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Trends in Palestinian Public Discourse after 500 Days of War

(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Orit Perlov - Despite Hamas's portrayal of a "victory," internal Palestinian discourse is characterized by widespread criticism and intense anger toward Hamas. While on Oct. 7, the overwhelming majority of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank celebrated what they saw as Hamas's "defeat" of Israel, more than 500 days of intense war have dramatically shifted this perception. Today, few in Gaza describe the events of Oct. 7 as a victory. The prevailing sentiment is that Hamas brought an unprecedented catastrophe upon Gaza and its people, the worst disaster in Palestinian history. Images of destruction, displacement, and death, broadcast globally by the Qatari TV channel Al Jazeera, have left a deep impression on Palestinians and the broader Arab world. The devastation in northern Gaza has profoundly affected West Bank Palestinians, many of whom fear a similar fate. The vast majority of Jenin and Tulkarm refugee camp residents fled as soon as Israeli forces entered, fearing they would be buried under rubble. The traditional core Palestinian ideology of sumud (steadfastness) has weakened significantly, and public pressure has mounted on the militant groups to halt the fighting. The social media discourse in Gaza reveals that many Gazans now see Hamas's use of civilians as "human shields" as illegitimate. It also suggests a widespread preference for the return of the PA's rule. However, this does not indicate support for PA leader Mahmoud Abbas, who is widely viewed as a traitor. Instead, it reflects a desperate longing for stability - a return to a livable reality where people do not have to beg for food and water. One of the most repeated sentiments in the Gazan discourse is: "We wanted to return to Haifa and Acre, and now we are begging to return to Beit Hanoun and Jabalia [in Gaza]." Many see their displacement as the ultimate proof of Hamas's failure. There is also a growing realization among Palestinians that Arab states no longer wish to involve themselves in their cause. No Arab country is willing to accept released Palestinian prisoners or refugees. About 20-30% of Gaza's population remains steadfast in its support for Hamas and its ideology, regardless of the devastation. In the West Bank, however, public discourse indicates a sharp decline in support for Hamas and other militant factions. Many fear that Gaza's fate could befall them as well. This explains the absence of pro-Hamas demonstrations or social media campaigns calling for a new intifada. Calls from mosques urge people to avoid joining militant groups or participating in protests. The writer, a research fellow at INSS, is the former co-editor of the Israeli Foreign Ministry website in Arabic.
2025-03-13 00:00:00
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