but if Hamas was vocal about not stooping to Israel’s civilian-killing level, and did major damage to a political building without harming anyone, that could have given Palestinians more sympathy on the world stage.

How? their rockets barely do anything. The only way for them to do damage is a ground invasion, and for that to happen they'd need the help of radicalized Gazans, and those Gazans will 100% do harm to civilians.

Plus "sympathy on the world stage" isn't worth two Qasam rockets.

Even if it’s the thing that “must be done for survival”, it’s really hard to be on the side of innocent killing. I personally can’t be on either side of this conflict, and many feel the same.

It doesn't matter, if you're a citizen of the US or Europe, then you're automatically assigned to the occupation terrorists side by your government. Hamas wasn't looking for your support, because you can do nothing, only your glorious supreme leader can.