Hamas, already facing dwindling support, is encountering a significant crisis as internal pressure mounts to end the ongoing conflict and secure the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks.

Joe Truzman, a senior research analyst and editor at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ “Long War Journal,” specializing in Palestinian terrorist groups, stated that Hamas’s opposition to the U.S. and Israel-coordinated aid distribution mechanism indicates its priority is maintaining authority over the well-being of Palestinians.

Despite the ongoing aid blockade and widespread starvation in Gaza, Hamas has threatened Palestinians who accept food aid, warning of consequences.

Nevertheless, Palestinians have been flocking to U.S.-Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution centers, leading to chaotic scenes. The IDF reported firing warning shots to control the situation and ensure troop safety after civilians overran a distribution site on Tuesday.

The U.N. Human Rights Office claimed dozens were injured by gunfire, while the Hamas-run health ministry reported one death and numerous injuries, though independent verification was unavailable.

GHF refuted reports of questioning or detaining Palestinians receiving aid, stating that reports of shootings or killings during aid distribution were inaccurate and originated from Hamas, aiming to undermine the GHF’s efforts to deliver lifesaving aid.

Truzman explained that Hamas has an interest in portraying aid delivery negatively and using chaos to promote its narrative.

Hamas previously controlled aid flows, using them for governance, loyalty reinforcement, patronage, and internal control. Losing this influence poses a threat to the group’s power.

Truzman added that being sidelined from the aid process is causing a legitimacy crisis for Hamas.

Despite the chaos, GHF reported distributing thousands of food boxes containing hundreds of thousands of meals. Deliveries are set to increase.

A Gazan civilian told the Center for Peace Communications that Hamas’s failure to provide affordable food has forced people to seek aid from the American distribution site.

The Gazan expressed gratitude for the assistance and criticized Hamas’s inaction, urging them to stop hindering the people’s access to aid, emphasizing the dire need for assistance.

Increasingly, civilians are seeking external relief and demanding the return of hostages, an end to the war, and even evacuation from Gaza.

Truzman stated that this shift undermines Hamas’s authority and reveals its weakened position.

He cautioned against assuming Hamas will yield easily, noting that its remaining leaders are among the most ideologically rigid and militarily dedicated members.

Hamas gained control of Gaza in 2007 after defeating Fatah. Its support has been reportedly lacking in recent years, even before the October 7, 2023, attacks.

Israel and Egypt have restricted the flow of goods into Gaza for decades, with border controls tightened since the 1980s. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2025.

However, a report indicated that most Gazans blamed food shortages on the Hamas government’s mismanagement, while another portion attributed it to inflation.

The report also indicated that nearly half of Palestinian civilians distrusted Hamas’s leadership, while only about a third supported the group.

Support is decreasing after the October 7, 2023 attacks, and the subsequent devastation brought to the Gaza Strip.

Truzman stated that if the new aid mechanism improves living conditions more effectively than Hamas has during wartime, public dissatisfaction will likely persist. He added that even an imperfect, externally managed system may highlight Hamas’s governance failures and prioritization of power over the population’s well-being.

He concluded that even the perception of improved life without Hamas might further turn public sentiment against the group.

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