The fear barrier surrounding the Hamas regime has broken. For the first time, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets Jan. 12 over the electricity crisis in the Gaza Strip. The protesters were not afraid of Hamas’ security forces and were willing to confront them. Ever since Hamas took control over the Gaza Strip in a military coup almost a decade ago, many residents in the Strip have suffered from extreme poverty. As far as many of them are concerned, they no longer have anything to lose.
The movement’s leadership, those of the political and military wings alike who had quickly suppressed early signs of popular protest against the regime in the past, were shocked by the intensity of the electricity protest. And this time, they cannot get away with casting the blame elsewhere.