How Hamas Uses Propaganda as a Strategic Tool
For Hamas, propaganda is not just a communication tool—it is “an essential weapon, as powerful as a missile or a tank.” This statement underscores the central role propaganda plays in the organization’s strategy, shaping perceptions, influencing minds, and amplifying its reach far beyond the battlefield.
The recent death of Abu Obeida, Hamas’ most prominent media figure, marks a pivotal moment for the group. His loss is more than the silencing of a spokesperson; it represents the end of one of the movement’s most influential voices and offers a rare glimpse into the sophisticated machinery behind Hamas’ propaganda efforts.
Hamas’ immediate response to his death highlights the importance of communication in its operations. Shortly after the announcement, the group released a video in broken Hebrew, issuing an “urgent warning” and threatening the lives of Israeli “soldiers and prisoners.” This reaction demonstrates how deeply propaganda is embedded in Hamas’ strategy, serving as both a psychological weapon and a tool for mobilization.
Abu Obeida was far more than a media representative. A masterful orator, he skillfully combined Quranic references with extremist ideologies, inspiring countless young Palestinians to join Hamas. His charisma and rhetorical prowess made him a central figure in shaping the group’s policies and driving its international propaganda campaigns.
Psychological Warfare: The Core of Hamas’ Strategy
Internal documents obtained by Ynet reveal the extensive role propaganda plays within Hamas, functioning as a critical component of its military strategy. For the organization, “military communication is a form of spiritual preparation, fostering awareness, sacrifice, psychological resilience, and mutual trust between the people and the armed forces.”
These documents, intended for the training division of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, show that propaganda is not merely a tool for communication but a strategic weapon. Commanders are trained to incorporate information warfare into their military tactics, ensuring that psychological operations are as integral as physical combat.
The Waxman Kidnapping: A “Defining Moment”
Hamas archives shed light on how the organization has turned certain events into foundational elements of its identity. One such example is the 1990s kidnapping of Israeli soldier Nachshon Waxman, which is described as a “defining moment” not only for the act itself but for its carefully orchestrated media presentation.
The documents emphasize “the importance of capturing soldiers and issuing demands through video,” citing the appearances of key figures like Muhammad Deif and Saleh Jadallah in footage where the soldier was shown. Decades later, Hamas continues to frame this event as a model of “effective resistance,” using it to inspire new generations of militants.
The analysis of these documents reveals a highly organized approach to propaganda, tailored to different phases of conflict. During peacetime, the focus is on fostering national pride, portraying Hamas members as heroes, and shaping public discourse in schools and communities. In times of war, the emphasis shifts to releasing attack footage, boosting public morale, and spreading messages that “frame victory even in the face of military losses.”
Beyond Gaza: Targeting Global Audiences
Hamas’ propaganda efforts are not confined to Gaza. The documents explicitly outline a strategy aimed at “spreading fear, confusion, and undermining morale within the Israeli population.” This offensive approach to information warfare is designed to achieve in the media what the organization cannot accomplish militarily.
By targeting the psychological resilience of its adversaries, Hamas seeks to amplify its influence far beyond the battlefield, turning perception into a powerful weapon. The group’s ability to manipulate narratives and control public opinion has made propaganda one of its most effective tools in its ongoing conflict with Israel.
Qatar’s Financial Support: Fueling Hamas’ Propaganda Machine
The importance of propaganda to Hamas is so significant that it has attracted substantial financial backing from state actors like Qatar. Reports indicate that Qatar has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into Hamas’ communication efforts, enabling the organization to sustain and expand its propaganda campaigns.
This financial support underscores the close collaboration between Hamas and its allies, who share a common goal: the relentless effort to weaken and ultimately dismantle the State of Israel, regardless of the cost. Qatar’s funding not only sustains Hamas’ propaganda machine but also amplifies its reach, allowing the group to produce high-quality videos, social media campaigns, and other content designed to influence public opinion and sow discord among its enemies.
This partnership between a terrorist organization and a state actor highlights the lengths to which adversaries of the West will go to destabilize the region. It also underscores the dual-front battle Israel faces—not just on the ground but also in the realm of information warfare, where narratives and psychological tactics are wielded as weapons.
By heavily investing in propaganda, Qatar and Hamas demonstrate that their war against Israel is not limited to physical combat. Instead, it extends into the realm of perception, where the battle for hearts and minds is as critical as any military engagement.
Propaganda: A Weapon of Modern Warfare
As revealed in these internal documents, Hamas views propaganda as “an essential tool, as powerful as a missile or a tank.” A single video, poster, or message can serve as “a weapon in its own right,” targeting not just physical territory but the consciousness of its audience.
Hamas’ propaganda machine, fueled by ideology and bolstered by external financial support, operates as a cornerstone of its broader strategy. It is a weapon designed to shape perceptions, inspire loyalty, and instill fear—proving that in modern conflicts, the battle for influence can be as decisive as the fight on the battlefield.
Why This Matters
Hamas’ use of propaganda as a strategic weapon highlights the evolving nature of modern warfare, where information and perception are as critical as physical combat. The group’s ability to manipulate narratives, combined with financial backing from state actors like Qatar, underscores the global implications of its propaganda efforts.
As Israel and its allies continue to combat these tactics, understanding the role of propaganda in Hamas’ strategy is essential for countering its influence and ensuring stability in the region.
References
- Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida killed in Gaza, Israel says
BBC News - Hamas Propaganda and the Politics of Blame
Mercaz USA - Why All the Criticism of Qatar?
Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) - Qatar Seeks Nobel Peace Prize for Gaza Mediation Despite Enabling Hamas
Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) - How the Islamic State Propaganda Machine is Exploiting the Israel-Hamas Conflict
Irregular Warfare Initiative
