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Hamas, IS share neither goal nor methods

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that Hamas and the Islamic State are fruits of the same tree, but there are significant ideological and methodological differences between the two groups.
Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh (L) holds the hand of Egyptian Cleric and chairman of the International Union of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi (R) upon al-Qaradawi's arrival at Rafah Crossing in the southern Gaza Strip May 8, 2013. Al-Qaradawi arrived on Wednesday for a three-day visit to Gaza Strip with a delegation of Muslim scholars. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa (GAZA - Tags: POLITICS RELIGION) - RTXZFCT

The magnitude of Hamas’ media mobilization in response to Israeli accusations of being the same as the Islamic State (IS) was remarkable. Hamas spokespeople and prominent leaders denied the accusations, which have not fooled Western circles.

The political differences between Hamas and IS are primarily ideological and doctrinal, which have prompted many Salafist jihadist members to abandon Hamas as they disagreed with its approach. Many of these Salafist jihadists later joined radical groups, among them IS.

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