The Tide Turns: Gazans' Growing Discontent with Hamas

 

The growing discontent among Gazans towards Hamas is a crucial first step toward meaningful change and a brighter future for the region.

In the war-torn Gaza Strip, a region where grief and despair are daily companions, a shift is occurring. The voice of a grieving Palestinian mother, captured on video by NBC News, crying out against Hamas instead of Israel, is emblematic of a broader discontent simmering beneath the surface. “I hope that God will destroy you, Hamas, like you destroyed our children,” she cried, a stark indication of a significant change in public sentiment. This shift, as painful as it is, might be the harbinger of a positive transformation for Gaza and Palestine. As the people of Gaza begin to realize that Hamas, not Israel, is the source of their enduring misery, the foundation for a brighter future may be laid.

For decades, Hamas has maintained a strong grip on Gaza, ruling with an iron fist since its violent takeover from Fatah in 2007. The group’s leadership style has been marked by strict control, with reports of torture, beatings, and solitary confinement by organizations like UN Watch, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch. The once rare public dissent is now becoming more frequent, spurred by the relentless suffering caused by war and misgovernance.

Polling data from the West Bank-based Arab World for Research and Development (AWRAD) reflects this growing disenchantment. In May, it was found that only about a fifth of Gaza’s residents supported the October 7 attacks on Israel, a steep decline from nearly half in November. Additionally, Hamas’ overall support in Gaza has dropped to about a quarter of the population. The death toll in Gaza since October 7 has surpassed 38,000, a grim statistic that further fuels the anger and frustration among ordinary Gazans.

Hamas’ militant activities have consistently invited devastating retaliation from Israel, leaving tens of thousands of Palestinians dead and countless more suffering. The group's establishment in the late 1980s marked the beginning of a turbulent era for Gaza. Its insistence on a maximalist position against Israel has set it apart from the Palestinian Authority, which governs the West Bank and is seen as more willing to negotiate and recognize Israel.

The humanitarian cost of Hamas’ actions has been enormous. The Israeli and Egyptian blockade, imposed in response to Hamas’ governance and militant activities, has crippled Gaza’s economy, leading to widespread poverty and unemployment. The blockade has restricted the flow of goods, including essential items needed for daily life and development. This economic stranglehold has turned Gaza into what many describe as an open-air prison, with over 2 million residents living in dire conditions.

Despite the risks, more Gazans are beginning to voice their discontent. Muhammad Judeh, an academic, was captured in a viral video covered in blood, condemning Hamas for its failure to protect the people of Gaza. “We have a filthy leadership. They got used to our bloodshed,” he exclaimed. His outburst resonated with many who have grown weary of the cycle of violence and destruction.

Itaf Al-Hamran, a feminist and opposition activist displaced by the fighting, echoed these sentiments. She criticized Hamas for its lack of governance and economic mismanagement, stating, “There was no plan, it was unjust: work opportunities, economical aspects — it was all controlled by Hamas.” Her comments highlight the broader issues of corruption and misrule that have plagued Gaza under Hamas’ control.

The growing dissent against Hamas is a crucial step towards meaningful change in Gaza. As more people recognize that their suffering is a result of Hamas’ actions, the potential for a new leadership that prioritizes peace and development increases. The October 7 attacks, which led to significant Israeli retaliation, have been a wake-up call for many. Hamas’ decision to launch these attacks without the consent of the population and without adequate preparation for the consequences has been widely criticized.

The shifting sentiment in Gaza is not just about immediate survival; it’s about a long-term vision for a better future. For too long, the people of Gaza have been caught in a cycle of violence and retaliation, with little hope for progress. Recognizing Hamas as the root of their problems is the first step towards breaking this cycle.

The international community also has a role to play in supporting this shift. By providing humanitarian aid directly to the people of Gaza and supporting efforts to build a civil society that can challenge Hamas’ authority, the global community can help foster an environment where new leadership can emerge. Diplomatic efforts should also focus on encouraging negotiations and peace talks that include representatives who truly reflect the will and needs of the Palestinian people.

The realization among Gazans that Hamas, not Israel, is the primary source of their suffering marks a potential turning point. As more voices of defiance emerge, the possibility of a future where Gaza is governed by leaders who prioritize peace, development, and the well-being of their people becomes more attainable. The journey towards this future will be fraught with challenges, but the growing discontent with Hamas is a critical first step. The earlier the people of Gaza and Palestine embrace this reality, the sooner their lives can begin to change for the better.