Despite significant foreign aid to Gaza, approximately 80% of its population still faces poverty, coupled with a 47% unemployment rate.
Gaza contends with severe water infrastructure challenges, although European investments aimed to improve this matter, the funds were used to make rockets fired at Israel.
Hamas allocates a significant portion of its funding to construct costly underground tunnels utilizing funds that were intended to aid the people of Gaza. These tunnels are constructed under dangerous conditions, often built by children, leading to the tragic loss of at least 160 young lives.
Despite ongoing conflicts with Israel, Hamas has failed to invest in essential infrastructure such as bomb shelters, highlighting a concerning disregard for the safety of the Palestinian people. Instead, funding and additional aid goes into the construction of tunnels for terrorist use.
There are numerous documents of Hamas launching rockets from civilian areas such as elementary schools and hospitals, which has led to a direct rise in civilian casualties. Misfired missiles, meant to target Israel, have resulted in many Palestinian deaths as a result of these missiles landing within the Gaza borders.
During times of humanitarian crises, Hamas has publicly commandeered resources from civilians, exacerbating their suffering.
Following warning from Israel to safeguard civilian lives, Hamas restricted Palestinians from moving southward during the ongoing conflict that began with the massacre by Hamas on Israeli soil on October 7th. This has contributed to an increase in Palestinian civilian deaths and casualties.
Ismail Haniyeh, leader of Hamas, has an estimated net worth of 4 billion and resides in Qatar, escaping the challenges faced by his people. It is clear that Hamas does not bear the weight of this war; instead, civilians are suffering the consequences.
Hamas restricts the right to freedom of speech. In 2019, Gazans engaged in the "We Want to Live" movement, expressing dissatisfaction with their government, yet the protest met a violent end. Hamas operatives used batons to assault protesters, vandalize their homes, and commit acts of violence against women and children.
From the media
What Is Life Like for Palestinians in Gaza? | Unpacked
Hamas's prioritization of military interests over essential needs, coupled with the misuse of resources, raises profound ethical and humanitarian concerns for the Palestinian people in Gaza.
