Palestinians march at youth's funeral procession after settler rampage in flashpoint West Bank town

What to Know , About Hamas. On Oct. 7, Hamas executed "the worst terrorist attack in Israel in decades," NBC News reports. . On Oct. 7, Hamas executed "the worst terrorist attack in Israel in decades," NBC News reports. . Hundreds of people have been killed and taken hostage by the militant group. Hamas was founded in 1987 amid conflict against Israel occupying Gaza and the West Bank. . Ismail Haniyeh currently leads the group, which is one of two main "political organizations in the Palestinian territories," NBC News reports. . Hamas was once associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, but has distanced itself from the Islamist movement in recent years. In 2006, Gaza Strip elections went in Hamas' favor, which resulted in a power struggle with Fatah. All Fatah politicians were ousted by force, and Hamas retains political control in the area today. In 2007, Israel took control of various routes to Gaza, eventually blockading the area to prevent future attacks. The blockade has regularly been condemned by the U.N. and human rights groups. Hamas considers itself to be "a freedom-fighting movement" attempting to liberate Palestinians and reclaim parts of Israel, NBC News reports. However, the group's use of violence is divisive among many Palestinians, and other countries have deemed the organization to be terrorists, NBC News reports. . After Hamas' attacks on Israel, the U.S., U.K., France, Germany and Italy issued a joint statement. All of us recognize the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people. , Joint statement made by the U.S., U.K., France, Germany and Italy . But make no mistake: Hamas does not represent those aspirations, and it offers nothing for the Palestinian people other than more terror and bloodshed, Joint statement made by the U.S., U.K., France, Germany and Italy