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

The court also issued a warrant for Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, who Israel says was killed in July, over alleged war crimes in relation to the 7 October 2023 attacks against Israel.

From BBC

The ICC also issued a warrant for Hamas commander Mohammed Deif.

From BBC

Hamas welcomed the issuance of the warrants against the Israeli officials, without mentioning the one against Deif.

From Los Angeles Times

In November, it issued arrest warrants for Israel's prime minister and former defence minister, as well as the military commander of Hamas.

From BBC

A separate press release announced that an arrest warrant had also been issued for Muhammad Deif, Hamas' military chief, for crimes against humanity over his role in planning and executing the Oct.

From Salon