GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The first clash between Hamas and Islamic extremist groups occurred in August 2009, before the emergence of the Islamic State (IS). Back then, the security forces affiliated with Hamas stormed into the Ibn Taymiyyah Mosque and killed Abdul Latif Moussa and 16 of his followers, following his declaration of the “Islamic Emirate in Jerusalem.” Hamas fought against extremism, bombed the mosque and killed those espousing the same Islamic ideology.

Five years later and the threat of Islamic extremism has emerged in the Gaza Strip once again. It was not long before IS announced its presence in Gaza on Nov. 2. Shortly after, two consecutive blasts rocked the French Cultural Center and the homes of Fatah activists during the past three months. A statement made in the name of IS claimed responsibility for the cultural center’s blasts. However, Hamas has yet to issue a statement condemning the group and has yet to denounce terrorism.

Hamas leader Ahmed Youssef told Al-Monitor, “There is no proof that IS is present in Gaza. Why would we condemn IS and the Salafist movement, when there is nothing to prove their involvement in the explosions? However, should it turn out that IS was actually behind the blasts, we will certainly condemn it.”

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri justified Hamas’ lack of condemnation, saying, “There is no definition of terrorism for us to denounce its acts. It is a term used by many countries for political purposes.”