Gaza Clerics Debate Legitimacy of Hamas Attack Amidst Growing Civilian Toll

The Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the Israel-Hamas War, has ignited intense debate among Gaza's clerics, with differing views on the morality and consequences of the assault. Prominent preacher Suleiman Al-Dayya has voiced concerns that the heavy civilian death toll caused by the attack might outweigh any strategic benefits, urging Muslim leaders to reconsider initiating battles when the harm to civilians surpasses potential gains.

Al-Dayya, a former senior member of the Muslim Brotherhood and influential figure in Gaza and the West Bank, argued that jihad should be avoided if it leads to excessive destruction, especially when it jeopardizes the lives, property, and stability of civilians. His position aligns with a broader sentiment that battles should be fought only when the pillars of jihad are present, and victory is likely achievable.

However, late on Monday, a group of clerics in Gaza issued a statement defending the October 7 attack, calling it a legitimate act of jihad. The clerics affirmed the attack's religious legitimacy but questioned whether the timing of the decision was a mistake, given the devastating consequences it sparked. They acknowledged Al-Dayya's respected opinion but cautioned that his views could demoralize the public and fighters, potentially undermining the resolve of Palestinians engaged in the conflict.

As the war rages on, some Gaza residents are questioning the wisdom of Hamas’s decision to provoke such a large-scale conflict, especially in a region already struggling with extreme poverty and unemployment. The debate highlights the ongoing division within Gaza over the direction of the conflict and the cost of pursuing military action at the expense of civilian lives.