Hamas Infrastructure in Judea and Samaria: How Hamas Uses Civilian Institutions to Support Terrorism

Hamas is one of the largest perpetrators of terror in Judea and Samaria.

Hamas is not just a Gaza issue. While Hamas was born in Gaza, the founders of its West Bank division quickly emerged from Judea and Samaria to build its regional infrastructure.

The terror organization is actively attempting to plant roots in Judea and Samaria, and turn civilian centers into terror centers. Hamas presence in Judea and Samaria is real; from local cells to planned and executed terror attacks, Hamas endangers Israeli civilians in the region on a near-daily basis.

Recent examples of Hamas in Judea and Samaria:

Over Yom Kippur, a terrorist shot and killed an Israeli civilian in Neve Tzuf. Netanel Shukrun—a French citizen and father of six — was murdered in his car by a Hamas terrorist in Judea and Samaria. Following a pursuit, the terrorist was apprehended.  The IDF responded immediately to protect troops and Israeli civilians.

As part of recent counterterrorism operations, the IDF has dismantled dozens of organized Hamas battalions, some consisting of nearly 100 terrorists each.

What is the Dawa network? 

Hamas’ presence and activity in Judea and Samaria remain an important part of the organization’s broader terrorist infrastructure. While the term “Dawa” is primarily associated with Hamas’ social and political infrastructure during earlier periods, including the period covered by this 2014 article, understanding the role it once played provides important context for how Hamas built and sustained its presence in Judea and Samaria.

So, what was Hamas’ Dawa network, and how did it help the organization establish influence beyond its military wing? This article, originally published in 2014, examines Hamas’ use of schools, mosques, universities, charities, and other civilian institutions as part of its broader organizational infrastructure at the time.

Dawa's Historical Context

Hamas historically used a vast civilian network to generate support for its violence. Terrorists refer to this system as ‘Dawa’, a term that literally means ‘calling’ or ‘preaching.’

The social apparatus includes mosques, schools and hospitals located in Judea and Samaria. Hamas exploits these institutions to recruit terrorists and implement its radical Islamic ideology. 

In 2014, after the organization kidnapped three Israelis, IDF soldiers began targeting the resources that fuel its terrorism.

IDF soldiers embarked on a mission to find three teenagers kidnapped by Hamas terrorists. A key objective of this operation was to weaken the Hamas terrorist infrastructure that enabled the recent abduction. To achieve this goal, Israeli soldiers targeted institutions within the Dawa network.

During an additional operation, the IDF dismanteld the offices of Hamas’ official television station. Hamas used the television network to spread its violence throughout Judea and Samaria. The troops also targeted Hamas resources in Birzeit University, a hotbed of incitement and terrorism in Ramallah.

Cycle of terror: How Dawa works

Also in 2014, Palestinian students in the Hamas movement held a massive demonstration at Birzeit. The students marched through campus carrying Hamas-made M-75 rockets, which terrorists fired at major Israeli cities in October 2012.

The university was just one of many institutions in the Dawa network. The system contained a wide range of political and social entities, including charities, mosques, student unions and sports clubs.

Dawa institutions educate thousands of Palestinian children, introducing them to the virtue of martyrdom. 

All of these programs serve the interests of the Hamas leadership.

Hamas rally at the Al-Quds University

Hamas rally at the Al-Quds University

Hamas rally at the Al-Quds University

Hamas rally at the Al-Quds University

Over the years, Hamas has expanded its fundraising operation. The organization manages student associations at Palestinian universities in Judea and Samaria. The pro-Hamas groups disseminate violent propaganda and hold rallies in support of terrorism against Israel.

The Dawa network enabled Hamas to carry out abductions and other acts of terror. Though the threat of Hamas in Judea and Samaria is not what it once was, thanks to the IDF's counterterrorism operations, Hamas has not paused its attempts to rebuild, refund, and rehabilitate terror. 

FAQ:

What is Hamas’ Dawa network?

 Hamas’ Dawa network is a broad social and political infrastructure that includes institutions such as mosques, schools, charities, student unions, and sports clubs. According to the article, Hamas uses this network to promote its ideology and support its organizational activities.

How does Hamas use civilian institutions in Judea and Samaria?

Hamas uses institutions including schools, mosques, hospitals, universities, and charities to recruit supporters, spread propaganda, raise funds, and support terrorist activity.

How has Hamas used universities in Judea and Samaria?

Hamas-affiliated student organizations at Palestinian universities organized demonstrations and rallies, disseminate violent propaganda, and promote support for attacks against Israel.

Why does the IDF target Hamas-linked institutions in Judea and Samaria?

IDF operations target Hamas’ organizational infrastructure in an effort to weaken the network supporting the organization’s terrorist activities, including recruitment, fundraising, and propaganda.