Thousands of Palestinians took to the streets of northern Gaza on Wednesday for the second consecutive day of anti-war protests, an unusual and bold display of public dissent against Hamas. Chants of frustration echoed through the streets as demonstrators, in a rare move, openly criticized the ruling terror group while demanding an end to the ongoing conflict with Israel. The unrest signified a growing dissatisfaction among Gazans who have suffered immensely over the last 17 months of fighting.
As the demonstrations gained momentum, Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, called on more Palestinians to join the movement. He issued a stark warning, emphasizing that Israel's military campaign against Hamas would only intensify unless the terror group released the remaining Israeli hostages. The tension between the warring sides has led to mounting casualties, widespread destruction, and a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Growing Public Anger at Hamas
Protests of this scale against Hamas are almost unheard of, as the group has long maintained a repressive grip on dissent within Gaza. However, the current situation has reached a boiling point. Protesters in Gaza City and Beit Lahiya carried banners that read, “Hamas does not represent us,” voicing their frustration against the group’s leadership. The crowd in Beit Lahiya grew to around 3,000 people, with many chanting, “The people want the fall of Hamas.” Meanwhile, in Gaza City’s war-ravaged Shijaiyah neighborhood, dozens of men shouted, “Out, out, out! Hamas get out!”
Among the demonstrators was Abed Radwan, who lamented the devastation brought upon Gaza. “Our children have been killed. Our houses have been destroyed,” he said, explaining that his participation was not just against Hamas but against the war itself and the world’s silence.
The Impact of War and the Call for Change
The war, which began on October 7, 2023, was triggered when Hamas led an invasion into southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people, most of them civilians. During the assault, the group also took 251 hostages, escalating the conflict dramatically. In response, Israel launched an aggressive military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas and rescuing the captives.
Despite a brief ceasefire that began on January 19, 2024, fighting soon resumed after Hamas stopped releasing hostages, leading to another round of Israeli airstrikes. As the violence continued, civilians in Gaza found themselves caught in the crossfire, leading to widespread displacement and worsening humanitarian conditions.
Voices from the Protests
For many, the demonstrations were not just about politics but about survival. Mohammed Abu Saker, a father of three from Beit Hanoun, explained, “We want to stop the killing and displacement, no matter the price. We can’t stop Israel from killing us, but we can press Hamas to give concessions.”
A protester from Jabalia, speaking anonymously out of fear of retribution, expressed his frustration. “Everyone failed us,” he said, explaining that people were angry not only at Hamas but also at Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and international mediators. Despite the overwhelming sentiment against Hamas, some participants later regretted joining the protests after Israeli media highlighted the opposition to the terror group.
Israel’s Response and Future Actions
In a video statement on Wednesday, Israel’s Defense Minister Katz urged Gazans to continue demanding Hamas’ removal, asserting that it was the only way to end the war. “The IDF will soon operate with intensity in additional areas in Gaza,” he warned. “You will be required to evacuate for your protection from the combat zones.”
He went further to caution, “Hamas is risking your life and will make you lose your homes and more and more land.” Katz pointed to the expanding buffer zone along the Gaza border as evidence that Israel was taking firm action to safeguard its security.
The High Cost of War
The ongoing conflict has left many Gazans in dire conditions. Israel recently halted the delivery of food, fuel, and medical supplies to the enclave in an effort to pressure Hamas into further negotiations. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen as the group clings to power.
Meanwhile, Hamas remains defiant, stating that it will only release the remaining 59 hostages—24 of whom are believed to be alive—in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a complete end to the war, and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Israel, on the other hand, has vowed to continue the war until Hamas is dismantled, disarmed, and its leaders are exiled.
A Rare but Growing Movement
Public protests against Hamas have been historically rare due to the group’s iron-fisted rule. The last known demonstrations of this nature occurred in January 2024, when Palestinians in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis called for an end to the war, the group’s removal from power, and the release of Israeli hostages. Before the war, similar anti-Hamas protests were also scarce and were often violently suppressed.
Rights organizations have consistently reported that both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority have used brutal tactics to quash dissent, including arbitrary arrests and torture of critics. As the war drags on, the recent protests suggest a shift in public sentiment, with growing frustration over Hamas’ inability to govern effectively or protect its people.
For many Palestinians, the protests are not just about Hamas but about a desperate plea for normalcy and peace. As the war continues with no clear resolution in sight, the voices of Gaza’s civilians—often drowned out by the roar of conflict—are now beginning to be heard.
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