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What Might Break Through Hamas's Popularity?

(Newsweek) Bassem Eid - For me, as a Palestinian human rights activist, one of the most disappointing phenomena of the ongoing war is the enduring support for Hamas among sectors of the Palestinian general public. Support for Hamas is much higher in the West Bank - misgoverned by Hamas's archrivals - which rule the Palestinian Authority (PA). Popular support for violence persists despite the devastating impact that following radical leaders and ideologies has historically had on the Palestinian people. Misinformation campaigns, often fueled by Hamas and its allies, have painted violent terrorism as the only path to dignity and rights for Palestinians. ; Palestinian schoolbooks and public media are rife with antisemitic and jihadi content. Moreover, the leadership's tactics, such as the glorification and financial reward of acts of violence, commonly referred to as "pay-for-slay" payments, only serve to entrench a culture of violence. What is needed now is a concerted effort from the world community to demand a transformation within Palestinian leadership towards moderation and practicality, including ceasing incitement, ending financial incentives for violence, and promoting political and economic stability. The writer is a Palestinian peace advocate, political analyst, and human rights pioneer who founded the Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group in 1996.
2024-06-16 00:00:00
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