the cultural psyche of its supporters. For decades, this worldview has been reinforced through education systems, media narratives, and religious discourse that valorise violence as a legitimate and even noble response to perceived grievances….
The international community often misunderstands or overlooks this aspect of Hamas’s ideology, focusing instead on the material and humanitarian dimensions of the conflict. While these are undeniably important, they cannot fully explain the group’s behaviour or motivations. The focus on killing Jews as an act of religious and ideological fulfilment is not a byproduct of desperation or poverty; it is a central tenet of Hamas’s mission. This ideology fuels their willingness to sacrifice the wellbeing of Gaza’s population in pursuit of their goals, framing suffering as a necessary and even desirable cost in the struggle against Israel.
These dynamics are reinforced by Hamas’s control over Gaza’s media and public discourse. The organisation carefully curates the narrative, portraying each attack on Israel as a step toward liberation and framing every loss of Palestinian life as a heroic sacrifice. This propaganda machine ensures that the population remains ideologically aligned with Hamas’s goals, even as they bear the brunt of the suffering caused by its actions. The post-conflict celebrations are not spontaneous expressions of relief or victory but orchestrated displays of loyalty to an ideology that prioritises resistance above all else.
The international community’s reluctance to confront the ideological roots of Hamas allows this dynamic to persist. By framing the conflict solely in terms of territory or humanitarian crises, many overlook the extent to which Hamas is driven by a worldview that glorifies violence and martyrdom. This ideological foundation ensures that no ceasefire, negotiation, or reconstruction effort can fully address the conflict as long as Hamas remains committed to its ultimate goal: the destruction of Israel and the eradication of Jews from the region.
In these celebrations, Hamas has revealed its true priorities. It is not marking the survival of Gaza’s population, the rebuilding of its society, or the potential for peace. Instead, it is celebrating death – the deaths of Jews, the deaths of its own fighters, and the deaths yet to come. This stark reality underscores the challenge of achieving lasting peace in a conflict where one side views violence not as a regrettable necessity but as a cause for celebration.
Meanwhile students across the West see Hamas as heroic fighters against settler colonialism, and – joining hands with the jihadists – happily swallow all the antisemitism that comes with the Hamas package. We have a new generation, presuming themselves to be progressive and on the left, with an alarming resemblance to the old fascist and Nazi groups we thought were confined to the history books.
