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Abstract
As research on the Palestinian Resistance Movement and its impact on the Middle East has increased, the question of where the boundary lies between “resistance” and “terrorism” remains insufficiently clarified. This study examines Hamas, which sits at the intersection of these two concepts, and deepens the analysis by employing Frantz Fanon’s theory of anti-colonial violence. According to Fanon, violence is not merely a strategic method but a necessary condition for survival under colonial domination. This approach demonstrates that Hamas’s use of violence is not solely based on ideological reasons but is also shaped by historical, political, and economic pressures. The study argues that Hamas’s transformation into a militant organization is the result of multiple, interconnected factors such as prolonged occupation, forced displacement, and severe social deprivation. These harsh conditions necessitate understanding Hamas’s actions beyond definitions of terrorism, as a legitimate and compelled form of resistance. Furthermore, the study clarifies the conceptual boundaries of resistance and comprehensively reveals the social functions and roles of resistance movements. Thus, it emphasizes that Hamas is not merely an armed group but also a deeply rooted social movement that protects Palestinian society, sustains its struggle for existence, and has strong grassroots support under difficult circumstances.
