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.

In the past, Hamas would blame Israel and its blockade for the serious economic situation in the Strip. It also blamed the Palestinian Authority leadership, mainly President Mahmoud Abbas, for “abandoning his people” and not reconciling with Hamas due to his self-serving agenda. This time, it didn’t work. It seems that the Strip's residents no longer view Hamas as the victim of Israeli policy.

Now, for the first time, Gaza's residents have turned an accusing finger to the tunnels, where Hamas’ military wing invests millions of dollars, instead of investing to improve the lives of the residents who endure disgraceful poverty and hardship.