A year after Israel’s deadliest war on Gaza, 54% of Palestinians support Hamas’ decision to attack Israel, resulting in 1,200 casualties. This support has led to mass killings in Gaza, raising concerns of genocide. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders for war crimes.
Palestinian support for Hamas’ attack does not imply support for atrocities. The attack targeted Israeli military bases, challenging Israel’s invincibility. However, the violent nature and civilian casualties raise questions about the accuracy of the events. Palestinians cite years of neglect, apartheid, and failed peace processes as factors behind their support for armed resistance. Non-violent efforts, like the Great March of Return, have faced deadly responses from Israel, pushing Palestinians to desperation.
No Support for Atrocities
The Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research acknowledges that not all support Hamas’ attack translates to endorsing violence or civilian deaths. It indicates a desire to highlight the Palestinian cause and challenge years of neglect. The attack was a response to unbearable living conditions, including a 17-year-long siege on Gaza and increasing threats from Israeli settler violence.
Gaza’s Context of Despair and Deadlock
Palestinians viewed Hamas’ attack as a means to draw global attention to their plight and disrupt the status quo. Decades of failed negotiations for a Palestinian state and escalating settler violence fueled support for armed resistance. The international community’s failure to act and double standards in supporting other conflicts contributed to Palestinians’ disillusionment with diplomatic efforts.
Israel’s Deliberate Foiling of Non-Violent Alternatives
The lack of progress in peaceful approaches, like the Oslo peace process, and deadly responses to non-violent protests forced Palestinians to turn to armed resistance. Israel’s illegal occupation and apartheid policies further fueled despair and reinforced the belief that armed resistance is the only way to challenge the status quo.
Muhammad Shehada is a Palestinian writer and analyst from Gaza and the EU Affairs Manager at Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor. Follow him on Twitter: @muhammadshehad2