In the aftermath of the intense war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated Israel's determination to destroy Hamas. However, the conflict has had an unintended consequence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank - it has fueled Palestinian anger and discontent, leading to a surge in support for the designated terror organization.

Recent polls indicate a significant and alarming increase in the number of West Bank residents expressing support for Hamas. Since the terrorist organization's attack on Israel on October 7, support for Hamas has risen dramatically from 12% to 42%. The appalling humanitarian conditions and rising death toll in Gaza are believed to be major factors contributing to this surge in support.

One masked Hamas commander, identified as Abu Abed, bravely spoke to CBS News from an undisclosed location in the West Bank, confirming his status as a wanted man. Abu Abed revealed that he joined Hamas at the young age of 16 and has spent a considerable portion of his life in Israeli jails. Now working as a recruiter for Hamas, he expressed pride in his role and claimed that the Palestinian people are steadfastly standing by Hamas.

When asked if recruiting had become easier in the West Bank following the brutal terror attack, Abu Abed confirmed it, grinning. He insisted that all Palestinians unequivocally support Hamas, and disregarded the deaths of Israeli civilians during the conflict. Abu Abed echoed Hamas' false claims that no civilians were killed in the attack, showing no remorse for the Palestinian casualties caused by retaliatory Israeli military actions.

Renowned Israeli hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin offered his perspective, stating that the continuous Israeli attacks on Hamas, in fact, strengthen the organization. Baskin dismissed Netanyahu's military objective, asserting that there is no way to eliminate Hamas through military means. He further emphasized the need for Israel to provide a better alternative and ideology, suggesting that only then can the idea of Hamas be defeated.

Baskin contended that Netanyahu's biggest failure was not preventing the Hamas attack but rather perpetuating the unsustainable status quo. He criticized the prolonged Israeli occupation in the West Bank, which has lasted almost six decades and has contributed to Palestinian suffering. Baskin emphasized the necessity of recognizing the state of Palestine, urging countries like the United States to play a role in facilitating a resolution to the conflict.

The sources quoted in this report highlight the deep-rooted belief among Palestinians that they must be ready to sacrifice their lives for the cause of Palestine. Baskin argued that Palestinians need to learn to live for Palestine, and called for the realization of a Palestinian state in order to bring an end to the cycle of violence and animosity.

The path to peace remains uncertain, as both sides continue to pursue their objectives. While Prime Minister Netanyahu seeks to eliminate Hamas, Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza remain defiant, fueled by anger and suffering. The future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict hinges on finding a sustainable solution and addressing the grievances of both parties, ultimately leading to the establishment of a viable Palestinian state.