Clerics Debate Hamas Attack's Justification

The Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has sparked a significant debate among Palestinian clerics in Gaza. Prominent preacher Suleiman Al-Dayya argued that battles should be avoided if they cause greater harm to civilians, questioning the wisdom of such actions when they threaten the foundations of life and religion. While Al-Dayya's views are respected among Gazans and in the West Bank, a group of clerics defended the attack as a legitimate act of jihad. The assault resulted in unprecedented casualties, with Israeli reports indicating 1,200 killed and over 250 hostages, while the Gaza health ministry reported nearly 44,000 deaths and extensive destruction in Gaza from Israel's retaliatory offensive. The ongoing conflict has left millions in Gaza desperate for basic necessities. This dialogue reflects broader tensions within Palestinian society regarding the ethics and consequences of armed resistance.