The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, has elicited diverse responses from Palestinians in Gaza, reflecting the complex sentiments within the war-torn enclave.
Indifference Amidst Ongoing Suffering
Many Gazans expressed indifference to Haniyeh's death, citing the daily hardships they face. Reda Shahyon, a 42-year-old mother in Deir al Balah, stated, "His soul is not more precious than those of the people who are dying every day."
Criticism of Leadership
Some residents, like Jumaa Shuheibar, a 36-year-old who lost a leg during the war, criticized Hamas for exacerbating the suffering of Gazans. "I think he did not even care about what happened to the people in the tents," Shuheibar said, reflecting on Haniyeh's perceived disconnect from the realities on the ground.
Concerns Over Ceasefire Negotiations
While some, like Ms. Shahyon, believe Haniyeh's death won't significantly impact ceasefire talks, others express concern. Riyad al-Masri, 30, worried about the potential collapse of negotiations, viewing Haniyeh as an experienced leader in contrast to Gaza-based Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Hope for War's End
Ibrahim al-Khor, 20, expressed hope that Haniyeh's death might bring the conflict closer to resolution, speculating that Israel might be more willing to stop fighting after eliminating a key Hamas figure.
* The New York Times contributed to this article.
