FIRST ON FOX: As preparations advance for expanding operations within the enclave, a subtle wave of opposition is emerging against Hamas. In eastern Rafah, educators are establishing the initial groundwork for schools that will prioritize peace and tolerance, operating under a non-Hamas civil administration.
Samira Mousa Mohammed Abu Mousa, one of the teachers, conveyed in an interview, “I despise Hamas because they were prejudiced, extremely biased, even in job placements. Connections were necessary to secure employment.”
Her classroom has evolved into a learning environment for children. During a recent session, she inquired of her students, “Is it permissible to infringe upon a girl’s rights and confine her to her room?” The children’s immediate reply was, “Absolutely not!” adding, “Everyone is entitled to freedom.” She underscored that education’s purpose extends beyond academic subjects.
“Individuals like myself long for tranquility, solace, optimism, and security. We desire to reside in an environment free from warfare, shelling, and devastation. We have endured conflict for two years. We intend to restart and reestablish education, God willing.”
The initiatives in eastern Rafah reflect a broader shift across Gaza. Residents, educators, and activists are increasingly rejecting Hamas, advocating for a governing body that serves civilians, not the militant group.
“They’ve been monitoring me for months,” Moumen al-Natour, a lawyer and co-founder of the We Want to Live movement, disclosed to Digital. He has been forced to live as a fugitive due to the suppression of dissent.
“I am constantly relocating and concealing myself because I wish to avoid being killed or even incapacitated. This is characteristic of Hamas’s operations.”
Al-Natour, who also serves as president of Palestinian Youth for Development, indicates that the number of people opposing Hamas has significantly increased since October 7. He notes, “There was some opposition to Hamas previously, but following the attack and its subsequent repercussions, more and more people in Gaza resent them. The suffering inflicted by Hamas’s actions has fundamentally altered sentiment.
“It’s a disastrous situation… almost the entire population has been displaced.”
Al-Natour states that Hamas employs severe measures to silence any opposition. “Hamas recently circulated a video depicting members of the Al-Qassam Brigades executing individuals. They publicly threatened anyone who speaks out against them, declaring they would be treated as adversaries.”
Mkhaimer Abusada, a Gazan political analyst speaking from Cairo, informed Digital, “There is strong anti-Hamas sentiment in general, whether in Gaza or among Palestinians here in Cairo. The Palestinian populace has endured unimaginable hardship over the past 22 months – including fatalities, destruction, and starvation – with many now holding Hamas directly accountable. Ultimately, they attribute blame to Hamas for the Oct. 7 attack.”
He remarked that the Israeli government’s stance, which offers Hamas no alternative or negotiation options, has exacerbated the situation. “The worst is still to come,” Abusada cautioned. “The effort to take control of Gaza City and the entire Gaza Strip will only make the situation more catastrophic.”
Palestinians, according to Abusada, are urging Hamas to agree to a ceasefire and to include other parties in the negotiations. “Negotiating exclusively with Hamas is unhelpful… Hamas members are indifferent to death. They believe that if they perish, they enter paradise. This is why it is very uncommon for Hamas fighters to surrender. Most of them battle until the end, aspiring to become shaheed (martyrs). They are prepared to die.”
“The sentiments I hear from Gaza are calls for Hamas to involve the PA (Palestinian Authority) or other entities in ceasefire discussions. People simply desire an end to this turmoil,” he said.
Another Gazan, who requested anonymity, reiterated these sentiments. “It is true that many people are now against Hamas. People express their opinions freely. They are no longer fearful. They no longer dread Hamas; they are merely killers, foolish individuals.”
“The people of Gaza do not wish to fight Israel,” the Gazan man added, “but simultaneously, many Gazans do fault Israel for failing to differentiate between civilians and Hamas. Why are we being confined to the same area as Hamas? Israel should have considered safe zones from the outset. Now, more people are recognizing the importance of this concept. We require numerous safe zones where people can go, far from Hamas, and where aid can reach them.”
“For the first time, people are speaking out, even at significant personal risk… they seek change. They desire an end to the violence, and they are prepared to make their voices heard,” al-Natour stated.