There is no denying to the fact that Hamas has been in
virtual control of Gaza for nearly two decades. There is a suggestion to resolve
Palestine issue without any role of Hamas, what so ever. It may be a wish of
Israel, but do the ground realities support this?
Ironically Palestinians are represented by different bodies
in different contexts:
Internationally
(Diplomatic Representation)
Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO):
Recognized by the United Nations and over 130 countries as
the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. The PLO holds
Palestine’s seat at the UN as a “non-member observer state.”
Within
Occupied Palestinian Territories
Palestinian Authority (PA):
Established under the 1993 Oslo Accords, the PA governs parts of the West Bank.
Its leadership is dominated by Fatah, a major faction of the PLO. President Mahmoud
Abbas is both head of the PA and chairman of the PLO.
Hamas:
An Islamist movement that controls the Gaza strip since 2007, after winning the
2006 Palestinian legislative elections and subsequent conflict with Fatah.
Hamas is not part of the PLO, and it does not support Oslo-style negotiations
with Israel.
In
Exile
Millions of Palestinians live outside the West Bank and
Gaza, especially in Jordan, Lebanon, and elsewhere. They are formally
represented by the PLO, but many feel underrepresented due to internal divisions.
United
States
The US recognizes the PLO as the representative of
Palestinians, but relations are tense. It does not recognize Hamas and
designates it as a terrorist organization. Washington supports the PA (West
Bank-based) but pressures it to cooperate on security with Israel.
European
Union (EU)
The EU deals mainly with the PA/ PLO. Like the US, the EU also
labels Hamas a terrorist group. Provides large amounts of financial aid to the
PA for governance and humanitarian work.
Arab
League and Arab States
Mostly Arabs recognize the PLO as the representative of the
Palestinians. Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and UAE work with the PA and
sometimes mediate between Fatah and Hamas. Qatar and Turkey maintain ties with Hamas,
provide financial aid to Gaza, and give political space to its leadership.
Iran
and Allies
This group strongly back Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad
(PIJ) militarily and financially. Iran does not consider the PA effective
against Israel and instead supports “resistance” factions. Hezbollah of Lebanon
also aligns with Hamas and PIJ.
Russia
and China
Both the leading super powers recognize the PLO/ PA officially,
but also engage with Hamas as part of broader Middle East diplomacy,
positioning themselves as mediators.
Let us explore how Hamas has attained popularity?
Hamas’s rise in popularity among Palestinians is rooted in a mix of social, religious, political, and resistance factors. Here’s a breakdown of how it became a powerful force:
Origins
and Religious Roots
Founded in 1987, during the First Intifada (uprising against
Israeli occupation), Hamas emerged from the Muslim Brotherhood network in Gaza,
which already had credibility through mosques, schools, and charities. It
gained early support by combining Islamic identity with nationalist resistance,
offering an alternative to the more secular PLO/ Fatah.
Resistance
against Israel
Hamas distinguished itself by armed resistance (rockets,
suicide bombings, tunnels), presenting itself as uncompromising in the face of
Israeli occupation. Many Palestinians saw Hamas as more effective in
confronting Israel than the PA, which was engaged in negotiations that
delivered little tangible progress. After the Second Intifada (2000–2005),
Hamas gained credibility as the symbol of defiance, while the PA lost
legitimacy due to corruption and security coordination with Israel.
Social
Services & Grassroots Work
Hamas built extensive charitable networks that include schools,
clinics, food distribution, orphan support and relief for families of prisoners
and martyrs. These welfare programs won the loyalty of poorer Palestinians,
especially in refugee camps and Gaza, where the PA and international aid were
seen as insufficient.
Political
Legitimacy through Elections
In 2006 Palestinian Legislative Elections, Hamas (running
under the banner Change and Reform) won a majority of seats, defeating Fatah.
Its victory was attributed to: 1) frustration with Fatah’s corruption and
inefficiency, 2) Hamas’s reputation for integrity and discipline and above all
3) its hardline stance against Israel.
Regional
and International Support
Iran, Qatar, and Turkey provided financial, political, and
military backing that allowed Hamas to sustain governance in Gaza despite
Israeli blockades. Egypt, while wary of Hamas, also engaged with it as a key
player in Gaza.
Gaza Takeover (2007)
After a violent split with Fatah, Hamas seized control of Gaza
Strip in 2007. Despite isolation and blockade, Hamas positioned itself as the de
facto authority, further cementing its influence among Palestinians in Gaza.
Symbol
of Resistance rather Compromise
Many Palestinians perceive the PA/ Fatah as compromised,
weak, or too close to Israel and the United states. Hamas, despite the
hardships in Gaza, is seen as authentic, incorruptible, and willing to
sacrifice. Each confrontation with Israel (wars in 2008–09, 2012, 2014, 2021, and
2023–25) often boosts Hamas’s popularity, as it frames survival itself as
victory. Hamas attained popularity by blending religion, resistance, social
welfare, and political credibility at a time when the PA and Fatah were seen as
corrupt and ineffective.
Let us also examine how its popularity differs between Gaza,
the West Bank, and the Palestinian diaspora?
Gaza
Strip
Hamas has emerged the strongest since beginning of its rule
in Gaza in 2007.
The reasons for support include governance, security, and
basic services despite blockade. The group has emerged as defender against
Israel during repeated wars. Many people view Hamas as less corrupt as compared
to Fatah.
The factors marring it popularity are said to be hardships
from blockade, unemployment, and war destruction, at times fueling resentment. Some
Gazans criticize Hamas’s authoritarian style and restrictions on freedoms. Despite
suffering, many still rally behind Hamas in times of conflict with Israel.
West
Bank
Hamas support is significant, but less than in Gaza. The reasons
for support include: 1) frustration with the Palestinian Authority (PA) and its
security coordination with Israel and 2) younger generation sees Hamas as more
authentic and uncompromising. The challenges it faces include: 1) West Bank being
under tight Israeli control and PA crackdowns, limits Hamas’s political space,
and 2) fear of violence or arrest reduces open activism.
During escalations in Gaza, Hamas’s popularity spikes in the West Bank as people see them standing up against Israel.
Palestinian
Diaspora
Support for Hamas is found mainly in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria,
and the Gulf states as many refugees feel abandoned by the PA/ PLO, but Hamas
keeps the “right of return” alive in its rhetoric. Hamas runs charities and
schools in refugee camps (especially in Lebanon).
In Jordan, support is cautious, since the government fears
Islamist influence.
In Lebanon, Hamas has networks in Palestinian refugee camps
but competes with other factions.
In Gulf/ Turkey elite diaspora often back Hamas politically
and financially.
Palestinian Citizens of Israel
Hamas has limited direct influence, since it is outlawed by
Israel. Some Palestinians in Israel admire its stance against occupation, but
most are engaged in civil rights struggles through legal political parties.
Keeping all these narratives in mind, it may be said that
eliminating Hamas or bringing peace in the occupied territories or even creation
of an independent Palestine will not be sustainable.
No comments:
Post a Comment