Gaza Strip Faces Food and Water Shortages... Will Opposition to Hamas Intensify?

In the Gaza Strip, where clashes continue between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas, dissatisfaction among local residents toward Hamas is being observed.

Residents and refugees in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Palestine, are in a commotion as they hold bowls, pots, and buckets to receive food distribution.
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the 11th (local time), the British daily The Telegraph reported that as food, drinking water, and medical supplies become scarce in the Gaza Strip, some residents are openly rebelling against Hamas. When a Hamas member tried to cut in line to get water, residents threw stones and publicly insulted him. Additionally, during a speech by a Hamas interior spokesperson, a man with a bandage on his wrist shouted, "May God hold you accountable," disrupting the speech, among other observed incidents.

Furthermore, hundreds of residents gathered at a UN shelter in Gaza City reportedly criticized Hamas and called for an end to the war each time Hamas launched rockets at Israel.

Since the outbreak of the conflict on the 7th of last month, Israel has tightened its blockade of the Gaza Strip, Hamas's stronghold, rapidly worsening the lives of residents. With various resources restricted, they suffer from chronic shortages of food and drinking water, and the collapse of medical and sanitation systems has led to the spread of infectious diseases.

The Telegraph analyzed that the fact residents are rebelling against Hamas amid these circumstances indicates that Hamas's authoritarian governance system is beginning to collapse. It also suggested that this reflects local public opinion holding both Israel and Hamas responsible for the current situation.

However, the outlet also pointed out that the anger of Gaza Strip residents toward Hamas might stem from their resentment toward Israel. It could be that residents feel Hamas is being manipulated by Israel and is failing to respond properly to Israel, which is fueling stronger backlash against Hamas.