This article examines the history and outcomes of Hamas’ involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By using published sources andconducting interviews with five incumbent Hamas officials living abroad,the article evaluates the group’s achievements and failures since the onsetof its active role in the military struggle against Israel and in Palestinian politics against the other main actor, Fatah. It concludes that Hamas,while achieving some success in its military struggle against Israel, hasnot delivered the expectations of the Palestinian people, partly because itwas squeezed into to the Gaza Strip by the Palestinian Authority, andpartly because international actors have blocked aid from entering theHamas-controlled areas. Hamas is expected to continue fighting, but maypartially withdraw from politics, as the people of Gaza are not happy withits governance due to higher unemployment, as well as the Israeli blockadeand attacks.