Since Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip in 2007 following the violent Palestinian internal split, the movement maintained an image of being the dominant political and military force inside Gaza. For years, Hamas relied on its armed wing, social influence networks, and strict security control to preserve its authority over the territory.
However, according to local testimonies, the ongoing war and years of accumulated economic collapse and humanitarian suffering are now creating unprecedented cracks between Hamas and Gaza’s population.
Recent footage circulating from the funeral of the son of Khalil al-Hayya, head of Hamas’s political bureau in Gaza, has sparked growing debate regarding the noticeable decline in public participation and support for Hamas inside the Gaza Strip. Compared to previous funerals of Hamas commanders and fighters, which often attracted hundreds or even thousands of participants, the attendance at this funeral appeared remarkably limited.
Local residents say this shift cannot be separated from years of war, economic devastation, unemployment, collapsing infrastructure, and the deep psychological exhaustion experienced by Gaza’s civilians, especially after the latest conflict that displaced hundreds of thousands of families and destroyed large residential areas.
During conversations I conducted with residents inside Gaza, many described widespread frustration, anger, and loss of trust in the political leadership controlling the territory. One resident stated that people today are focused primarily on survival – securing food, water, and safety for their children – rather than participating in political or organizational events linked to Hamas.
Observers inside Gaza believe the public mood is gradually changing, particularly as many residents increasingly feel that the strategic decisions leading to repeated military confrontations did not necessarily reflect Palestinian national priorities but rather broader regional calculations connected to Iran and its regional agenda.
At the same time, criticism of Hamas inside Gaza continues to carry significant risks. Individuals who publicly oppose the movement are frequently accused of betrayal or collaboration with Israel, causing many residents to voice their opinions cautiously despite the growing frustration visible across parts of Gazan society.
Organizations, individuals linked to Hamas in Europe
Meanwhile, activists and political observers are also raising questions regarding organizations and individuals linked to Hamas operating in several European countries, including Belgium, under economic or social frameworks. This comes amid growing European debate over the political and financial space granted to such groups over the past years.
Amid these developments, a political body known as the Civil Affairs Administration has emerged in recent months as one of the highest decision-making centers within the Palestinian opposition to Hamas. According to local sources, the organization is working to establish an alternative civilian and security structure inside Gaza in coordination with tribal figures, local factions, and anti-Hamas actors.
Local estimates suggest that the coming days may witness an expansion of influence by popular and tribal forces opposing Hamas, particularly in western Gaza neighborhoods. Sources familiar with the situation say the Civil Affairs Administration is currently conducting high-level coordination with military leadership operating inside Gaza in an effort to protect civilians and reduce humanitarian harm during any upcoming operations targeting Hamas positions or affiliated armed groups.
Analysts believe Hamas may now be facing its most serious internal challenge since taking control of Gaza nearly two decades ago – not only because of the ongoing war and military pressure but also due to the widening gap between the movement and segments of the civilian population who increasingly blame Hamas for Gaza’s political and humanitarian collapse.
As these tensions continue to grow, women and children remain the most vulnerable victims of the crisis, while fears increase over the possibility of deeper social fragmentation and the absence of any immediate political horizon capable of ending the cycle of war, division, and suffering inside Gaza.
The writer is a Gazan political activist living in Belgium and is the co-founder of the We Want to Live movement.