Why did Hamas oppose compromises with Israel during the Oslo peace process?

Hamas opposed the Oslo peace process primarily due to its foundational belief that Palestine is an Islamic homeland that can never be surrendered to non-Muslims. From its inception in 1987, the group maintained that waging holy war to reclaim control of the land from Israel was a religious duty for Palestinian Muslims.1

Consequently, Hamas rejected any negotiations that would cede territory or recognize the legitimacy of Israel. This stance stood in direct opposition to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which had adopted a more pragmatic approach by recognizing Israel’s right to exist and pursuing a two-state solution through diplomatic channels.213

During the implementation of the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, Hamas actively sought to derail the peace process, viewing the establishment of the Palestinian Authority and its cooperation with Israel as a betrayal of their core principles. The group intensified its use of violence and terrorism, including suicide bombings, to undermine the agreements and challenge the secular leadership of the PLO.241