Al-Fassel | 2025-10-22

Gaza, long battered by war, now faces fresh allegations of abuse under Hamas’ control. Reports from human rights groups and aid workers paint a grim picture of food seizures, aid diversion, and violent crackdowns on dissent.

Aid diversion

Humanitarian convoys entering Gaza face tight security, but armed actors often divert supplies. Aid workers and witnesses describe chaotic scenes where food and essential goods are hoarded or resold, leaving civilians scrambling for survival.

News agencies have documented instances of aid being siphoned off to black markets, further exacerbating the region’s already dire conditions. These practices complicate life-saving relief efforts, deepening the suffering of Gaza’s population.

“The diversion of aid is not just theft—it’s a betrayal of those who need it most,” said one aid worker who requested anonymity.

Hamas has also been accused of executing Palestinians suspected of collaboration or dissent. Reuters reported a wave of killings following a recent ceasefire, as Hamas sought to reassert control.

Human rights organizations have cataloged these abuses, labeling them unlawful and a violation of international norms.

Video evidence and eyewitness accounts reveal violent crackdowns targeting civilians, further eroding trust in Hamas’ control. "These actions are not just illegal, they’re deeply immoral," said a spokesperson for an international human rights group.

Ethical debate

Hamas’ tactics have sparked a theological debate within the Muslim world. Prominent Islamic scholars argue that targeting civilians and worsening communal suffering contradict Islamic principles.

Professor Dr. Salman al-Dayah, an influential scholar, has openly criticized Hamas, stating in a six-page fatwa, "Human life is more precious to God than Mecca."

His critique has fueled conversations among Palestinians about whether political ends justify methods that harm the very people Hamas claims to represent.

The allegations against Hamas highlight a troubling reality: when governance relies on force and fear, it often worsens humanitarian crises and undermines moral authority.

For Gaza’s civilians, the cost is measured in food shortages, lost freedoms, and lives cut short. As Gaza tries to start a new chapter, the question remains: Will Hamas allow the enclave to recover?