The inception of Hamas dates back to 1987, during the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against the Israeli occupation. It was born out of the Muslim Brotherhood, a religious and political group founded in Egypt.

The Muslim Brotherhood had been quietly spreading its influence in Gaza for decades. It provided social services such as education and healthcare, which endeared it to the population.

The establishment of Hamas marked a radical shift from the Brotherhood's traditionally non-violent stance. Hamas, an acronym for 'Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya', means 'Islamic Resistance Movement' in Arabic.

The group's charter, published in 1988, called for the establishment of an Islamic state in Palestine, including all of Israel, and the destruction of Israel.

Hamas's political influence grew rapidly in the late 1980s and 1990s. The group's popularity was largely attributed to its provision of social services and its strong stance against Israeli occupation.

In 2006, Hamas won the Palestinian legislative elections, surprising many. This victory resulted in a power struggle with the opposing Fatah party, leading to the Gaza conflict in 2007.

Despite Hamas's control of Gaza, the group has faced international isolation due to its refusal to recognize Israel's right to exist, renounce violence, and accept previous agreements between Israel and Palestine.