Hamas: The Cancer Devouring Gaza

As cancer corrodes the body, Hamas corrodes Gaza. The pressing question is: to what extent has it metastasized within the Palestinian population?

“Cancer spreads, or metastasizes, when cells break away from the original tumor, travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and establish new tumors in other parts of the body by invading the tissue at their new location. Essentially, the cancer cells migrate to a new site where they grow and form a secondary tumor, which remains the same type of cancer as the original.” – AI

The analogy is striking. Palestinians have endured the grip of Hamas for years. They lack a stable home, a sovereign country, and the chance for a fulfilling life. Much like a cult, Hamas acts as a leader that is either blindly followed out of conviction or obeyed out of fear. Some individuals genuinely believe in a perpetually violent and unfulfilled existence, while others are indoctrinated from childhood to accept this as their fate. Many parents, trapped in a cycle of fear and despair, push their children to join Hamas, hoping against hope that this sacrifice might somehow bring an end to their suffering. Meanwhile, the younger generation becomes entranced by the idea of becoming “freedom fighters,” tasked with saving their people and reclaiming lost lands.

This cancer continues to grow, resistant to any known treatment—whether it be surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. No matter how forcefully or deeply the IDF strikes, Hamas resurfaces within weeks, stronger and more entrenched. After so many years, how ideologically independent can the majority of the Palestinian population be?

Breaking the hold of a cult typically requires separating children from their parents and parents from the leaders. Only then can the deeply ingrained dogmas and distorted values be dismantled. But is it realistic to imagine that Hamas leaders could be isolated from their followers, and their followers from their families? If such a separation were possible, how many months—or even years—would it take to undo the layers of indoctrination that have permeated their lives?

This cancer extends beyond Hamas; the hatred for Israel and the People of the Book has metastasized in many Arab societies. Countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia have, for years, financed hate promoters in worldwide academia, the media, businesses, financial institutions, and NGOs. Iran stands out as the worst offender—not only dreaming of Israel’s destruction but actively financing and supporting terrorist groups like Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Hamas itself.

It is no surprise, then, that the complete elimination of these terrorist groups remains an almost impossible task. No matter what actions are taken, they consistently resurface with the same—if not greater—numbers, weaponry, and resolve as before.

The question is: how can Gaza be cured? Can it even be cured? The Palestinian population is trapped in a lose-lose situation. Hamas will never achieve victory, yet the people cannot rid themselves of Hamas. Every attempted solution has failed.

It is often said that defining the problem correctly is half the solution. What steps, then, can be taken to transform Gaza into a prosperous and peaceful territory—ideally one with a Palestinian majority? Is such a future even conceivable, or is this patient destined to succumb?