12 OCT, 2023
Ayaan Paul Chowdhury
Photo: Reuters
Hamas, short for the Islamic Resistance Movement, originated in 1987 as a Palestinian militant group founded by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin during the First Intifada.
Photo: Reuters
It traces its roots to the Muslim Brotherhood, with a primary focus on resisting Israeli occupation and promoting Islamist fundamentalism.
Photo: Getty Images
Here are brief descriptions of key individuals in the leadership of Hamas and related organizations, providing insights into their roles and backgrounds.
Photo: Getty Images
Founder of Hamas, he established the group in 1987 as the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in Gaza. Yassin was assassinated by an Israeli gunship in 2004.
Photo: AFP
An early military leader of Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades, Shehade was a key figure within the organization and was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike in 2002.
Photo: Getty Images
The elusive chief of Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, known for masterminding attacks against Israel. He has a long history of evading Israeli attempts to capture or assassinate him.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Became Hamas leader after the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and represented the group from exile.
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The de facto ruler of Gaza and one of the most powerful members of Hamas. He has a history of activism and dedication to the Palestinian cause.
Photo: Reuters
The main political leader of Hamas, living in exile in Doha, Qatar. He served as prime minister and later replaced Khaled Mashaal as the political chief of Hamas.
Photo: Reuters
A co-founder of Hamas and member of the Hamas leadership in the Gaza Strip, he has a medical background and played a significant role in the formation of Hamas.
Photo: Reuters
Leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a separate organization with ties to Iran and designated as a terrorist group by multiple countries.