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.

A scholar in Gaza with ties to Hamas spoke to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity about the doctrinal divergences between Hamas and IS. A primary difference, he said, is the two groups' "relationship with others who are religiously and politically different in times of peace and war. Hamas deals with those who are different — except for Israel — on the basis of peace, including those who are religiously different, whereas IS battles against all of those that are different from it."

In its relationship with Christians and Jews, Hamas’ position is based on Verse Eight of the Quranic Surat al-Mumtahanah, which reads, “God does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes — from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, God loves those who act justly.”