Hamas fighters pictured during a parade in 2016. EPA
Hamas fighters pictured during a parade in 2016. EPA
Hamas fighters pictured during a parade in 2016. EPA
Hamas fighters pictured during a parade in 2016. EPA

Who are Hamas, the militant group running Gaza?


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Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to hit back hard against Hamas, the Palestinian militant group in control of the Gaza Strip that launched more than 1,000 rockets at Israel in recent days.

In response to the barrage of rockets from the coastal enclave, Israel's air force pummelled Gaza with hundreds of air strikes, killing at least 83 people, 17 of them children.

The Israeli military targeted high-ranking Hamas leaders as it sought to make good on Mr Netanyahu's recent promise to "hit them like they've never dreamt possible".

The fighters of Hamas's armed wing are known for their black balaclavas and green headbands.

As Israel's attacks continue, the bodies of fighters, clad in that same black and green, are being laid to rest.

To the Israeli government, they are public enemy No1, but what does the militant group stand for? And how did it come to dominate Gaza?

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh speaks at the funeral of Qassem Suleimani. Reuters
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh speaks at the funeral of Qassem Suleimani. Reuters

Fundamental roots

Hamas's roots lie in hardline ideas and the international Muslim Brotherhood – its full name is the Islamic Resistance Movement.

The group portrays itself as the defender of Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque and says it was compelled to launch the latest attacks after Israeli police stormed the holy site this week, after peaceful protests by Palestinians in Jerusalem.

The group's founding charter indicated an aim to see an Islamic state formed across historic Palestine, although since 1994 its leaders have said the group would be open to a truce with Israel based on the borders drawn up after the 1967 war.

  • Rescuers and others in the rubble in front of Al Shorouq tower that collapsed after being hit by an Israeli air strike, in Gaza City. AFP
    Rescuers and others in the rubble in front of Al Shorouq tower that collapsed after being hit by an Israeli air strike, in Gaza City. AFP
  • Sunrise through a haze of cloud and smoke after an Israeli strike on Gaza City. AP
    Sunrise through a haze of cloud and smoke after an Israeli strike on Gaza City. AP
  • A man walks past the rubble of the destroyed Al Shorouq tower after an Israeli strike in Gaza City. EPA
    A man walks past the rubble of the destroyed Al Shorouq tower after an Israeli strike in Gaza City. EPA
  • People survey the damage on a street after an Israeli air strike in Gaza City. AP
    People survey the damage on a street after an Israeli air strike in Gaza City. AP
  • Smoke from the Israeli air strike on Al Shorouq tower in Gaza City. EPA
    Smoke from the Israeli air strike on Al Shorouq tower in Gaza City. EPA
  • Israeli police patrol during clashes between Arabs, police and Jews, in the mixed town of Lod. As rockets from Gaza streaked overhead, Arabs and Jews fought each other on the streets below. Rioters torched vehicles, a restaurant and a synagogue. AP
    Israeli police patrol during clashes between Arabs, police and Jews, in the mixed town of Lod. As rockets from Gaza streaked overhead, Arabs and Jews fought each other on the streets below. Rioters torched vehicles, a restaurant and a synagogue. AP
  • Israeli troops during clashes with Palestinian protesters in the West Bank city of Hebron. EPA
    Israeli troops during clashes with Palestinian protesters in the West Bank city of Hebron. EPA
  • Rockets launched from the Gaza Strip streak towards Israel. AP
    Rockets launched from the Gaza Strip streak towards Israel. AP
  • Israeli troops during clashes with Palestinian protesters in Hebron, in the occupied West Bank. EPA
    Israeli troops during clashes with Palestinian protesters in Hebron, in the occupied West Bank. EPA
  • A Palestinian man at a hospital in Gaza City, where those injured or killed in Israeli air strikes are transferred. AFP
    A Palestinian man at a hospital in Gaza City, where those injured or killed in Israeli air strikes are transferred. AFP
  • Smoke and flames from an Israeli air strike on a building in Gaza City. AP
    Smoke and flames from an Israeli air strike on a building in Gaza City. AP
  • Palestinian protesters in the West Bank city of Hebron, where they clashed with Israeli troops. EPA
    Palestinian protesters in the West Bank city of Hebron, where they clashed with Israeli troops. EPA
  • Smoke billows from an explosion following an Israeli airstrike in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. AFP
    Smoke billows from an explosion following an Israeli airstrike in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. AFP
  • An Israeli Apache attack helicopter releases flares near Sderot, in southern Israel, on the border with the Gaza Strip. AFP
    An Israeli Apache attack helicopter releases flares near Sderot, in southern Israel, on the border with the Gaza Strip. AFP
  • Israeli artillery soldiers prepare propelling charges for a howitzer at the border with Gaza. EPA
    Israeli artillery soldiers prepare propelling charges for a howitzer at the border with Gaza. EPA
  • Some from rockets fired towards Israel by Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas billows in the air in Gaza City. AFP
    Some from rockets fired towards Israel by Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas billows in the air in Gaza City. AFP

