Growing Unrest against Hamas in Gaza

JERUSALEM, Israel -- Reports emerging from Gaza point to increasing dissatisfaction with Hamas, the Islamist faction ruling the Strip.

Hamas wrested control of Gaza in a bloody military coup against Palestinian Authority security forces in June 2007.

Jerusalem Post political correspondent Herb Keinon says many civilians and fighting forces in Gaza feel abandoned by commanders and government leaders who hunker down in underground bunkers while people above ground suffer.

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, who stayed hidden during the two previous IDF incursions to thwart the terror group's rocket barrages, is said to be hiding in a hospital. Less than a month ago, a pre-dawn airstrike damaged Haniyeh's house, but caused no injuries.

Some Hamas commanders fled with their families rather than fight. And many civilians are also angry with Hamas government officials, who were among the first to take cover, leaving families to fend for themselves.

One woman, he reports, attacked Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri, pummeling him and shouting that while their sons were being killed, he was hiding out in a hospital.

Israel's intensive response to Gaza rocket fire has left some neighborhoods in shambles while officials like Haniyeh and Zuhri are safely ensconced in their hiding places, protected by armed bodyguards.