In the tale History of two cities, Dickens captured the stark contrast between life in London and Paris at a pivotal era. He framed a transition from an orderly, quiet existence to one defined by upheaval, violence, and rapid change. In a modern context, the narrative lines up with ongoing conflict in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, where peace has remained elusive for decades. The recent brutal attack by Hamas on October 7 has elicited a strong and uneven response from Israel, shaping perceptions among Palestinians and observers alike as they weigh the dynamics of power, resistance, and security. In every region, support for Hamas has not surpassed half of the population, while in the West Bank, public sentiment toward the group has surged in response to the current security crisis and the heavy costs of battle.
“Hamas retains a base of sympathy among some, but many oppose their leadership after the latest escalation. The price of their actions is tallied by those who see little benefit in adventurism”, remarks a journalist from the Gaza Strip who chose to remain anonymous for safety. He notes that outside support from allied states could change the balance of power, and that liberation rhetoric would not suffice if it does not translate into practical relief for residents. Historically, Hamas’s popularity in Gaza has declined over years amid tightening governance, persistent external pressure, and recurrent Israeli military responses. The regime has relied on mass detention and coercive control, actions that heighten tensions and provoke resistance.
When governance becomes a battleground for legitimacy, bureaucratic corruption and internal pressure can fuel popular discontent. A September survey by the Palestine Center for Policy and Research (PSR) found that 42% of respondents supported Hamas. Since the October 1 attacks in southern Israel, civilian casualties have mounted, and a late-November PSR update—which aligned with a ceasefire period—indicated a four-point rise in civilian support for resistance, climbing toward 850 respondents. The data reflect a population navigating fear, anger, and a search for a path to security and dignity amid a brutal cycle of retaliation.
Risk of protest in Gaza
In times of war, dissent is inherently risky, and Gaza is not exempt. The same anonymous source observes that Hamas operatives permeate many communities, and any effort to destabilize the status quo can draw swift, punitive responses. Verbal protests may be stifled, and those who speak out risk repercussions. In Israel, fear of arrest and police pressure has silenced portions of the Jewish minority that oppose the government’s stance on Gaza.
The situation in the West Bank echoes a different pattern. Dickens’s London serves as a historical reference point for a harsh reality: thousands of detainees, frequent raids, and numerous casualties among Palestinians. Public support for resistance has surged from 12% in September to 44% in the latest readings. More than eight in ten residents agree that Islamist attacks were intended to protect sacred sites, a perception held by a cross-section of communities. The political landscape reflects a struggle over sovereignty, identity, and the protection of holy places that resonates across borders.
Support for armed resistance
Experts and activists emphasize that the appeal of resistance arises from a sense that all other avenues have failed. As one physician, politician, and activist notes from Ramallah, the populace does not align strictly with Hamas but seeks a vehicle capable of altering the current situation. The intellectual base associated with Hamas largely originated in the West Bank rather than Gaza, and they have operated under restrictions since 2007, when Palestinian political unity fractured. This history complicates the quest for a sustainable political solution and fuels the atmosphere of conflict.
Analysts describe a generation of Palestinians that sees the world in stark terms. A political observer notes that the youth tend to view events in black-and-white terms, which strengthens calls for action—even when the outcomes are uncertain. With disillusionment toward long-standing processes and institutions, many people gravitate toward groups perceived as willing to safeguard dignity, even if the means are contested. That sentiment can, at times, blur lines between legitimate resistance and violence, complicating peace efforts.
In the eyes of many outside observers in Europe and North America, the Palestinian leadership under Mahmoud Abbas is viewed as responsible for post-war governance and the path toward political negotiation. Yet public opinion surveys suggest broad desire for change at the highest level, with a notable majority expressing that Abbas should step aside to enable fresh leadership and new approaches to peace planning. These attitudes reflect a broader longing for accountability and a clearer route to stability in a region scarred by recurring crises.