Fact Check: Hamas wants to destroy jews

Claim Analysis: "Hamas wants to destroy Jews"

Introduction

The claim that "Hamas wants to destroy Jews" is a highly charged statement that requires careful examination of the context, historical background, and the sources that support or contradict it. This assertion is often linked to the organization's founding charter and its subsequent declarations, which have sparked intense debate and differing interpretations regarding its intentions towards Jews and Israel.

What We Know

1. Hamas Covenant: The original Hamas Covenant, established in 1988, contains several passages that are explicitly anti-Jewish. For instance, Article 29 compares Jews to Nazis and describes a jihad aimed at liberating Palestine from Jewish control 13. The charter has been criticized for its overt antisemitism and calls for violence against Jews.

2. Revised Statements: In 2017, Hamas released a new document that purportedly softens its stance, claiming to differentiate between Jews and Zionists, stating that it is not anti-Jewish but anti-Zionist 5. This revision has been interpreted by some as an attempt to gain broader acceptance while still maintaining a commitment to armed resistance against Israel.

3. Recent Actions: The violent actions taken by Hamas, particularly the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, resulted in significant casualties, including the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, many of whom were Jewish 7. This event has been framed by various sources as a manifestation of Hamas's longstanding hostility towards Jews.

4. Antisemitic Ideology: Various analyses, including those from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), indicate that Hamas's ideology is steeped in antisemitism, which is reflected in both its charter and its public statements 69. The ADL notes that Hamas has engaged in radical indoctrination that promotes violence against Jews.

5. Context of Conflict: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is deeply rooted in historical, political, and territorial disputes. Hamas, as a militant organization, positions itself as a defender of Palestinian rights against Israeli occupation. This context complicates the interpretation of its statements and actions, as they are often viewed through the lens of broader geopolitical struggles.

Analysis

The claim that "Hamas wants to destroy Jews" is supported by historical documents and recent violent actions attributed to the organization. However, the interpretation of these sources can vary significantly:

• Source Reliability: The original Hamas Covenant is a primary source that provides direct insight into the organization's founding principles. However, it is important to consider the context in which it was written and the changes made in later statements. The credibility of sources like the ADL and The Atlantic is generally high, as they are established organizations that focus on monitoring hate groups and antisemitism, but they may also carry an inherent bias against Hamas due to their focus on Jewish safety and rights 57.

• Conflicting Narratives: While some sources emphasize Hamas's antisemitic rhetoric, others argue that the organization has made efforts to reframe its narrative to appeal to a broader audience. For instance, the 2017 document suggests a strategic shift, though critics argue it does not fundamentally alter Hamas's goals 59. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of interpreting Hamas's intentions.

• Methodological Concerns: The analysis of Hamas's ideology often relies on selective quotations from its charter and statements. A comprehensive understanding would benefit from a broader examination of the organization's actions, public statements, and the reactions from both Palestinian and Israeli communities. Additionally, exploring the perspectives of independent analysts who specialize in Middle Eastern politics could provide a more nuanced view.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that "Hamas wants to destroy Jews" is partially true, as it is supported by explicit anti-Jewish sentiments found in the original Hamas Covenant and the organization's violent actions, particularly in recent conflicts. However, the interpretation of Hamas's intentions is complicated by the organization's attempts to differentiate between Jews and Zionists in its revised statements, suggesting a potential shift in rhetoric rather than a complete ideological transformation.

It is crucial to acknowledge that while the historical documents and recent actions provide evidence of hostility towards Jews, the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the varying interpretations of Hamas's statements introduce significant nuance. The evidence available is not definitive, and interpretations can vary widely based on political perspectives and biases.

Readers should remain aware of the limitations in the available evidence and the complexities surrounding this issue. It is essential to critically evaluate information and consider multiple viewpoints when forming conclusions about such sensitive topics.

Sources

1. The Hamas Covenant - Israel Embassy in Washington. Link
2. Hamas: 'Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam ...' Link
3. The Avalon Project: Hamas Covenant 1988. Link
4. 1988 Hamas charter - Wikipedia. Link
5. Hamas's Genocidal Intentions Were Never a Secret - The Atlantic. Link
6. Doctrine of Hamas - Wilson Center. Link
7. Hamas in Its Own Words - ADL. Link
8. The truth of Hamas is in its charter - The Forward. Link
9. What the Hamas charter actually says about Jews - The Forward. Link
10. What Hamas Leaders Actually Want — In Their Own Words (Part 1) - Times of Israel. Link