For the second consecutive day, Palestinians in Gaza have taken to the streets in protest, voicing their discontent with the ongoing conflict and denouncing Hamas. The unrest follows the collapse of a fleeting ceasefire with Israel, which many in Gaza had hoped would bring lasting peace. The demonstrations represent a rare public dissent against Hamas, the group that has governed Gaza for 17 years and triggered a 15-month war with Israel through an attack on October 7, 2023.
These protests have gained significant attention, with numbers reportedly increasing from Tuesday to Wednesday. Events in the heavily battered northern town of Beit Lahiya have drawn hundreds, though precise figures remain unverified. Social media evidence and eyewitness accounts indicate that the protests have expanded beyond Beit Lahiya to locations such as Gaza City, Nuseirat, and Deir al-Balah. Notably, in Deir al-Balah, approximately 300 protesters participated without discernible opposition from Hamas forces.
While these protests initially arose from spontaneous frustration, there are signs of greater organization. Social media platforms have seen a rise in calls from within Gaza, urging citizens to speak out against Hamas’s governance and its role in the conflict. Chants like “Hamas out! Hamas is terrorism!” have become common, along with pleas for a life of freedom and peace.
Said Lulu, a 38-year-old from Gaza City, shared how news of the protests inspired him to rally fellow anti-Hamas activists online. “Hundreds responded with ‘Yes! We are joining you,'” Lulu explained, highlighting the widespread disillusionment among Gazans. He added a warning: “If Hamas decides to use force against protesters, I am afraid protesters would use force back.” Lulu emphasized the clarity of their demands: an end to the war and a plea for survival amid destruction.
While Hamas has not resorted to forceful suppression, it’s attempting to redirect Palestinian anger towards Israel. In a Telegram statement, Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of responsibility for the ceasefire’s failure. A senior Hamas official acknowledged the public’s right to voice their pain but cautioned against exploiting humanitarian conditions for political gain.
Among Gaza’s population, opinions are mixed—many blame Israel for the devastation, yet some hold Hamas accountable for initiating hostilities and failing to secure peace. Eslam Rafat, a 21-year-old student from Beit Lahiya, voiced his determination to end the conflict. “We went out to call for an end to the war,” he said.
The broken truce with Israel had momentarily relieved Gazans from relentless bombardment and displacement. However, Israel resumed military offensives, citing demands for Hamas to release more hostages. Prominent Palestinian families in southern Gaza are now calling for a “popular uprising against injustice,” urging the populace to demand Hamas’s withdrawal from power.
Abdel Hamid Abed al-Atti, a journalist now in Egypt, reflected on the protests as born of overwhelming loss and desperation. Gazans, he noted, “have nothing left to lose.” Similarly, Amin Abed, an activist residing in the UAE, underscored the protests’ significance as a rejection of equating all Gazans with Hamas.
Fatah spokesman Munther al-Hayek has urged Hamas to heed the people’s calls and cede control to the Palestinian Authority for Gaza’s sake and stability. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledged these unprecedented protests, marking a new chapter in Gaza’s ongoing struggle.
[Tags: Israel-Gaza War (2023-), Demonstrations, Protests and Riots, Palestinians, Politics and Government, Peace Process, Defense and Military Forces, Hamas, Fatah, Al, Gaza Strip]
Original Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/26/world/middleeast/gaza-hamas-protests.html
Category : Israel-Gaza War (2023- ),Demonstrations, Protests and Riots,Palestinians,Politics and Government,Peace Process,Defense and Military Forces,Hamas,Fatah, Al,Gaza Strip
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Publish Date: 2025-03-27 03:50:00