From 1993 to 2008, Hamas sent suicide bombers to attack civilian targets in Israel – a tactic with which it became synonymous.

Hamas is listed as a terrorist group by the US, EU, Israel, Japan and Canada. The group's military arm, the Ezzedine Al Qassam Brigades (or Qassam Brigades for short), are listed as terrorists by Australia, New Zealand, Paraguay and the UK.

As well as possible war crimes, which the International Criminal Court is planning to investigate, Hamas is regularly accused of human rights breaches and running an autocratic state in the Gaza Strip.

The home of the group's political leader, Ismael Haniyah, was destroyed on Thursday in a targeted Israeli strike. But he was not at home, having lived in exile in Doha since 2019.

In recent years, the group has received financial support from Iran and Qatar.

Rise to control the strip

In 2006, the group won the most seats in elections for the Palestinian Parliament, raising the question of whether it would renounce violence and try to reform as a purely political body.

However, the election sparked a brief civil war with rival Palestinian party Fatah – led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

In the battle Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip, with Fatah expelled and largely confined to the West Bank. The schism continues to this day despite attempts to mediate a resumption of ties.

Since then, Gaza has been a Hamas fiefdom and the group’s launch pad for frequent attacks on Israel, which imposed a blockade.

This shuts the borders to those without permits for travel, which are difficult to obtain, stops the import of many products and sets limits on things such as concrete, that Israel says Hamas uses to build underground tunnels.

Rights groups say the policy has led to a dire humanitarian situation, mass unemployment and poverty, poor services and have likened Gaza to a mass open-air prison.

The Hamas rocket attacks often meet fierce Israeli retaliation, and the violence tipped into a full-blown war on three occasions – most recently in 2014.

Rocket arsenal

Rockets launched from Gaza City streak towards Israel on May 12. AFP
Rockets launched from Gaza City streak towards Israel on May 12. AFP

Despite the blockade on Gaza, Hamas has managed to build up a vast arsenal of short-range rockets and missiles. It also has longer-range missiles, capable of striking Israel's northern cities more than 200 kilometres away.

Human Rights Watch said the group's regular rocket barrages towards Israel constitute war crimes and "are inherently indiscriminate and endanger the lives, homes, and properties of tens of thousands of Israeli civilians".

Hamas is deeply entrenched in Gazan society.

The group is often criticised for launching and storing weapons in residential areas, and makes use of a vast network of tunnels and underground bunkers that offer protection from Israeli jets above.

Palestinian elections

Despite all of the concerns, Hamas was widely expected to do well at Palestinian elections scheduled this month, something that may have allowed the group to expand its reach into the West Bank at the expense of Mr Abbas.

When the vote was postponed indefinitely on April 29, Hamas criticised the delay as a coup.

For some Palestinians, these elections had offered the prospect of an easing of Israel’s blockade on Gaza, and perhaps even the healing of the inter-Palestinian splits.

These are hopes that vanished with the election delay, hopes that seem even more remote now with the recent outbreak of violence.

Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Specs

Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo V6
Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
Power: 405hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 562Nm at 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 11.2L/100km
Price: From Dh292,845 (Reserve); from Dh320,145 (Presidential)
On sale: Now

RESULTS

Men – semi-finals

57kg – Tak Chuen Suen (MAC) beat Phuong Xuan Nguyen (VIE) 29-28; Almaz Sarsembekov (KAZ) beat Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) by points 30-27.

67kg – Mohammed Mardi (UAE) beat Huong The Nguyen (VIE) by points 30-27; Narin Wonglakhon (THA) v Mojtaba Taravati Aram (IRI) by points 29-28.

