The media hasn’t explained what motivates Hamas. The answer is religion

It’s widely known that Hamas have been designated a terrorist organisation by the UK and US governments. But what’s their motivation? Why do they target innocent people? Dr James Patrick says the answer can be found in Hamas’ own statements

The trauma inflicted by hand in Israel and by bombs in Gaza naturally stirs sorrow in us.

Scripture tells us to “Weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15), and Jesus modelled this for us. He wept with the grieving sisters of his friend Lazarus, but also as he looked ahead to the terrible destruction the Romans would wreak upon Jerusalem (John 11:35; Luke 19:41-44; 23:27-31). He wept over the inevitable suffering incurred by the city’s leaders who chose to be his enemies.

Since they were elected in 2007, Hamas has taken the millions of euros given in aid to their people, and spent it not on food but on weapons and palatial homes in the prestigious Rimal neighbourhood of Gaza.