The relationship between Hamas and the people in Gaza is complicated. After the October 7th attack and the war in Gaza, people started feeling differently about Hamas.

The relationship between Hamas and the civilians in Gaza is marked by a combination of support, resentment, and exploitation.  While Hamas has historically enjoyed popularity in Gaza and the West Bank, the aftermath of the October 7th attack and the subsequent Gaza war has led to a shift in public sentiment.  

Reports  reveal that Hamas has employed tactics such as preventing civilian evacuations, shooting at civilians attempting to flee, stealing humanitarian aid meant for Gazans, and failing to provide bomb shelters for civilians.  Instead, Hamas has focused on building extensive tunnel networks for the protection of its fighters, not civilians.

A top Hamas official openly declared that the responsibility for defending Gazan civilians lies with the UN and Israel, not Hamas.  This stance has intensified anger and disillusionment among Gazans, who face the wrath of Israeli forces while being deprived of basic protections and aid by their governing body.

The growing resentment is compounded by the harsh humanitarian conditions in Gaza, exacerbated by the conflict and Hamas's coercive tactics against its own people.  This complex dynamic reveals a dichotomy within Palestinian society, where initial support for Hamas's defiance is now contrasted with frustration and despair over the ongoing suffering, destruction, and Hamas's oppressive actions against civilians.