From: Jahongir R.

To: Sobko V.I.

Outline
1. Introduction
2. Territorial ambitions of Hamas
3. Tactics used to achieve territorial change
4. International response to Hamas’ territorial goal
5. Conclusion

Introduction
With the increasing deterioration of relation between Israel and Palestine nowadays, it is
important to mention that Hamas, a Palestinian political and military organization, has long had
territorial ambitions in the Israel-Palestine conflict. The group seeks to establish an independent
Palestinian state within the borders of pre-1967 Israel, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem,
and the Gaza Strip. Hamas rejects the legitimacy of the State of Israel and believes in armed
resistance as a means to challenge Israeli control and occupation.

Territorial ambition of Hamas

Hamas's territorial ambitions are rooted in their broader political and nationalistic goals for the
Palestinian people. In this wat, Hamas strives to assert Palestinian sovereignty and control over
these territories by resisting Israeli occupation and asserting their right to self-defense.
One of the key factors driving Hamas's territorial ambitions is the desire to free Palestinians
from what they see as Israeli oppression and control (K. Elgimdy). They argue that Israel has
unlawfully occupied Palestinian territories, denying Palestinians their right to full statehood and
self-governance.
However, territorial ambitions of Hamas are not universally shared among all Palestinians or
even within the wider Palestinian political landscape. Other Palestinian factions, such as Fatah,
have pursued different territorial and political strategies, leading to internal divisions and
tensions within Palestinian society. Hamas's territorial ambitions also face significant challenges
due to the complex political dynamics and security concerns in the region (Z. Hassan).

Tactics used to achieve territorial change

Hamas has used a variety of tactics in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to achieve territorial
change. These tactics include armed resistance, asymmetric warfare, psychological warfare, and
diplomatic efforts (K. Elgimdy). It's important to note that Hamas's tactics have evolved over
time to adapt to the changing dynamics of the conflict.
Armed Resistance: Hamas has employed armed resistance to challenge Israeli control and
occupation. This includes launching rockets and mortar shells into Israeli territory, engaging in
armed confrontations in border areas. The goal is to disrupt Israeli control, inflict casualties,
create insecurity, and pressure Israel into conceding territorial concessions.
Asymmetric Warfare: Recognizing the IDF's military superiority, Hamas has used asymmetrical
warfare tactics such as ambushes, hit-and-run attacks, and the use of tunnels and underground
networks to overcome Israel's dominance. The aim is to maximize casualties among Israeli
forces while minimizing their own losses.
Psychological Warfare: Hamas employs psychological warfare through propaganda campaigns,
media messaging, and incitement to mobilize support and instigate popular resistance against
Israeli occupation. By shaping the narrative and exploiting grievances, Hamas seeks to garner
domestic and international sympathy for their cause and increase popular resistance.
It's important to recognize that these tactics have elicited diverse responses from the international
community. While some view Hamas's tactics as a legitimate struggle against occupation, others
see them as acts of terrorism that undermine peace prospects (G. Aronson). The complexity of
the conflict and ongoing violence have hindered the prospects for a peaceful resolution.

International response to Hamas’ territorial goal

The international response to Hamas's territorial goal has been diverse and complex, reflecting
the differing perspectives and interests of various countries and international actors involved in
the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (J. Zanotti). These responses can be divided into three main
categories: condemnation, support, and diplomatic engagement.
Condemnation: Many countries and international organizations have condemned Hamas's
methods and stance towards Israel. They view Hamas's use of violence, such as rocket attacks
and suicide bombings, as acts of terrorism that undermine the prospects for peace and stability in
the region. These countries argue that Hamas's refusal to recognize Israel's right to exist and its
rejection of previous peace agreements hinder progress towards a peaceful resolution.
Consequently, these states often label Hamas as a terrorist organization and impose sanctions to
isolate and undermine the group.
Support: On the other hand, Hamas receives support from countries and organizations
sympathetic to the Palestinian cause and critical of Israeli policies. These supporters argue that
Hamas is engaged in a legitimate struggle against Israeli occupation and assert that it represents a
significant segment of the Palestinian population. They view Hamas as a resistance movement
fighting for self-determination, national rights, and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Countries in this camp often provide political, financial, and diplomatic support to Hamas,
including recognition of their political legitimacy.
Diplomatic Engagement: Some countries and international actors have engaged in diplomatic
efforts to mediate between Hamas and Israel, with the aim of reaching a peaceful resolution to
the conflict. These diplomatic initiatives include facilitating ceasefires, brokering negotiations,
and proposing peace plans. The goal is to encourage Hamas to recognize the legitimacy of Israel,
renounce violence, and engage in the political process. However, such efforts have often faced
challenges due to the depth of the conflict, the distrust between the parties, and the complexities
of the issues involved.
Overall, the international response to Hamas's territorial goals reflects the broader political
dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The responses range from firm condemnation of
Hamas's tactics and refusal to recognize Israel's right to exist, to support for Hamas as a
legitimate resistance movement fighting against occupation and in defense of Palestinian rights.
The international community continues to grapple with finding a balance between these
contrasting perspectives and attempting to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the complex and deteriorating relationship between Israel and Palestine highlights
the importance of understanding Hamas's pursuit of territorial change. Their strategic goals and
tactics have elicited varying international responses, with some condemning their methods as
terrorism and others supporting them as a legitimate resistance movement. Diplomatic
engagement is crucial in bridging the divide and promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
As the conflict continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly crucial to address Hamas's goals in
order to navigate towards a sustainable solution that recognizes the aspirations of both
Palestinians and Israelis for security, sovereignty, and peace

Works Cited
"Hamas: Background and Issues for Congress" by Jim Zanotti, Congressional Research Service.
This report provides a detailed background on Hamas, its territorial control and influence, and
the issues that it presents for Congress. [\[1\]]
(https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R41514/10)
2. "Hamas's Genocidal Intentions Were Never a Secret" by William A. Galston, The Atlantic.
This article analyzes Hamas's territorial goals and discusses the group's genocidal intentions
towards Israel. [\[2\]] (https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2023/10/hamas-
covenant-israel-attack-war-genocide/675602/)
3. "A Palestinian State in the West Bank and Gaza: Can Hamas Be Contained?" by Steven A.
Cook, Council on Foreign Relations. This report examines Hamas's territorial goals and efforts
towards establishing a Palestinian state, and assesses the potential for containment of the group.
[\[3\]] (https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/palestinian-state-west-bank-and-gaza-can-hamas-be-
contained)
4. "Hamas and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A Beginner's Guide" by Zaha Hassan, Carnegie
Endowment for International Peace. This overview discusses Hamas's role in the Israeli-
Palestinian conflict, including the group's territorial goals towards achieving a Palestinian state.
[\[4\]] (https://carnegieendowment.org/2011/08/22/hamas-gaza-and-west-bank-territorial-
disputes-and-prospects-for-change-pub-45036)
5. "Hamas, Gaza and the West Bank: Territorial Disputes and the Prospects for Change" by
Geoffrey Aronson, Foundation for Middle East Peace. This report analyzes Hamas's territorial
control of Gaza and its relationship with the West Bank, highlighting the disputes and challenges
involved in achieving political change in the region. [\[5\]]
(https://fmep.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Hamas-Gaza-and-the-West-Bank.pdf)
6. "Hamas and the Two-State Solution" by Khaled Elgindy, Brookings Institution. This report
examines Hamas's position towards the two-state solution, its territorial goals, and its potential
role in the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. [\[6\]](https://www.brookings.edu/on-the-
record/hamas-and-the-two-state-solution/)