The Truth About Hamas and Hezbollah – Why They Are Not Freedom Fighters...

In global discussions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and broader Middle Eastern geopolitics, groups like Hamas and Hezbollah are often mistakenly labeled as "freedom fighters" by some factions. This characterization, however, is both inaccurate and dangerous. It distorts the reality of their actions and motivations, legitimizes terrorism, and undermines efforts to achieve peace and security in the region.

Ideology of Destruction, Not Liberation

Freedom fighters typically advocate for justice, self-determination, and peaceful coexistence. Historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela embodied these ideals, employing nonviolent resistance or strategic diplomacy to achieve their goals. Hamas and Hezbollah, by contrast, are not driven by a vision of justice or coexistence but by ideologies rooted in annihilation and domination.

Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, explicitly calls for the destruction of Israel in its founding charter. The document states, “Israel will rise and continue to exist until Islam obliterates it.” This is not a call for dialogue or a two-state solution—it is a clear endorsement of genocide. Hezbollah, meanwhile, operates as an extension of Iranian interests. It prioritizes Tehran’s agenda over Lebanon's sovereignty and systematically eliminates dissent within Lebanon through intimidation, imprisonment, or assassination. Both groups reject any form of compromise that acknowledges Israel's right to exist, as demonstrated by their consistent dismissal of peace initiatives.

Tactics of Terror

The methods employed by Hamas and Hezbollah also underscore their divergence from genuine liberation movements. According to historian Prof. Benzion Netanyahu, there are three key distinctions between freedom fighters and terrorists:

  1. Target Selection: True freedom fighters focus on opposing military forces or occupying regimes. Terrorists, in contrast, deliberately target civilians to spread fear and chaos. Hamas’ indiscriminate rocket attacks on Israeli cities and Hezbollah’s cross-border incursions are designed to maximize civilian casualties, not to achieve military objectives.

  2. Rejection of Diplomacy: Both Hamas and Hezbollah have repeatedly dismissed diplomatic solutions to conflicts. They consistently reject peace proposals, such as the Oslo Accords and other international frameworks, which acknowledge Israel's existence. Their unwillingness to engage in dialogue reveals their ultimate aim is not negotiation but obliteration.

  3. Manipulation of Media and Propaganda: Hamas and Hezbollah often embed military operations within civilian populations, knowingly increasing the likelihood of collateral damage. When retaliatory strikes occur, they exploit the resulting casualties to sway global opinion against Israel. This strategy cynically weaponizes human suffering for political gain.

The Role of Iran and Local Governance

The rise and endurance of Hamas and Hezbollah are not solely due to their ideologies or tactics. Iran’s financial and military backing has been instrumental in sustaining both groups. Tehran provides Hamas with funds and weapons, while Hezbollah essentially operates as an arm of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), receiving training, arms, and strategic directives. This external support fuels their activities and strengthens their grip on Gaza and southern Lebanon.

Weak local governance further exacerbates the problem. In Gaza, Hamas’ authoritarian rule has stifled dissent and diverted resources meant for development toward military purposes. In Lebanon, Hezbollah’s political and military dominance has eroded state sovereignty, creating a power vacuum that allows the group to act with impunity.

The Cost of Mischaracterization

Reframing these groups as “freedom fighters” serves to whitewash their actions and obscure their true objectives. It undermines global counterterrorism efforts, emboldens violence, and perpetuates the suffering of civilians on all sides. By romanticizing their cause, proponents of this narrative also harm the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians and Lebanese citizens for peace, stability, and self-determination.

Toward a Unified Global Response

To counter the influence of Hamas and Hezbollah, the international community must adopt a multi-faceted approach:

  1. Cutting Off Funding: Enforce strict sanctions and crack down on financial networks that sustain these groups.
  2. Strengthening Governance: Support initiatives that promote democratic governance and economic stability in Gaza and Lebanon.
  3. Combating Propaganda: Counter false narratives with accurate information about these organizations’ actions and motivations.
  4. Isolating State Sponsors: Apply diplomatic and economic pressure on Iran to curtail its support for regional proxies.

Final Thoughts

Hamas and Hezbollah are not freedom fighters but purveyors of hate, violence, and instability. Acknowledging this reality is crucial for addressing the root causes of their influence and fostering an environment where genuine peace and liberation can thrive. It is time to reject false narratives and confront the truth about these organizations.

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