# The conflict between Israel and Hamas is complex. 

Many people believe Israel is only defending itself, while Hamas wants to destroy Israel. But what do the documents that guide these groups really say? It's important to look at what both sides have stated over the years. ## The Likud Party Charter Benjamin Netanyahu, a leader in Israel's Likud Party, 
created a charter in **1977**. This charter stated important ideas: * The Jewish people have a lasting right to the land of Israel. * This right is tied to security and peace. * The West Bank should not be given to any foreign power. * There should only be Israeli control between the sea and the Jordan River

. * A Palestinian state should not be allowed to exist.
 Some believe this means Israelis wanted control of the land "from the river to the sea." The charter was changed slightly in **1999** and **2009**, but it still did not recognize a Palestinian state.
 This suggests the Likud Party wanted to end the idea of a Palestinian state. ## The Hamas Charter Hamas was formed in **1987**.
 In **1988**, they released their first charter. This charter said they wanted to end the state of Israel. It's important to remember that the Likud Party had already stated they did not want a Palestinian state to exist. 
 This creates a situation of survival. If one side says the other cannot exist, the other side must fight for its survival. Hamas stated they did not recognize Israel and wanted to end it. 

 ## Hamas's Revised Charter In **2017**, Hamas made a major change to their charter. They stated their fight was not against Jewish people, but against Zionists. 
**Zionism** is a movement that supports the creation and development of a Jewish state in Israel. **Understanding the charters of both groups helps to clarify the issues. It shows the conflict might not be about religion.