As Israel enters its 10th day of conflict with the Palestinian military group, Hamas, it's crucial to comprehend the entity that lies at the centre of this tumultuous situation. As of 1 a.m. on Tuesday, October 17, news agency AFP informed that the death toll to be around 1,400 in Israel and 2,750 in Gaza.

In response to the escalating crisis, US President Joe Biden has announced an imminent visit to the region. To comprehend the context of this conflict, it's crucial to understand the key player - Hamas.

What is Hamas? Hamas, officially known as the Islamic Resistance Movement in English, is a Palestinian militant group that governs the Gaza Strip, a densely populated 25-mile-long enclave with over 2.1 million people. Founded in 1987 during the first Palestinian intifada (uprising) against Israeli occupation, Hamas has been a central figure in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Its core goal is the establishment of an Islamic fundamentalist Palestinian state, and it does not recognise Israel, aiming to replace it with a Palestinian state stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River.

Leadership and Structure | Hamas is currently led by Yahya Sinwar, who assumed leadership in 2017. The group's structure comprises several key bodies. Politburo: The 15-members-led highest decision-making body, currently headed by Ismail Haniyeh. Shura Council: A consultative body that elects the Politburo. Military Wing (Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades): Responsible for armed struggle against Israel. Delegations Abroad: Handles diplomatic relations. Local Authorities, Security Forces, Ministries: These entities collectively govern the Gaza Strip.

Terror Tactics and International Status | Hamas is known for employing a range of tactics, including the use of explosives and rockets, suicide bombings, and kidnappings, to advance its objectives. It's important to note that many countries, including Israel, the United States, the European Union, and the UK, have designated Hamas, or at least its military wing, as a terrorist organisation due to these violent activities.

Funding Sources | Hamas receives financial support from various sources, including expatriate Palestinians, private donors in the Middle East, Muslim charities in the West, and notably, Iran, which is one of its significant benefactors.

History of Conflict with Israel | The history of Hamas is intricately linked with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Notable events include: 1988: Hamas published its charter, advocating for Israel's destruction and the creation of an Islamic society in historic Palestine. 1994: Hamas carried out its first suicide bombing in Israel. 2006: Hamas participated in Palestinian parliamentary elections and won in Gaza, leading to a division with the Fatah party.

2007: Hamas seized control of Gaza, leading to an Israeli-imposed blockade. 2021: An eleven-day conflict erupted following Hamas firing rockets into Israel and Israeli police’s raid on Al Aqsa Mosque, triggered by tensions in Jerusalem.

The 2023 Conflict | In October 2023, Hamas orchestrated a significant breach in Israel's defenses, launching over 2,500 rockets and attacking Israeli towns and communities. This resulted in over 1,300 casualties and the abduction of dozens of people. Israel declared a "state of alert for war" and launched retaliatory strikes on Gaza.