Hamas

American  

[hah-mahs] / hɑˈmɑs /

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.

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Hamas British  

/ ˈhæmæs /

noun

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

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Hamas Cultural  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of Hamas

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”

Example Sentences

Qatar hosts senior Hamas leaders and has played a mediating role between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement during the war in Gaza.

From Barron's

In September, an Israeli air strike unsuccessfully targeted the exiled Hamas leadership as it met in Qatar, a regional mediator, to discuss a new ceasefire proposal presented by the US.

From BBC

Under the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Israeli forces have withdrawn to positions east of the so-called Yellow Line.

From Barron's

He was arrested by Israeli soldiers in January 2024 after working with reporters to arrange interviews with members of Hamas and other armed groups.

From BBC

The second phase of the plan requires Hamas to give up governance, disarm and transfer control of the territory to an international force of troops and a technocratic committee of Palestinians who would run it.

From The Wall Street Journal