Human rights organizations have accused Hamas of employing violent tactics to stifle dissent, quell protests within their controlled territories, and imprison and torture critics.
In a rare display of public defiance against Hamas, Palestinians in Gaza initiated a protest, urging the militant group to cease the conflict and vacate the region.
Videos shared online documented the gathering of hundreds in the northern, partially destroyed town of Beit Lahiya on Tuesday, in an anti-war demonstration.
The protests, which commenced in northern Gaza, seemingly spread to other areas of Gaza with reports of demonstrations as far south as Khan Younis by evening.
In some videos, individuals supporting Hamas were seen attempting to disperse the protesting crowds.
While the protests aimed to end the war with Israel, others openly accused Hamas of instigating the conflict and called for their departure from Gaza.
Hamas, despite winning the majority of votes in the 2006 legislative election, did not secure an outright majority. In opposition to a power-sharing agreement with Fatah, which had previously governed Gaza, Hamas seized control in 2007.
Critics and rights groups hold Hamas accountable for violently repressing dissent, stifling protests, and jailing and torturing anyone critical of their rule.
Protesters in Beit Lahiya displayed signs reading ‘Stop the war’ and ‘We refuse to die’ and chanted ‘Hamas out.’
Protest participant Ammar Hassan recounted that the demonstration, originally an anti-war assembly with a few dozen people, grew to more than 2,000, voicing their dissatisfaction with Hamas. According to Hassan, though the protest may not halt the Israeli occupation, it could influence Hamas.
Mohammed Abu Saker, a father of three from the nearby town of Beit Hanoun, who joined the protest, expressed the desire to end the conflict and displacement, advocating for concessions from Hamas.
A statement from the Elders and Mukhtars of Beit Lahiya voiced support for protests against Israel’s military actions and blockade, but endorsed armed resistance.
The protests follow Israel’s termination of the ceasefire with Hamas after launching surprise strikes and halting the provision of essential supplies to Gaza’s population of two million.
Israel has vowed to continue the war until Hamas releases the 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to still be alive and demands that Hamas relinquish power, disarm, and exile its leadership.
Hamas’ proposal for the release of captive Palestinians involves a lasting ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The conflict was sparked by Hamas’ assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, where Palestinian militants claimed 1,200 lives, mostly civilians, and took 251 people hostage, with only top commanders aware of the attack beforehand.
Israel’s retaliatory strike has reportedly resulted in over 50,000 casualties according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between the dead being civilian or combatants.
The extensive destruction wrought by Israel’s bombardment and ground operations has displaced approximately 90% of Gaza’s population.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/2025/03/26/palestinians-in-gaza-stage-rare-public-protest-against-hamas-in-call-for-end-to-war
