What were the key differences in the use of guerrilla warfare by Hamas and Fatah

t, there were several key differences in how Hamas and Fatah employed guerrilla warfare tactics:

1. Ideological foundation:

• Hamas was founded as an Islamist organization rooted in the Muslim Brotherhood ideology .

• Fatah was a secular nationalist group .

1. Evolution of tactics:

• Fatah initially focused on guerrilla warfare and low-intensity conflict in the 1960s-70s, including cross-border raids and attacks on Israeli targets in Europe and the Middle East .

• Hamas emerged later in 1987 and initially focused on social services alongside militant activities, gradually developing more sophisticated military capabilities .

1. Use of suicide bombings:

• Hamas began employing suicide bombings as a tactic in 1993 .

• This was not a primary tactic used by Fatah historically.

1. Urban guerrilla warfare:

• Hamas has developed extensive urban guerrilla warfare tactics, especially in Gaza, including the use of tunnels, human shields, and embedding fighters within civilian populations .

• Fatah’s guerrilla tactics were more focused on cross-border raids and attacks outside of Palestinian territories in its early years .

1. Rocket attacks:

• Hamas developed a significant focus on rocket and mortar attacks against Israel, particularly after taking control of Gaza in 2007 .

• This was not a major tactic employed by Fatah.

1. International support:

• Hamas has received significant support from Iran and Hezbollah, influencing its military tactics .

• Fatah historically received support from various Arab states and the Soviet bloc .

1. Adaptation to changing circumstances:

• Fatah shifted towards diplomatic efforts and a two-state solution in the late 1980s .

• Hamas has maintained a more hardline stance against Israel’s existence and continued to develop its military capabilities .

1. Recent tactics:

• Hamas has recently employed more sophisticated guerrilla tactics, including ambushes, sniper attacks, IEDs, and booby traps in urban environments .

• Fatah’s military role has diminished in recent years, especially after losing control of Gaza to Hamas in 2007 .

These differences reflect the distinct origins, ideologies, and historical contexts of the two organizations, as well as their evolution over time in response to changing political and military circumstances.