While Hamas did not follow Islamic rules of engagement by killing civilians (although to what extent they caused civilian casualty is still debatable), which cannot absolutely be condoned; they did not have much of an option left either.
If they hadn't made a radical move like this - the Saudis would have normalized relations with Israel and effectively ensuring no chance of a future Palestinian state. The settlers had already stepped up their land grabbing in recent years anyway. Soon, there would be no West Bank or Gaza.
People following Western narrative conveniently forget that this did not start on Oct 7. For example this article from June 2023 from a leftist Israeli News outlet Hareetz -
Adam, Fuad, Abdullah, Omar: The 28 Palestinian Kids Killed by Israeli Forces This Year (
As of June 2023 - long before Oct 7)
"In Gaza, 5-year-old Tamim died of fear, literally, during an airstrike. In the West Bank, Mustafa was shot in the heart after he and his friends threw stones at soldiers 50 meters away"
In Gaza, 5-year-old Tamim Died of Fear, Literally, During an Airstrike. In the West Bank, Mustafa Was Shot in the Heart After He and His Friends Threw Stones at Soldiers 50 Meters Away
www.haaretz.com
Israelis knew if you keep on oppressing the Palestinians, they will eventually respond. Israel slowly pushed Hamas to commit something like Oct 7, so that they can use that as a pretext to invade and permanently occupy Gaza. Hamas unwillingly got played by the Zionist plan.