This paper explores whether or not the traits found in the new terrorism paradigm correspondwith Hamas’ behavioral and organizational characteristics. By focusing on the core conceptsof the new terrorism paradigm this paper discusses how Hamas fits within the parameters laidout by those concepts, and compares these assumptions with the analysis of Hamas’ behaviorin some of the recent terrorism literature. Based on this comparison this paper argues Hamasis less ideologically/religiously motivated, as the new terrorism argues, and more politicallyas well as structurally motivated. This conclusion therefore argues that the weight placed onthe relevance of the new terrorism perspective should be reevaluated.