purposes.
Hamas became an important political player in the Arab-Israeli conflict, opposing the two-state solution embraced by the PLO . At times, it has even had the support of Israel in its attacks against the PLO . It plays an important role in attempts to establish a democracy in the West bank by providing a second party in the Palestinian political arena . Hamas believes the liberation of Palestine is the religious duty of every Muslim, and rejects the relinquishing of any part of Palestine to Israel . It grew and gained popularity in the first intifada by its participation in the street violence which took place. Following the first Gulf War in 1991, Hamas established itself as a major terrorist group in the occupied territories, second only to Yassar ArafatÆs Fatah, and established Izz al-Din al-Qassam battalions for the purpose of kidnaping and executing those who were suspected of collaborating with Israel.
After the expulsion of 415 Hamas and Islamic Jihad members from Israel in 1992 in re
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