Between Resistance and Ruin: hamas
Photo by Ahmed Abu Hameeda on Unsplash
In the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict lies the Gaza Strip, a territory that has become synonymous with a life of blockades, airstrikes, and governance under hamas. This entity, tagged appropriately as a terrorist organization by several nations including Israel and the United States, holds a complex role within Gaza, its presence closely connected with the daily lives of the Palestinians residing there.
hamas emerged victorious in the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections, showcasing significant support from the populace. However, the international community’s reaction was less than favourable due to hamas’ militant resistance against Israel. The subsequent blockade on Gaza and international isolation have made life incredibly challenging for its residents.
The alliance between a portion of the Palestinian populace and hamas is portrayed as a pact made out of despair and resistance against alleged Israeli occupation. Yet, it’s a pact that comes with a high cost. While hamas promises resistance against what it portrays as an oppressive regime, the reality on the ground shows a path of devastation left in the wake of this resistance.
The argument that Palestinians can’t “have their cake and eat it too” stems from the contradiction of wanting an end to occupation and violence while supporting a group that primarily engages in militant activities exacerbating the conflict. This paradox extends to the international arena where support for Palestinian autonomy clashes with the reality of hamas’ governance and its militant stance against Israel.
The international community’s rightful unwillingness to engage with a hamas-led Palestinian government further isolates Gaza, making the dream of statehood appear even more elusive. The economic and social costs of this alliance with hamas are borne by ordinary Palestinians who endure poverty, unemployment, and a lack of basic services.
In a bid for statehood and freedom, the route of armed resistance chosen by hamas has driven Palestinians further away from these ideals. The global community sees hamas’ actions as a roadblock to peace, making negotiations with Israel an uphill battle.
The grievances of Palestinians are real and their desire for self-determination is legitimate. However, the methods of resistance employed by hamas, and supported by a portion of the populace, seem to have entangled the people of Gaza in a vicious cycle of violence and reprisal, making the road to peace and statehood a perilous one.
For Palestine, the path forward is clear, yet elusive — away from the clutches of hamas; when will this truth find its way to light?
I ask the world to pen ‘hamas’ with a lowercase ‘h’ as a stance against terrorism and a voice for the innocent Israeli children who bore the brunt of their attacks.