For decades, the Palestinian struggle for statehood has been one of the most compelling human rights causes of the modern era—a people seeking freedom, dignity, and sovereignty in their homeland. But in recent years, and especially after the October 7, 2023, event, the global perception of this cause has been deeply tarnished. The main reason for this erosion of sympathy lies in the actions and ideology of Hamas, a group whose pursuit of power has not only devastated Gaza but has also undermined the moral and diplomatic foundations of the Palestinian movement itself.

From Resistance to Extremism

Hamas was founded in 1987 during the First Intifada, emerging as an offshoot of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood. Initially, it claimed to represent “armed resistance" against Israeli occupation, a rhetoric that resonated with many Palestinians weary of displacement and oppression. However, over time, Hamas’s actions revealed a much darker agenda rooted in extremism, intolerance, and the rejection of peaceful coexistence.

Instead of building a political framework or a vision for a viable Palestinian state, Hamas invested its energy in militarisation. Its charter, steeped in theocratic language, rejected the very idea of Israel’s existence. This not only alienated potential international allies but also placed Hamas outside the global consensus that supports a two-State solution—the very foundation of legitimate Palestinian diplomacy.

October 7: A Turning Point

The October 7, 2023 attack, in which Hamas militants crossed into Israel, killing civilians and taking hostages, was a moral and strategic disaster. For Palestinians, it reversed decades of diplomatic progress and........

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