Hamas, the 'Islamic Resistance Movement', is over 20 years old. Seen by the EU and US as a 'terrorist' organisation, it won internationally recognised elections to rule the Palestinian Authority in 2006. The newly elected government was not recognised by most of the world and a financial and trade embargo by Israel and the international community followed.
So can a militant 'terrorist' organisation become a meaningful political force? The cameras start rolling following the aftermath of the Hamas coup d'etat in Gaza, which left it running a proto state there while its political rivals, Fatah, remained in power in the West Bank.
The film reveals for the first time the brutal repression of political rivals and freedom of speech, and shockingly, the attacking of Muslim worshippers by Hamas henchmen. It also shows Hamas' leaders offering a long-term truce with Israel, and uncovers the inner debates between modernisers and hardliners at a crucial juncture for the organisation.
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