Hamas Faces Growing Anger from Gazans Amidst Devastating War with Israel

Gazans are expressing increasing anger toward Hamas as the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group continues to inflict suffering and destruction in the Gaza Strip. Many are questioning Hamas's military strategy and holding them responsible for the hardships faced by the civilian population.

With the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas intensifying, Gazans are experiencing mounting frustration and anger toward Hamas. The conflict has caused widespread suffering and devastation in the Gaza Strip, prompting many residents to question the group's military strategy and hold them accountable for the hardships they endure.

According to a recent report, Gazans are increasingly voicing their discontent with Hamas. Many believe that the group's leadership should have foreseen Israel's response and considered the consequences for the 2.3 million civilians trapped in Gaza.

Nassim, a civil servant, expressed his frustration to the Financial Times, stating, "They [Hamas] should have restricted themselves to military targets." He believes that Hamas's actions have exacerbated the suffering of Gazans, leaving them with nowhere safe to go.

Mohammed, another Gazan, echoed this sentiment, expressing his desire for divine retribution against Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas who planned the October 2021 terrorist attacks on Israel. "I pray every day for God to punish the one who brought us to this situation," Mohammed said.

Gazans are growing weary of Hamas's approach, which they perceive as reckless and irresponsible. Dr. Khalil Shikaki, director of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, noted a decline in support for Hamas due to the mounting pain and suffering inflicted upon the civilian population.

"There is no doubt support for Hamas is declining in Gaza because more and more people feel it has some responsibility for the pain they are enduring," Shikaki said.

Professor of political science Mkhaimar Abusada observed a growing sense of fearlessness among Gazans. "People are no longer afraid," Abusada said. "They’ve suffered like never before, and their situation is so catastrophic that it makes no difference to them. They’re already facing death."

Samia, a resident of Rafah, expressed her disillusionment with Hamas's role in the conflict, stating, "The role of the resistance is to protect us civilians, not to sacrifice us." She emphasized her desire to live in peace and provide for her children without the fear of violence and poverty.

Multiple polls have corroborated the waning support for Hamas in Gaza. A survey conducted during the first week of March revealed a decline in support by nearly a quarter, down to 34%. In the West Bank, Hamas's popularity also plummeted from 44% to 35%.

As the war rages on, Gazans continue to express their anger and frustration toward Hamas, holding the group accountable for the hardships they endure and questioning its military strategy. The growing discontent within Gaza highlights the challenges facing Hamas and the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.