ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the Muslim Brotherhood-inspired roots of Hamas which date back to the period of the British mandate in Palestine. It examines Hamas's formulations in relation to its historic and enduring relationship with its 'brothers and sisters' in the Egyptian mother organization, as well as within the wider family of the Muslim Brotherhood. The chapter also analyses the case of dispute and violent contest among Palestinians and the state of divide that emerged in 2007 between Hamas and the secular Fatah movement. In progression, the chapter explains the challenges and opportunities Hamas has faced in the wake of the Arab Spring in relation to a number of issues such as the re-ascendance of the Muslim Brotherhood across the region and its implications for the movement's future and ambitions in the localized context of the Palestinian conflict. In the wake of the fall of the Muslim Brotherhood regionally, the chapter assesses the future prospects for Hamas.
