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Source: https://time.com/7273410/what-anti-hamas-protests-gaza-mean/
What the Anti-Hamas Protests in Gaza Actually Mean
(TIME) Dr. Khalil Shikaki - While some view the demonstrations against Hamas as a genuine popular uprising, the Islamist group sees them as a desperate attempt by its external enemies to use local agents to create a false impression that a revolt to its rule is underway. High levels of national and religious loyalty - and few political alternatives - limit the choices at hand for Palestinians. No doubt many Gazans are opposed to Hamas. I have studied public opinion in Gaza since 1993 and Hamas has never had majority support in Gaza. A few days before Oct. 7, 2023, trust in the Hamas-led government was only 29%. As living conditions in Gaza have worsened considerably after Oct. 7, Hamas gradually became less popular. Nonetheless, none of the rival political factions received greater support. The perception among Gazans that Hamas's decision to launch its attack against Israel on Oct. 7 was correct dropped from 57% in Nov. 2023 to 39% in late 2024. During that same period, the perception that Hamas will win the war dropped from 50% to 26%; the expectation that Hamas will continue to control Gaza after the war dropped from 51% to 37%. But the belief that the recent demonstrations pose a threat to continued Hamas control over Gaza reflects an erroneous reading of reality. The overwhelming majority of Gazans blame Israel and the U.S. for their suffering; only one in five puts the blame on Hamas. Gazans are fully aware that even if Hamas leaves the scene immediately, there is no viable alternative that can enforce some level of order and prevent the eruption of anarchy and violence. Despite the tremendous suffering during the war, Gazans' basic values regarding their religious and national identity and their attachment to their land have not diminished at all. Plus, their willingness to make huge personal sacrifices remains very high. The writer is director of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research in Ramallah.