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Mounting Criticism in the West Bank Over Hamas' Calls for Protests in Support of Gaza
The Hamas movement is facing a wave of criticism in the West Bank following its call for citizens to participate in popular protests in support of the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing war and escalating destruction there. These criticisms come from citizens, activists, and sources close to the Palestinian Authority, who express growing frustration with Hamas’ rhetoric, accusing the group of direct responsibility for the deteriorating situation in Gaza.
Many in the West Bank are questioning Hamas' "moral authority" to call people to action. In their view, the movement’s decisions in recent years—especially its latest military escalation—are the direct cause of Gaza’s devastation and the suffering of its residents, all without a clear political vision or tangible gains. Many Palestinians in the West Bank feel that Hamas distances itself from responsibility and then expects others to support and rally behind it.
One critic voiced this anger by saying: “Hamas caused all this destruction in Gaza, and now they want us to go out and protest for them? What have they done for the West Bank? In fact, what have they even done for the people of Gaza themselves?” This question reflects a disconnect between Hamas’ perspective and that of the street in the West Bank, which is experiencing a different reality under occupation and restrictions, and believes the priority should be alleviating people’s suffering, not exploiting it for political gain.
Observers point out that these criticisms reveal a deep rift in the Palestinian political fabric and confirm that the rhetoric of unity cannot be imposed through slogans, but rather requires an honest review of positions and policies. While Palestinians in Gaza endure the horrors of war, genuine solidarity must be built on shared responsibility—not on placing the burden of mistakes on people who didn’t make them.
The Palestinian street, both in the West Bank and Gaza, needs more than calls to protest; it needs a unified, transparent, and responsible leadership that truly represents its concerns and demands.
