Hamas leader Salah al-Bardawil’s comments May 16 on Baladna TV sparked much controversy within the Gaza Strip. Bardawil said, “In the last round [of the Great Return marches], 62 people were martyred, 50 of them belonged to Hamas.”

Many believe that such statements give Israel justification for its use of violence against demonstrators along the Gaza fence. The marches broke out March 30, culminating on the 70th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba, on May 14, during which over 110 Palestinians were killed and thousands wounded as a result of shooting and using live ammunition and gas bombs.

Political analyst Saleh al-Naami, who is close to Hamas, wrote on his Facebook page May 16 that Israel has rejoiced over Bardawil’s remarks, adding, “Bardawil meant that the [victims] are civilians belonging to Hamas-affiliated families.”

Hamas’ behavior, which is presenting itself as the spiritual father of the return marches, has sparked discontent among many Gazans after Bardawil’s remarks went viral in international media. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video May 17, “Bardawil’s remarks prove that Israel is targeting terrorists.”