"The resistance movement Hamas — whose former leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated by Israel in July during a visit to Tehran — was established in 1987 amid the First Intifada as a direct result of the brutality of Israeli occupation, oppression and its regime of apartheid."

"It was born out of Palestinian hopelessness, desperation and years of false promises from Israel and the U.S. Israeli military assaults have only served to deepen resentment among the Palestinian civilian population — who bear the brunt of the attacks — and drive recruitment for the resistance."