Fact Check: Humanitarian suffering in Gaza will continue until Hamas gives up governance.

Fact Check: Humanitarian suffering in Gaza will continue until Hamas gives up governance

What We Know

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels of suffering, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and governance issues. According to a report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), as of April 2025, over 50,810 Palestinians have been killed, including thousands of women and children, and the healthcare system is in shambles, with most hospitals either partially or completely destroyed (Gaza's day after). The report also indicates that approximately 96% of Gaza's population faces acute food insecurity, and the education system has been severely disrupted, with over 658,000 students lacking access to formal education (Gaza's day after).

The governance of Gaza has been under Hamas since 2007, and the group's control has been a significant factor in the region's political and humanitarian landscape. The challenges of reconstruction and governance are intricately linked to the security situation, which is heavily influenced by Hamas's continued rule. Experts suggest that any long-term humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts will depend significantly on the political stability and governance structure in Gaza, which is currently dominated by Hamas (Gaza's day after).

Analysis

The claim that humanitarian suffering in Gaza will persist until Hamas relinquishes governance is partially true. While it is clear that Hamas's control has contributed to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the situation is multifaceted. The humanitarian crisis is not solely a result of governance but also of the prolonged conflict, external blockades, and the destruction wrought by military actions.

For instance, a report from the International Rescue Committee highlights that the humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by the lack of access to basic needs and services, which is influenced by both governance and the ongoing conflict (Crisis in Gaza). Furthermore, the reconstruction of Gaza is projected to take decades, with estimates ranging from 16 to over 80 years, depending on the pace of rebuilding and the political environment (Gaza's day after).

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high, as they come from reputable organizations such as UNOCHA and the International Rescue Committee. However, it is essential to recognize that reports from entities involved in humanitarian efforts may carry inherent biases, particularly regarding the political implications of governance in Gaza.

Conclusion

The verdict is Partially True. While it is accurate to state that the humanitarian suffering in Gaza is closely tied to the governance of Hamas, it is also essential to acknowledge that the crisis is a result of a complex interplay of factors, including ongoing conflict, external blockades, and the destruction of infrastructure. Therefore, while a change in governance may alleviate some aspects of the humanitarian crisis, it is not the sole solution to the multifaceted challenges facing Gaza.

Fact Check: Humanitarian suffering in Gaza will continue until Hamas gives up governance.