a Palestinian Islamic militant political party engaged in grassroots organizing, armed resistance, and acts of terrorism against Israel: designated a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union.

Hamas

/ ˈhæmæs /

noun

1. an organization founded in 1987 with the aim of establishing an Islamic state in Palestine

Hamas

1. A radical Palestinian organization founded in 1987 in opposition to the moderate policies of the Palestine Liberation Organization. In a controversial move, Yasir Arafat has brought members of Hamas into positions of authority within the Palestinian Authority. Hamas sponsors terrorism directed at Israel, especially in the form of suicide bombers in crowded places.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hamas¹

First recorded in 1985–90; vocalization of Arabic ḤMS, abbreviation of Ḥarakat al-Muqāwamah al-Islāmīyah “Islamic Resistance Movement,” from ḥarakat, form of ḥarakah “movement” + muqāwama “opposition, resistance” + Islāmīyah “Islamic” ( Islam ( def. ) ); coined as a pun on ḥamās “excitement, zeal”

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hamas¹

C20: Arabic: zeal; also an acronym for haraka muqawama islamia Islamic Armed Movement

Example Sentences

All eyes are on Egypt as indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel on the war in Gaza are set to begin on Monday, with the US and Israel pushing for the swift release of hostages.

From BBC

“Every Hamas member I will personally throw in the trash heap. Hamas’s rule is ending,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times

Hamas had agreed to a number of previous proposals to end the war, including a ceasefire that took hold in January but which Israel unilaterally broke in March.

From Los Angeles Times

In a televised statement, he also said "Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza will be demilitarised – either the easy way or the hard way, but it will be achieved."

From BBC

Islamic Jihad, a smaller militant faction, publicly endorsed Hamas’s position late Friday, signaling a rare moment of internal alignment within Gaza’s armed movements.

From Salon