Kidnapping and murder of three teenagers in Israel in the West Bank June 23, 2014 to be the trigger. Israel accuses Hamas government and arrested more than 200 Hamas members in the West Bank and close all organizations affiliated with Hamas.
For Hamas, it seems to be politically motivated raids to remove their presence in the West Bank. The available evidence suggests that the kidnapping was not authorized by the political leadership of Hamas but rather on the act of the ruling clan of Hebron and recorded once an attack against the Hamas leadership.
When the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, rocket attacks from Gaza increased in the first five months of 2014.
Although Hamas has been weakened, they still have the support of the community and the current conflict is likely to strengthen them.
One of the most credible polling organizations in Palestine, the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, found in June that 32% would choose Hamas in the legislative elections, while more than 40% support for the president Ismail Haniya.
Furthermore, the majority believes that the 'Hamas' to end the occupation better than "the Fatah."
Although we do not know the level of public support for Hamas because they continue fighting, anecdotes are people seemed resigned and receive more suffering because of the status quo can not be tolerated.
A reliable source to write an email of Gaza, "People suffer in Gaza. Persons very, very tired., But even those who hate Hamas does not want to go back to the situation before the war. Guys want to change this situation."
Israeli and Egyptian blockade restrict what can enter Gaza
heavy demands
Facilitated ceasefire proposal by Egypt with Hamas rejected the argument that it has not been consulted and due to the cease-fire would mean a return to the status quo.
The proposals by Hamas itself was considered too heavy to be agreed upon by Israel.
Hamas demanded that Israel end the blockade of Gaza, open all crossings and sea ports and air returns to international scrutiny until the re-establishment of industrial zones and fisheries zones of expansion up to 10km.
Israel is unlikely to approve the request was no guarantee that the opening of the border crossings will not make Hamas to rearm, something that will not be received by the military wing of Hamas.
But it is clear from the demands that an end to the blockade is the main driver.
The request also indicates that Hamas believes that their rocket attacks and Israel's inability to stop them, give reason to demand significant changes to the existing status quo.
The fact that the charges were supported by representatives of the three major powers in the Hamas political and military leadership in Gaza and the exiled political bureau, shows that this movement is now united, despite the military leadership who seem to make a decision.
However, the difference may appear between and from within these factions about what kind of compromise would be acceptable, especially if the Israeli ground offensive impact on Hamas's internal balance of power.
Dr Jeroen Gunning is an expert in Political Studies and the Middle East Conflict at the University of Durham. It specializes in the study of Islamic movements in the Middle East, especially Hamas and Hezbollah and is the author of the Hamas in Politics (Hurst, 2007)
