[News] US plot for Gaza in shambles amid continued popular support for Hamas

[Anti-Imperialist News]

english.almayadeen.net 
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/us-plot-for-gaza-in-shambles-amid-continued-popular-support> 



  US plot for Gaza in shambles amid continued popular support for Hamas

Al Mayadeen English
November 17, 2025
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Support for Hamas continues and grows in Gaza following the ceasefire, 
as its role in restoring security and resisting the Israeli occupation 
challenges Trump’s disarmament plan.

  * Hamas fighters stand in formation as they prepare for the ceremony
    of Israeli captive hand over to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, central
    Gaza Strip, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP)
    <https://alpha-en-media.almayadeen.net/media/image/2025/11/17/b337ffbe-9a21-4aba-9235-4a5281bbcebb.jpg?width=1000>
    Hamas fighters stand in formation as they prepare for the ceremony
    of Israeli captive handover to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, central
    Gaza Strip, Feb. 22, 2025. (/AP/)

The Palestinian Resistance movement, Hamas, has seen a notable rise in 
popular support across Gaza following the latest ceasefire, presenting a 
major obstacle to US President Donald Trump 
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/us-hamas-rapprochement-worries-israeli-officials--israeli-me>’s 
disarmament-centered scheme for the Gaza Strip, the /Wall Street 
Journal/ reported.

A key driver of increased support has been the restoration of security. 
In the aftermath of the ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli 
occupation forces, Hamas fighters swiftly returned to the streets as 
internal security and police forces. Their presence curbed lawlessness, 
restored public order, and reinforced their role as a pillar of 
resistance and governance.

The overwhelming sentiment in Gaza has favored the stability brought 
about by the Resistance group’s return to policing duties. Many 
Palestinians credit the Resistance with safeguarding daily life in the 
face of external aggression and internal instability caused by the 
Israeli intentional attacks on civil servants and the arming and 
supporting of local gangs.

In this context, Hazem Sarour, a 22-year-old businessman in Gaza City, 
stated, "We witnessed a collapse, thieves, thugs, and lawlessness. No 
one could stop it except Hamas 
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/gaza-resistance-forces-arrest-collaborators--seize-militia-p>. 
That’s why people support them."

*Read more: Gaza Resistance forces arrest collaborators, seize militia 
positions 
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/gaza-resistance-forces-arrest-collaborators--seize-militia-p>*


    UN aid now reaches the people

Before the truce, over 80% of UN aid was looted or intercepted 
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/unrwa---israel--violating-law-by-blocking-urgent-gaza-aid-de> 
by desperate civilians or armed gangs, according to the UN Office for 
the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

But last month, only about 5% of aid was disrupted, thanks in part to 
the deployment of Hamas’ internal security forces, known locally as the 
“Blue Police,” who have successfully cracked down on theft and ensured 
aid distribution.

This return to order, paired with continued support and allegiance to 
the armed resistance against the Israeli occupation, has allowed Hamas 
to maintain trust among the people of Gaza, extending its influence both 
as a Resistance force and as a governing body.


    Polls corroborate sentiments

A recent poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research 
shows a significant shift in public opinion in favor of Hamas. The 
survey found that *51%* of Gazans viewed the group’s performance during 
the war positively, up from *43%* in May and *39%* just over a year ago.

Additionally, *41%* of respondents said they would vote for Hamas in a 
future election 
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/winning-world-cup-easier-than-demilitarizing-gaza--ex-shin-b>, 
the highest level of support since December 2023.

These numbers reflect a growing appreciation for the Resistance’s 
resilience and ability to provide stability in the face of continued 
aggression and blockade.


    Palestinians reject foreign control and disarmament demands

The increasing support for Hamas complicates attempts to disarm the 
Resistance to open up the way for Israeli publicly announced ethnic 
cleansing plans, under the guise of a promised but not guaranteed 
withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces and their replacement with a 
foreign force.

But the people of Gaza are far from embracing such conditions. According 
to the same poll, *55%* rejected the idea of disarming Hamas, and *52%* 
opposed the entry of any international force 
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/hamas--other-factions-urge-algeria-to-reject-us-gaza-forces> 
tasked with dismantling the Resistance.

“This majority shows that even those who may not align politically with 
Hamas still see the importance of maintaining arms for national 
defense,” said Khalil Shikaki, head of the polling center. “There’s deep 
concern over Israel’s true objective, and fears of chaos in the absence 
of an organized Resistance.”

Over the past two years, Hamas has borne the brunt of immense sacrifices 
in defense of the Palestinian people, particularly during repeated 
escalations and full-scale assaults by the Israeli occupation on the 
Gaza Strip.

Thousands of fighters and civilians have been martyred 
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/ceasefire-in-name-only--gaza-death-toll-nears-70-000>, 
infrastructure targeted, and entire communities displaced, all while the 
Resistance remained steadfast. Despite these challenges, Hamas has 
secured notable achievements, most significantly the successful 
negotiation of a prisoner exchange that led to the release of 
Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons.

This operation not only demonstrated the movement’s strategic leverage 
but also reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to defending Palestinian 
rights and resisting occupation through all available means.

*Read more: Hamas hails prisoner release as national milestone for 
Palestine 
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/hamas-hails-prisoner-release-as-national-milestone-for-pales>*

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://freedomarchives.org/pipermail/news_freedomarchives.org/attachments/20251117/42c75809/attachment.htm>