Hamas emerged bruised and battered from the 50 days of fighting in Operation Protective Edge, and programs for reconstruction in the Gaza Strip have not progressed at the pace expected by the leadership. The severe economic situation and the ensuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza are liable to be a catalyst for public protest that could threaten the Hamas government. Furthermore, as of now no political horizon is in sight, and the armed struggle against Israel remains a key element in the organization’s political Islamic ideology.
