Archive: Images from the Middle East: Hamas: The Hand of Hamas

While Hamas is most famous for its military wing, many moderate Palestinians argue that the main cause of its popularity with the Palestinian people is its social welfare wing.  

Islamic organizations, particularly those associated with Hamas, have been filling in the blanks left by the corrupt Palestinian Authority, providing aid and practical assistance to the needy. This aid has led to a huge upsurge in Hamas’ popularity, especially in the impoverished areas of the Gaza Strip and Nablus, that eventually led to enormous political victories. 

(2004-Jan 2006)