As Israel expands its military operations in Gaza, more citizens are openly resisting Hamas, with educators and activists working to establish a peaceful, non-Hamas civil administration. In eastern Rafah, teachers are setting up the first schools focused on peace and tolerance, as part of a broader movement seeking to replace Hamas’ rule.
Samira Mousa Mohammed Abu Mousa, one of the educators, emphasized the need to teach children about freedom, dignity, and human rights, highlighting the critical role of education in shaping a more just future. She explained that Hamas’ discriminatory practices have created deep-seated mistrust among the populace, and the new schools aim to instill a sense of hope and self-determination in the next generation. During a recent lesson, she asked her students, “Is it OK to violate a girl’s rights and lock her in her room?” The response was immediate: “No way!” the children replied. “Everyone has the right for freedom.” She emphasized the broader mission of education beyond academics, noting that the curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and civic responsibility.
Meanwhile, legal activist Moumen al-Natour, who co-founded the ‘We Want to Live’ movement, described how Hamas has intensified its crackdown on dissent, forcing him to live in hiding. Al-Natour noted a significant shift in public sentiment, with more Gazans now openly criticizing Hamas for the humanitarian crisis and the loss of life. He said that the number of people opposing Hamas has dramatically increased since the Oct. 7 attack, as the suffering caused by Hamas’ actions has turned the tide among the civilian population. “People like me yearn for peace, comfort, hope and safety. We want to live in an environment free of war, shelling and destruction. We have been living through war for two years. We will begin again and restore education, God willing,” he said.
Political analysts also warn that Hamas’ growing militancy and Israel’s refusal to engage in negotiations are worsening the situation, raising concerns about escalating violence and the potential for further humanitarian disaster. Mkhaimer Abusada, a Gazan political analyst based in Cairo, told Fox News Digital that the Israeli government’s stance, which offers Hamas no alternative or negotiation options, has exacerbated the crisis. “The worst is yet to come,” Abusada warned. “The Israeli cabinet’s plan to take over Gaza City and the entire Gaza Strip will only make the situation more catastrophic.”
Abusada further noted that Palestinians are calling for Hamas to accept a ceasefire and include other parties in the negotiations. “Negotiating solely with Hamas doesn’t help… Hamas people don’t care about death. They think if they die, they go to paradise. That is why it’s very rare when Hamas fighters surrender. Most of them fight until the end, wanting to become shaheed (martyrs). They are ready to die.” He emphasized that the voices from Gaza are increasingly urging Hamas to bring in the Palestinian Authority or Egypt to be part of the ceasefire talks. “People just want an end to this madness,” he said.
Another Gazan, who requested anonymity, echoed these sentiments. “It’s true a lot of people are against Hamas now. People speak freely about it. They’re not afraid anymore. They don’t fear Hamas anymore. They are just killers, stupid people,” he said. “The people of Gaza don’t want to fight Israel,” the Gazan man added, “But at the same time, many Gazans do blame Israel for not differentiating between civilians and Hamas. Why are we being kept in the same area as Hamas? Israel should have thought about safe zones from the beginning. Now, more people are realizing the importance of this idea. We need many safe zones where people can go, far from Hamas, and where aid can reach them.”
These efforts reflect a growing resistance against Hamas, with citizens, educators, and activists increasingly rejecting the group’s rule and calling for a government that serves civilians rather than the terror organization. As the conflict continues, the voices of those fighting for change in Gaza are growing louder, despite the risks they face for speaking out against Hamas.