One year ago, Samira was an Arabic teacher. Now, she reflects on a life before chaos. A year has passed since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. This assault plunged Gaza into immense suffering.
Samira longs for the comfort of her former life. She recalls having a stable job, a home, and a sense of community. "Despite all the hardships, our life was going well," the 52-year-old says, requesting anonymity for safety.
Many Gazans, like Samira, are questioning their sacrifices. They wonder if Hamas' actions were worth the resulting devastation. “What was he thinking?” she asks about Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. She feels he misjudged the situation.
Hamas militants launched an unprecedented raid into Israel. They killed 1,200 people and kidnapped 251 more. The consequences have been dire for Gaza. The Israeli response flattened cities and displaced over a million Palestinians.
In this turmoil, voices of dissent are emerging. An opinion poll revealed a shift in attitudes. For the first time, more Gazans oppose the attack. Fifty-seven percent believe the offensive was incorrect.
Criticism of Hamas is becoming more visible. Former official Ahmed Youssef Saleh questioned the group's actions on social media. He asked if anyone had considered the consequences of their decisions.
Masked men recently attacked Palestinian activist Ameen Abed for speaking out. His father protested against Hamas in the streets, voicing discontent.
Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, dismissed this criticism. He called it limited remarks born of pain. He believes that the Palestinian cause remains strong.
Despite the devastation, Hamas maintains that the attack was necessary. They view it as a pivotal moment in their struggle for statehood. However, the human cost continues to mount. Approximately 42,000 Palestinians have died since the Israeli response began.
As Gazans reassess their situation, many feel abandoned by the international community. They blame Israel for their suffering and occupation. Mahmoud, 29, expressed frustration with the lack of action for Palestinian statehood.
The possibility of a two-state solution seems distant. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government continues settlement expansion. Many Gazans now prefer the Palestinian Authority over Hamas for future governance.
Recent polls show support for Hamas decreasing. Only 36% of respondents want Hamas to govern Gaza post-war. This reflects a significant change in public sentiment.
In the West Bank, support for the October 7 attack is also waning. Yet, nearly two-thirds still see it as justified. The shift signals a possible new direction for Palestinian governance.
The future role of Hamas remains uncertain. Experts suggest that the group must adapt after the war. It will be essential for a new government to emerge.
Palestinians seek agreement on leadership and reconstruction. A consensus is vital for moving forward. As the conflict continues, the people of Gaza strive for hope amid despair.
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