Who said there was a coup? Hamas won the elections and became the leadership, so they just changed the old corrupted security forces into new better ones and I totally support them” a Palestinian woman said.

Within a week of Hamas executive forces takeover, crime, drug smuggling, tribal clashes and kidnappings had disappeared. Hamas had the chance for the first time since its victory in the 2005 elections to show its ability to control the situation in Gaza.

Yet Palestine has been divided for the first time by Palestinian hands, with two different governments controlling the West bank and Gaza respectively.

“It’s very sad to see Palestinians killing each other at a time when Israelis are building more settlements, and detaining more Palestinians,” Mohammed, a 23 year old from Khan Younis City said.

He added, “What Hamas did as a first step was not wrong actually, but also we can’t say that it was right!” The civil society from its side was nourished in Gaza with peace on the streets and an observed quietness in every side of life, because Hamas banned the illegal possession of guns and rockets and the partying with firearms. Traffice in Gaza’s streets became disciplined. Yet, when Israel branded Gaza as a Hostile Entity, it transformed Gaza into a big jail once more.

People can’t travel or work anymore, and the financial and economic situation is becoming bad. Only a few basic necessities are allowed to enter to meet the needs of the 1.5 million inhabitants in Gaza.

Fairouz, a 22-year-old Palestinian girl said, “It’s not Hamas who caused the blockade, but America and Israel. They didn’t respect the Palestinians’ choice since the beginning.”

On the other hand Assef, from Jabalia refugee camp added, “Life after the coup has become mysterious and miserable. We don’t know to where it leads us. There are sick people who need recovery outside and all the borders are closed.”

Whatever where the consequences of this conflict, Hamas and Fateh can both be called losers along with all Palestinians. Right now the list of woes includes the international boycott, the closure of borders, the unpaid salaries, the collapse of the economy and the increasing humiliation and frustration of the people.