Exploration of the Hamas Suicide Attacks

Abstract: The majority of the Hamas suicide attacks were carried out by young fellows. There were various motivations for the suicide attacks, including four social factors. Firstly, the miserable experiences of the Palestinian people became a hotbed for the suicide attackers. Secondly, the wide public sympathy of suicide attackers among the Palestinian people provided support for Hamas and the suicide attacks. Thirdly, the Palestinians turned to violence as a last resort from the disappointment of the Palestinian-Israeli peace process. Finally, the Hamas suicide attacks had many religious factors. The Hamas suicide attack has two effects. One is that it causes the Palestinians and Israelis to fall into a vicious circle of "violence to violence"; however it also strengthens Hamas's leading position as a resistant organization. Another is that it has caused the martyrdom culture to become popular in Palestine and inspired many Palestinians to join suicide attacks. In conclusion, the roots of the suicide attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian groups are found in Palestinian despair of the status quo and therefore, the Palestine issue has still not been resolved.