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AP-National

What is Hamas? The group that rules the Gaza Strip has fought several rounds of war with Israel

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Published 4:40 PM

By SARAH EL DEEB
Associated Press

BEIRUT (AP) — Hamas has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007. Hamas militants launched an attack inside Israel over the weekend, killing hundreds and taking others hostage. Its unprecedented breach of the border sent fighters inside border towns and military installations, shocked Israel and its allies, and raised questions about the group’s capabilities and strategy. Hamas was founded in 1987 by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, a Palestinian refugee living in Gaza. That was during the first intifada, or uprising. It was marked by widespread protests against Israel’s occupation. Hamas has since coined its own ideology, centered in resistance to Israel. It’s also gained allies in Iran and others. Hamas’ charter doesn’t recognize the state of Israel and has vowed to annihilate it.

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