A 2015 report published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development on assistance to the Palestinian people warned that the Gaza Strip could become ‘uninhabitable’ by 2020 if current economic trends persist. It seems that the Great March of Return is the beginning of the Gazans’ final scream for assistance before they fall into oblivion.

Hamas’ willingness to endorse and actively promote the so-called “Great March of Return” campaign, suggests that it might be shifting its tactics away from relying upon violence. If Hamas can continue to mobilize tens of thousands of Palestinians to protest against Israel on a weekly basis, then it can ensure that the blockade of Gaza receives much more attention in international media and is placed higher on the diplomatic agenda of the international community. However, Mass demonstrations and marches by Palestinians are a public relations nightmare for Israel.