Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a prominent Palestinian-American analyst and resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, has published an article in The Atlantic asserting that Hamas strategically desires a famine in Gaza. The piece, titled "Hamas Actually Wants a Famine," was published on July 31, 2025, and argues that producing widespread hunger and mass death is the group's ultimate maneuver to achieve its objectives and end the ongoing conflict on its own terms. Alkhatib, a native of Gaza City who left in 2005, is known for his outspoken criticism of Hamas.
Alkhatib's analysis posits that the humanitarian crisis, including the threat of famine, serves as a crucial leverage point for Hamas. According to the article, > "Hamas actually wants a famine in Gaza. Producing mass death from hunger is the group’s final play, its last hope for ending the war in a way that advances its goals." This perspective stems from Alkhatib's work leading the "Realign For Palestine" project, which aims to challenge entrenched narratives and promote pragmatic solutions for peace.
The article delves into how Hamas allegedly exploits the suffering of Gazans to generate international outcry and pressure. Alkhatib has consistently highlighted concerns regarding aid distribution within Gaza, including allegations of aid theft by Hamas militants. He suggests that if the hunger crisis and other humanitarian issues were adequately addressed, Hamas would lose a significant tool for international leverage and pressure.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been a critical focus of international attention, with reports of severe food shortages and distribution challenges. Alkhatib's work frequently touches upon the complexities of aid delivery, noting instances where aid convoys face obstruction or diversion. His analysis implies that these challenges, whether intentional or not, contribute to a situation that Hamas could exploit for its strategic benefit.
Ultimately, Alkhatib's article suggests that undermining Hamas's position requires alleviating the suffering of the Gazan population through sustained and effective aid. By addressing the humanitarian crisis, the international community could remove a key element of Hamas's alleged strategy, potentially influencing the conflict's trajectory.