Shock in Gaza: 'What Was This War For?'
Reports that Hamas is ready to disarm and relinquish power have sparked a wave of anger and difficult questions among residents of the Gaza Strip. Despite expectations of an end to hostilities, there is no joy or signs of an imminent ceasefire on the ground. Residents are questioning the meaning of the events that began on October 7. Hamas representatives are trying to justify their actions, but explanations do not reduce the level of criticism. Analysts speak of the collapse of the movement's previous strategy.
Reports that Hamas is ready to disarm and relinquish power have sparked not relief but a wave of anger and difficult questions among residents of the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian reaction was sharply negative amid statements about a possible agreement in which Hamas would hand over weapons and cease governing the Gaza Strip. Despite expectations of an end to hostilities, there is no joy or signs of an imminent ceasefire on the ground. On the contrary, among the ruins of homes and tent camps, disappointment and irritation are growing. The details of the agreement remain unclear. The issue of the withdrawal of IDF forces is contentious: in Jerusalem, they say this is impossible without disarmament, while in Gaza they insist on the opposite sequence. Neither Hamas nor Israel has officially confirmed the understandings. A Hamas representative, Razi Hamed, called the discussed initiative a 'comprehensive framework' and said its implementation depends on Israel fulfilling previous agreements reached in Sharm el-Sheikh. According to him, Israel must stop attacks, withdraw troops to October positions, and increase humanitarian aid supplies. Only after that would Hamas agree to hand over weapons to an administrative body. Residents of the Gaza Strip are asking the key question about the meaning of the events that began on October 7. One local source noted that in previous periods of anticipation of agreements, people took to the streets to celebrate, but now 'there are no signs of joy.' Journalist Sami Mushtaha sharply reacted to talk of 'relief,' saying: 'I curse this imagined relief... after tens of thousands of dead.' Influencer Mustafa al-Banna called the possible handover of weapons a 'dangerous maneuver' and noted: 'If in the end we give up both the hostages and the weapons, then what was this war for?' Dr. Izzo ironically remarked that after massive destruction, Hamas now speaks of a 'sacrifice for the people.' Hamas representatives are trying to justify their actions. Faiz Abu Shamala stated that the organization did not have significant resources and 'fought with what it had.' However, these explanations do not reduce the level of criticism. On social media, accusations are spreading against the movement's leadership, which, according to many, made the decision to start the war without considering the consequences. Analysts in Arab countries speak of the collapse of Hamas's previous strategy. In the Gaza Strip, tension remains: hostilities continue, and reports of possible agreements do not lead to a sense of change. According to medical services, several people were wounded in an IDF airstrike after the statements about the agreement.