Are Gaza's Residents Truly Free After the Ceasefire?

Introduction

Since last night, Hamas has been trying to portray the ceasefire as a significant achievement, but the voices from Gaza tell a very different story. After 15 months of devastating war, most Palestinians in Gaza feel relieved that the fighting has stopped, but they know they are returning to ruins.

Salma, a Gaza resident, expresses her feelings with pain: “Did we gain anything from October 7?

466 days of fear, hunger, displacement, and destruction. This can only be called bittersweet joy.”

Karim, another resident, adds: “We survived physically, but not with our memories.” Silwan, another resident, describes a deep sense of loneliness: “I feel like the only survivor on the morning of the ceasefire.” 

The Clash of Narratives

While Palestinians in Gaza face total devastation, Hamas is spreading a detached narrative. Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk delivered a “victory” speech, claiming that “the achievements of October 7 will be passed down for generations” and that Israel failed in its attempt to destroy Hamas. However, Palestinian social media users quickly mocked him for framing the situation as a victory.

At the same time, scenes emerging from Gaza show Hamas signaling it will remain in power. In Khan Younis, armed militants paraded through the streets. In another video, a militant was seen waving a gun, threatening: “We are on the ground and will remain on the ground!” as the crowd around him chanted, “Allahu Akbar.”

The Fear of Hamas Returning to Power

Many Palestinians in Gaza fear the return of Hamas to power and the destructive consequences it could bring. Hamas not only used civilians as human shields during the past 15 months but also looted humanitarian aid meant to ease their suffering. Residents report that Hamas still instills fear and terror in the streets of Gaza against anyone who dares to protest.

Many express fears of retribution from Hamas for those who dared to speak out against them. They are terrified of the torture and oppression Hamas previously inflicted on its critics. However, it is important to note that opinions within Gaza vary. Some Palestinians remain supportive of Hamas, whether out of ideology, loyalty, or a belief that resistance is necessary against Israel. Others may feel trapped in a system where expressing dissent is dangerous.

Hamas Supporters and the Corrupt System

Alongside the critical voices in Gaza, there is also a layer of Hamas supporters who benefit from the corrupt system. These supporters have access to resources, senior positions, and financial aid, and they are an inseparable part of the regime’s control mechanism. For them, the continuation of Hamas rule is a personal interest, as it provides protection, prestige, and a source of income. Therefore, despite the general suffering in Gaza, some support the ruling system to maintain their economic and social situation. 

Different Voices from Gaza

In a recent report with Ohad Hamo from Channel 12, we heard voices of despair, fear, and distrust in Hamas’s rule that were previously rare before October 7. One resident even asked not to have his face blurred and said: “Hamas has brought nothing but destruction and ruin upon us. It exploited the citizens, and the funds were meant for their welfare. Our children have no future here. Some even say they would rather live under the IDF than Hamas, believing that Israel provides more basic aid and stability than Hamas. In contrast, Hamas loots and exploits our weakness for their benefit.”

While this reflects the sentiment of some Palestinians in Gaza, it does not represent the entire population. Many still see Hamas as part of the broader Palestinian struggle, while others feel caught between two harsh realities—Hamas’s rule and the effects of the ongoing conflict with Israel. 

Conclusions

So, the next time you see images or victory videos from Hamas in Gaza, stop and think about what truly lies behind the faces of Palestinians in Gaza. Behind the forced smiles and raised banners, there is a story of suffering, fear, and despair.

Gaza’s residents, like all Palestinians, have diverse opinions, experiences, and hopes for the future. Some still support Hamas, whether ideologically or out of necessity, while others desperately want to break free from its grip.

Today, many hope for a different future, one where their children can grow up without fear, and where they can rebuild their lives based on hope, peace, and prosperity. The big question that remains is: will the world support them in this process? And will there be enough internal strength within Gaza’s society to break the cycle of oppression and fear that Hamas imposes on them?

The scenes in Gaza may reflect a temporary victory for Hamas, but the reality on the ground tells a very different story, a story of a people fighting to survive, yearning for a real change and true freedom.

This struggle will not end with a single ceasefire, but only when Hamas’s rule ends and the balance shifts toward a new life for Palestinians in Gaza.