Israel has both fought and used Hamas over the years, writes Steffen Gassel, diplomatic correspondent for the star.
Without occupation, there is no Hamas: the relationship between Israel and the militant Palestinian organization can definitely be reduced to this formula. Hamas was founded in the Gaza Strip in 1987 as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, whose center was then Egypt. But their ideology and their terror thrived on the breeding ground of millions of Palestinians’ lack of prospects.
The supposedly uncompromising resistance against Israel is and remains Hamas’ only basis for business. That’s why the militia is always particularly dangerous when an understanding is emerging in the Middle East. Just like before October 7, 2023, when a compromise between Israel and Saudi Arabia seemed within reach. Or like in the mid-1990s, when the Oslo Accords between Israel and the PLO opened up the prospect of limited self-determination. At that time, Hamas hit Israel with a wave of suicide attacks that claimed hundreds of victims.
Cash from Qatar for Hamas
Israel has both fought and used Hamas over the years. But the government’s calculations haven’t always worked out. In 1992, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin had over 400 imprisoned top militia cadres deported to Lebanon. The Lebanese Hezbollah used the opportunity to train the radical brothers from Palestine in bomb making and suicide attacks.
Permanent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been convinced since his return to power in 2009 that Hamas’ control in Gaza benefits Israel more than it harms. Because it weakens the autonomous authority in Ramallah and thus undermines the prospect of a Palestinian state. To keep Hamas afloat, Netanyahu allowed Qatar to bring suitcases full of cash from Israel to the sealed-off Gaza Strip for years – knowing full well that much of the money went to arm the militia. He ignored military and security officials who pointed out the growing risk. Over a billion dollars are said to have flowed from Qatar. There is also money and weapons from Iran. The liberal Israeli daily Haaretz noted after October 7, 2023: “Netanyahu and Hamas have entered into an unspoken political alliance.”
Did Israel make Hamas great in the first place? Stern reader Lothar Josef from Mönchweiler asked this question. Steffen Gassel, diplomatic correspondent for stern, answers them here.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
