In a startling escalation, Hamas has orchestrated a major assault on Israel, termed “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” highlighting the group’s adept use of Palestinian grievances as a rallying point. The despair among the Palestinian population, especially in Gaza—essentially an open-air prison with extreme poverty, high unemployment, and an Israeli blockade—is a breeding ground for radicalization. In the West Bank, dismembered by settlements and checkpoints, a sense of hopelessness prevails. Political deadlock, economic woes, and the failure of negotiations further contribute to the despair, creating fertile ground for Hamas to mobilize support. The group’s recent attack capitalizes on this desperation, with potential repercussions, including the risk of a new intifada, signaling the complexities of a conflict that has endured since 1948.