Conclusion: Hamas Rule, Human Rights, and State-Like Institutions

Abstract

The Conclusion argues that the Hamas authority has constantly maintained the policy of self-absolution and reasonable blame to justify its failure to uphold human rights in Gaza. Yet, in operating this policy, Hamas has exhibited very impressive skill in coordination of the various sectors of its regime to defend the Hamas authority. In this particular sense, Hamas has emerged as a modern state-like institution adopting the coordination approach as key to the functioning of its various agencies. Hamas utilized these skills under enormous pressure and, hence, Hamas has provided also a model of “modernization under pressure,” or of “defence modernization.” The Hamas authority has appeared as highly cognizant politically, carefully and rationally calculating measures it takes toward society, and with a view to protecting itself and enhancing its legitimacy in the face of the surrounding challenges while neutralizing its opponents and controlling society.