Hamas faced with bitter choices – Ramzy Baroud – Gulf News

Following the immeasurable brutality of the Israeli assault on Gaza last summer, coupled with a completed siege and sealed borders on all sides, Hamas finds itself in an almost impossible situation, leading it to foster closer ties with Iran. Seemingly isolated from many Arab countries, and left by the international community to languish on its own, the movement is facing formidable challenges: a mired economy, ruined infrastructure, destroyed Rafah tunnels and a continued Israeli siege.

Following Operation Cast Lead, which took place in July-August 2014, instead of speedily setting up government ministries in Gaza, funnelling money into the devastated Strip and beginning the reconstruction process right away, the Ramallah-based government of Rami Hamdallah delayed everything as a result of what could only be understood as political reasoning. Little of the money promised to rebuild Gaza has been delivered anyway. Even Gaza’s creativity in the art of survival is finding its limitations. Without an outlet, however restrictive, Gaza will not be able to cope for much longer.

Gaza could have survived, except that the Israeli war has left behind thousands of homeless families, over 11,000 wounded and its population entrenched in poverty.

So, what is Hamas to do? …

Hamas faced with bitter choices – Ramzy Baroud – Gulf News