(New York Times) Raja Abdulrahim - Hamas leaders have said they wanted to ignite a permanent state of war with Israel on all fronts as a way to revive the Palestinian cause, However, in interviews with Gaza residents, a number of them said they held Hamas responsible for starting the war and helping to bring death and destruction upon them. Gaza photojournalist Motaz Azaiza wrote after he left Gaza: "Cursed be everyone who trafficked in our blood, burned our hearts and homes, and ruined our lives." Obada Shtaya, a Palestinian and a founder of the Institute for Social and Economic Progress, said, "When you realize six months in or seven months in that Gaza is completely destroyed, your life as a Gazan is completely destroyed, that's where people are coming from when they are not supportive of [Hamas leaders] Sinwar or Haniyeh." When Hamas attacked Israel, most Gazans supported that "form of resistance," said a lawyer from Gaza. "But what we don't support is them continuing with this war when they have not accomplished any of the goals they set out to accomplish. This isn't resistance. This is insanity."
2024-06-16 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive