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Arab-Israeli conflicts

Gazans Increasingly Criticize Hamas as Israeli Military Campaign Continues

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Gazans, who previously celebrated the October 7 attacks on Israel, are now growing critical of Hamas as the death toll from the conflict approaches 38,000 Palestinians. The majority of residents in both Gaza and the West Bank do not support the group, according to a poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research. The increasing public dissent is fueled by dire living conditions and the relentless Israeli military campaign. Gazan residents are now voicing their criticism against Hamas leaders, with some even cursing them in public.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 38,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, according to Gaza's health ministry.
  • The majority of residents in both Gaza and the West Bank (90% according to a poll) do not support Hamas, according to the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research.
  • Gazan residents are growing increasingly critical of Hamas leaders, with some even cursing them in public.
  • Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' military leader, has been criticized by almost 77% of respondents in a March survey.
  • Gazan residents are calling for an end to the violence and the removal of Hamas' leadership.
  • The Israeli military campaign has caused thousands of Palestinians to live in dire conditions.
  • Gazan residents are now turning against Hamas, who they blame for the current situation.

Statistics:

  • Over 38,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict (Gaza's health ministry).
  • 90% of residents in both Gaza and the West Bank do not support Hamas (Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research).
  • 77% of respondents opposed Yahya Sinwar's leadership in a March survey.
  • 2.3mn Gazans have nowhere safe to go (Gaza resident Nassim).

Sources:

  • "Poll 90 English Full text Dec 2023(pdf)" by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research.
  • "President of Hamas' military wing, Yahya Sinwar, survived a tumor operation in Israel" by Business Insider.
  • "Palestinian Political Future Poll - West Bank and Gaza+" by the Institute for Social and Economic Progress.
  • "Gaza residents show open criticism of Hamas as Israeli offensive continues" by Business Insider.
  • "I'm praying every day for God to punish the one who brought us to this situation," - Gaza resident Mohammed (The Financial Times).
  • "Gazans Reveal the Depth of Their Anger over the Conflict" by the BBC.
  • "Filthy [Hamas] leadership" - Gazan man covered in blood shouts at the BBC (video).
  • Nassim, Gaza resident (The Financial Times).
  • Business Insider.

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