US plot for Gaza in shambles amid continued popular support for Hamas

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
Today 19:10
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Support for Hamas continues and grows in Gaza following the ceasefire, as its role in restoring security and resisting the Israeli occupation challenges Trump’s disarmament plan.

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Hamas fighters stand in formation as they prepare for the ceremony of Israeli captive handover to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP)

The Palestinian Resistance movement, Hamas, has seen a notable rise in popular support across Gaza following the latest ceasefire, presenting a major obstacle to US President Donald Trump’s disarmament-centered scheme for the Gaza Strip, the Wall Street Journal reported.

A key driver of increased support has been the restoration of security. In the aftermath of the ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces, Hamas fighters swiftly returned to the streets as internal security and police forces. Their presence curbed lawlessness, restored public order, and reinforced their role as a pillar of resistance and governance.

The overwhelming sentiment in Gaza has favored the stability brought about by the Resistance group’s return to policing duties. Many Palestinians credit the Resistance with safeguarding daily life in the face of external aggression and internal instability caused by the Israeli intentional attacks on civil servants and the arming and supporting of local gangs.

In this context, Hazem Sarour, a 22-year-old businessman in Gaza City, stated, "We witnessed a collapse, thieves, thugs, and lawlessness. No one could stop it except Hamas. That’s why people support them."

UN aid now reaches the people

Before the truce, over 80% of UN aid was looted or intercepted by desperate civilians or armed gangs, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

But last month, only about 5% of aid was disrupted, thanks in part to the deployment of Hamas’ internal security forces, known locally as the “Blue Police,” who have successfully cracked down on theft and ensured aid distribution.

This return to order, paired with continued support and allegiance to the armed resistance against the Israeli occupation, has allowed Hamas to maintain trust among the people of Gaza, extending its influence both as a Resistance force and as a governing body.

Polls corroborate sentiments

A recent poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research shows a significant shift in public opinion in favor of Hamas. The survey found that 51% of Gazans viewed the group’s performance during the war positively, up from 43% in May and 39% just over a year ago.

Additionally, 41% of respondents said they would vote for Hamas in a future election, the highest level of support since December 2023.

These numbers reflect a growing appreciation for the Resistance’s resilience and ability to provide stability in the face of continued aggression and blockade.

Palestinians reject foreign control and disarmament demands

The increasing support for Hamas complicates attempts to disarm the Resistance to open up the way for Israeli publicly announced ethnic cleansing plans, under the guise of a promised but not guaranteed withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces and their replacement with a foreign force.

But the people of Gaza are far from embracing such conditions. According to the same poll, 55% rejected the idea of disarming Hamas, and 52% opposed the entry of any international force tasked with dismantling the Resistance.

“This majority shows that even those who may not align politically with Hamas still see the importance of maintaining arms for national defense,” said Khalil Shikaki, head of the polling center. “There’s deep concern over Israel’s true objective, and fears of chaos in the absence of an organized Resistance.”

Over the past two years, Hamas has borne the brunt of immense sacrifices in defense of the Palestinian people, particularly during repeated escalations and full-scale assaults by the Israeli occupation on the Gaza Strip.

Thousands of fighters and civilians have been martyred, infrastructure targeted, and entire communities displaced, all while the Resistance remained steadfast. Despite these challenges, Hamas has secured notable achievements, most significantly the successful negotiation of a prisoner exchange that led to the release of Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons.

This operation not only demonstrated the movement’s strategic leverage but also reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to defending Palestinian rights and resisting occupation through all available means.