Hamas is a Palestinian militant and political organization that was founded in 1987 during the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation. It has both a political and a military wing:
1. **Political Wing**: Hamas participates in Palestinian politics and has governed the Gaza Strip since winning a majority in the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections. Its governance has been marked by significant challenges, including conflicts with Israel and internal political strife with the rival Fatah party.
2. **Military Wing**: The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades is Hamas's military branch, which has conducted numerous attacks against Israel, including rocket strikes, suicide bombings, and other forms of violence.
Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States, Israel, Canada, and the European Union, due to its use of violence against civilians and its stated goal of eliminating the state of Israel. However, it also has a substantial support base among Palestinians who view it as a resistance movement against Israeli occupation. The organization's actions and policies are often a source of significant controversy and debate in international relations.