One year after the sudden attack launched by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, the Gaza Strip finds itself in a tragic situation. The war, which resulted in massive destruction of infrastructure and thousands of casualties, seems to have weakened Hamas without completely eliminating it. In this context, the current article reviews the events and consequences of that war, in addition to the role of the current Hamas leadership, headed by Yahya Sinwar, who remains in hiding leading the movement from afar. We will also address the economic and social challenges faced by the residents of Gaza and how those events have affected the future of Hamas’s political and military movement. Will Hamas be able to rebuild its ranks, or will the current situation lead to its end? Join us in this deep analysis of the Palestinian issue.
Events of the October 7, 2023 Attack
On October 7, 2023, the region witnessed a surprise attack executed by Hamas on Israeli territories, where Hamas fighters stormed military sites and settlement units along the border with the Gaza Strip. The military escalation was evident with the launch of around 5,000 rockets towards central and southern Israel, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities among civilians. Official figures indicate that 1,205 people were killed, the vast majority of whom were civilians. Israel responded harshly to this attack, launching an intense aerial bombardment campaign followed by ground operations in Gaza, resulting in over 41,802 casualties, most of whom were also civilians, according to official figures from Gaza.
Reports from the Israeli army in August 2024 stated that they had managed to kill approximately 17,000 Palestinian fighters during military operations, which Hamas denied, claiming that the occupation exaggerated the numbers. This escalation indicates that despite military pressures, Hamas has moved towards changing its operational patterns in war, resorting to using tunnels to carry out its operations, indicating its adaptation to the changing conditions on the battlefield and Israeli response mechanisms.
Consequences of the War on Gaza
The war led to catastrophic consequences for Gaza, as many of the essential infrastructures were destroyed. The Director of Government Media in Gaza clarified that most government institutions, including hospitals and universities, have suffered significantly due to Israeli shelling, along with the destruction of electricity stations and water facilities. This widespread destruction has led to a state of paralysis in public services, creating a severe humanitarian crisis in a region already suffering from economic difficulties.
The number of displaced people increased, with more than 200 schools, mostly belonging to UNRWA, converted into shelters for hundreds of thousands of people who lost their homes. Reports indicate that the economy in Gaza has fallen to less than one-sixth of its level in 2022, reflecting the tragic state of affairs. The United Nations warned that reconstruction in Gaza would take decades, emphasizing that the overall situation requires significant efforts to restore it to normal.
Hamas in a Declining Phase
With the intensification of military pressures, Hamas has significantly retreated from its pre-war strength. The Israeli military operations had clear effects, as many of the movement’s leaders were eliminated, and their main centers were destroyed. As the movement relied heavily on secret networks and operations through tunnels, this tactic is considered crucial for maintaining its presence, despite the chaos that ensued from the war.
Figure such as Yahya Sinwar, the political leader of Hamas, has played an important role in directing the movement from underground while facing increasing pressure from Israel. While Hamas has attempted to assert its military capabilities, reports indicate that military operations have dealt a severe blow to it, yet it still tries to maintain its presence as a major force in Gaza. Internal and external challenges still require the movement to reassess its military and political strategies and tactics to be able to survive under increasing pressures.
Anger
Frustration Among Gaza Residents
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is marked by anger and frustration among the population, who are facing a painful reality after the bloody events and ongoing conflict. The population of Gaza is estimated to be around 2.4 million, with most suffering from poverty even before the war, which exacerbates the situation following the destruction caused by the conflict. Many people feel a deep disappointment with Hamas, as some observers attribute the attack launched in October to an attempt to shift the balance of power without considering the resulting consequences.
Analyses suggest that Hamas may have faced widespread criticism from the population due to the chaos and loss of hope for returning to normalcy. The current situation shows that trust in the leadership of the movement has diminished, with voices emerging from within the community calling for political and leadership change concerning the state of affairs. While some Hamas leaders believe that resistance still enjoys popular support, others indicate that living conditions could lead to a change in public support for the movement. The ongoing conflict and loss of hope may create an atmosphere of discontent reaching unprecedented levels among the residents of the enclave.
Future Strategies for Hamas
Despite the pressures facing Hamas, there are still attempts to restructure itself and adjust its strategies. Some leaders within the movement see that the recent military pressures from Israel have compelled them to renew their ranks and develop new tactics that allow them to confront the occupation more effectively. Hamas now needs to think about how to rebuild its military and political strength under the current circumstances.
The movement needs to reassess the political game and collaborate with other Palestinian factions to achieve a balance of power. Additionally, improving the living conditions for the many residents of Gaza will be essential for restoring public trust in Hamas’s leadership. The shift from reliance on pure military strength to thinking about a comprehensive strategy that addresses social and economic issues could be the key solution to achieving the movement’s long-term goals.
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