What’s happening

Palestinians in Gaza have made stark allegations against Hamas, revealing the levels of abuse and neglect they have faced under the militant group’s rule. Some interviewees have even expressed a preference for the presence of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) over Hamas, articulating a sense of safety when in the proximity of Israeli soldiers.

Why it matters

The testimonies uncover a troubling picture of life in Gaza, where residents claim to be victims of arbitrary violence and intimidation by Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives. These stories suggest a growing discontentment among Palestinians with the entities ruling over them, and point to serious human rights concerns within the Gaza Strip.

Details of abuse

During recent IDF interrogations, Gazan detainees shared personal accounts of the troubling tactics used by Hamas. For example, one man described how an explosive device was placed near his residence by militants, disregarding the safety of his family. His protests were met with violence—he was shot in the leg for objecting.

Using civilians as shields

Former and current Hamas affiliates, such as Mohammed Darwish Amara and Zuhadi Ali Zahadi Shahi, provided insights into the group’s operations. They highlighted instances where Hamas operatives took over civilian properties for military purposes, demonstrating a disregard for the welfare of Gazans, which sometimes led to the appropriation of familial lands for militant use.

The IDF alternative

Zuhadi Ali Zahadi Shahi contrasted his experiences with Hamas to those with the IDF. He described a situation where Hamas prevented civilians from accessing aid provided by the IDF, using them as human shields. His encounter with the IDF during a foray inside Al-Shifa Hospital was surprisingly different as IDF personnel provided food and water, making him feel safe—a sentiment starkly opposed to his feelings towards Hamas.

Takeaways

The accounts from residents in Gaza highlight distressing human rights abuses and challenge the narrative of Hamas as a protective force for Palestinians in the region. These revelations may influence the perspective on the Israel-Gaza conflict, drawing attention to internal issues within Gaza and the plight of civilians living under Hamas rule.

This story was first published on ynetnews.com.