Hamas

Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist political and militant organization founded in 1987 during the First Intifada. The group operates primarily in the Gaza Strip, where it has been the de facto governing authority since 2007 after seizing control from the Palestinian Authority. Its full name is the Islamic Resistance Movement, and it is known for its dual role as both a political entity and a militant group. Hamas engages in social services and political governance, but it is also known for conducting military operations against Israel, including rocket attacks, tunnel construction for infiltration, and armed conflict, leading to its designation as a terrorist organization by countries like the United States, Israel, European Union, Canada, and Japan.

Hamas's ideology is rooted in Islamism and calls for the liberation of Palestine, with a particular focus on resisting Israeli occupation. It has engaged in multiple conflicts with Israel, most notably during the Gaza Wars of 2008-09, 2012, 2014, and 2021, as well as the ongoing tensions. The group’s activities often result in severe humanitarian consequences for civilians in Gaza, sparking international debates about human rights, security, and regional stability. While Hamas receives support from some regional powers like Iran, its actions have faced criticism globally, especially for targeting civilians and using Gaza’s population centers in military strategies.

In November 2023, BOOM fact-checked a video claimed to be a recent portrayal of Hamas's tunnel network in Gaza.

BOOM found that the video was actually aired by RT Arabic in June 2021, providing insights into the group’s extensive underground infrastructure, debunking the misleading claim about its recency.