60kg – Yerkanat Ospan (KAZ) beat Amir Hosein Kaviani (IRI) 30-27; Long Doan Nguyen (VIE) beat Ibrahim Bilal (UAE) 29-28

63.5kg – Abil Galiyev (KAZ) beat Truong Cao Phat (VIE) 30-27; Nouredine Samir (UAE) beat Norapat Khundam (THA) RSC round 3.

71kg​​​​​​​ – Shaker Al Tekreeti (IRQ) beat Fawzi Baltagi (LBN) 30-27; Amine El Moatassime (UAE) beat Man Kongsib (THA) 29-28

81kg – Ilyass Hbibali (UAE) beat Alexandr Tsarikov (KAZ) 29-28; Khaled Tarraf (LBN) beat Mustafa Al Tekreeti (IRQ) 30-27

86kg​​​​​​​ – Ali Takaloo (IRI) beat Mohammed Al Qahtani (KSA) RSC round 1; Emil Umayev (KAZ) beat Ahmad Bahman (UAE) TKO round

Profile

Name: Carzaty

Founders: Marwan Chaar and Hassan Jaffar

Launched: 2017

Employees: 22

Based: Dubai and Muscat

Sector: Automobile retail

Funding to date: $5.5 million

Tips to keep your car cool
  • Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
  • Park in shaded or covered areas
  • Add tint to windows
  • Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
  • Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
  • Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat

Company Profile

Company name: NutriCal

Started: 2019

Founder: Soniya Ashar

Based: Dubai

Industry: Food Technology

Initial investment: Self-funded undisclosed amount

Future plan: Looking to raise fresh capital and expand in Saudi Arabia

Total Clients: Over 50

Most%20ODI%20hundreds
%3Cp%3E49%20-%20Sachin%20Tendulkar%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E47%20-%20Virat%20Kohli%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E31%20-%20Rohit%20Sharma%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E30%20-%20Ricky%20Ponting%2C%20Australia%2FICC%0D%3Cbr%3E28%20-%20Sanath%20Jayasuriya%2C%20Sri%20Lanka%2FAsia%0D%3Cbr%3E27%20-%20Hashim%20Amla%2C%20South%20Africa%0D%3Cbr%3E25%20-%20AB%20de%20Villiers%2C%20South%20Africa%2FAfrica%0D%3Cbr%3E25%20-%20Chris%20Gayle%2C%20West%20Indies%2FICC%0D%3Cbr%3E25%20-%20Kumar%20Sangakkara%2C%20Sri%20Lanka%2FICC%2FAsia%0D%3Cbr%3E22%20-%20Sourav%20Ganguly%2C%20India%2FAsia%0D%3Cbr%3E22%20-%20Tillakaratne%20Dilshan%2C%20Sri%20Lanka%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.6-litre%2C%20V6%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eeight-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E285hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E353Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh159%2C900%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
SERIE A FIXTURES

Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)

Lecce v SPAL (6pm)

Bologna v Genoa (9pm)

Atlanta v Roma (11.45pm)

Sunday

Udinese v Hellas Verona (3.30pm)

Juventus v Brescia (6pm)

Sampdoria v Fiorentina (6pm)

Sassuolo v Parma (6pm)

Cagliari v Napoli (9pm)

Lazio v Inter Milan (11.45pm)

Monday

AC Milan v Torino (11.45pm)

 

Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
If you go...

Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.

Flights from Dubai start at Dh4,000 return with Emirates, while Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi start at Dh2,000. Local buses can be booked in Chiang Mai from around Dh50

Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?

The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.

A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.

Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.

The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.

When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.

Countries recognising Palestine

France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra

 

How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE

When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.

The biog

Favourite books: 'Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life' by Jane D. Mathews and ‘The Moment of Lift’ by Melinda Gates

Favourite travel destination: Greece, a blend of ancient history and captivating nature. It always has given me a sense of joy, endless possibilities, positive energy and wonderful people that make you feel at home.

Favourite pastime: travelling and experiencing different cultures across the globe.

Favourite quote: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders” - Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook.

Favourite Movie: Mona Lisa Smile 

Favourite Author: Kahlil Gibran

Favourite Artist: Meryl Streep

'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'

Rating: 1 out of 4

Running time: 81 minutes

Director: David Blue Garcia

Starring: Sarah Yarkin, Elsie Fisher, Mark Burnham

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
 
Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners