Despair and Fury in Gaza Spark Unprecedented Anti-Hamas Movement
Following three days of public demonstrations in northern Gaza against Hamas , the organization’s political influence there appears to be weakening. Every protest has drawn participation from hundreds. of Palestinians and they demonstrate a clear comprehension that Hamas, and not just Israel , bears responsibility for their predicament. This situation has the potential to become a turning point; however, much hinges on the response of external forces.
Open condemnation of Hamas in Gaza is scarcely, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserts, unprecedented. Even during The conflict initiated by Israel following the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, smaller and more sporadic protests periodically erupted.
The distinguishing feature of these recent demonstrations lies in both their scale and persistence. Over the past three days, countless Palestinians assembled to demand that Hamas step down, free captives, and aid in halting Israel’s unrelenting assaults, which have claimed more than 50,000 Palestinian lives (with civilians comprising most victims). It is misguided for Netanyahu to misrepresent these protests as proof that Israel’s strategies are effective through deceitful claims. However, Hamas also errs when asserting that these gatherings were orchestrated externally instead of being an authentic manifestation of justified anger.
I have consistently maintained that Palestinians should not forgive Hamas for intentionally inciting Israel to respond with excessive force. Israeli policies have historically been characterized by overly harsh reprisals. The severity of Israel’s actions in Gaza is both expected and distressing. This level of violence is something Palestinians comprehend all too well.
There is widespread anger directed at Israel for its assault on Palestinian society overall, not solely targeting Hamas. Numerous experts and chroniclers of genocides, including some from within Israel, contend that the term 'genocide' can be appropriately applied to the Israeli army’s tactics involving food, medication, water supply, and regular forced relocation being used as tools of warfare against non-combatants.
Yet, anger towards Hamas amongst typical residents of Gaza continues to surge. These demonstrations are understandably concentrated in northern Gaza, which was the initial region devastated following October 7th. This area has also faced the harshest brutality and the severest restrictions on essential supplies.
In contrast to Netanyahu’s assertions, these demonstrations are occurring in spite of Israel’s continuous aggression, rather than due to it. A survey published on October 6, 2023—the day before the assault on southern Israel—by the Arab Barometer , only 29% of Palestinians in Gaza held positive views towards Hamas. This number might be even smaller today.
The demonstrators harbor no misconceptions regarding Israel. Almost everyone spoken to by both Arabic and Western press outlets explicitly conveyed their intense anger towards Israel’s harshness.
Hamas showed little concern for the more than 2 million Palestinian civilians it involuntarily enlisted for "martyrdom" without seeking their consent, providing warnings, or making preparations. The organization also pays scant attention to shifts in public sentiment. While it maintains a core following among the populace, many people remain fixated on directing their anger towards Israel. This outrage may persist as long as Israeli Defense Forces occupy Gaza. However, feelings of hopelessness and indignation have driven unprecedentedly extensive and prolonged demonstrations against Hamas and its acknowledged role in this crisis.
For those outside who truly wish for an end to Hamas' dominance in Gaza, these demonstrations present a crucial chance. However, it remains uncertain whether Netanyahu falls into this category, considering his history of working over many years to keep Palestinians split with Islamic governance in Gaza and secular nationalism in parts of the West Bank under Palestinian self-rule. As expected, he is striving hard to discredit and weaken both the legitimacy and political impact of the protests by portraying them as proof of how effective Israel's aggressive tactics have been.
Nonetheless, it serves the purpose of constructively minded Arab nations such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to approach this situation with careful consideration yet decisive action, supporting protest leaders and organizers whenever possible. These countries might significantly contribute essential components for establishing an alternate Palestinian civil administration in Gaza, thereby taking charge of governance rather than leaving it under either Israeli control or Hamas leadership.
Business interests, clan leaders, and surviving Fatah members in Gaza must be closely tied to the protest movement and its organizers, regardless of how spontaneously these demonstrations began. Given their size, scope, and persistence, there has undoubtedly been considerable coordination involved.
Israel ought to stay quiet regarding the demonstrations for its own political gain and reinstate the truce. Prominent Arab nations should assume leadership roles and spearhead efforts moving forward. The US and Western allies must acknowledge that these protests show the Egyptian-led Arab League’s strategy to halt the conflict and kickstart rebuilding in Gaza is feasible and represents the sole comprehensive approach capable of concluding both the warfare and Hamas governance in Gaza.
The demonstrators are courageously showing that countless loyal Palestinians in Gaza firmly believe the conflict (which they often refer to as "genocide") must come to an end, all Israeli captives should be freed, and Hamas ought to resign from power.
This precisely aligns with what Arab nations, Western governments, and even Israel claim they desire. There is now no ground left for arguing that there are no practical or political elements to engage with concerning the Palestinians in Gaza. Clearly, numerous opportunities exist if one truly has an interest in pursuing them.
The article was initially published here news diwida
