Largest Anti-Hamas Protest Erupts in Gaza Amidst Ongoing Conflict
Hundreds of Gazan residents participated in the most significant anti-Hamas demonstration since the commencement of hostilities with Israel. Protesters took to the streets of Beit Lahia to voice their discontent and demand that Hamas relinquish power in Gaza.
Demonstration Dispersed by Hamas Forces
The peaceful demonstration was disrupted by masked Hamas operatives, some visibly armed with firearms and others wielding batons. These militants intervened forcefully, dispersing the protesters and reportedly assaulting several participants.
Protest Videos Circulate Online
Videos of the protest rapidly spread across social media platforms, particularly among activists critical of Hamas’s governance. The footage depicted young men marching through Beit Lahia in northern Gaza on Tuesday, chanting slogans denouncing Hamas, including “out, out, out, Hamas out.”
Reactions and Accusations
Supporters of Hamas defended the ruling faction, dismissing the scale and importance of the demonstrations. They accused the protesters of treachery. As of now, Hamas has not officially issued a statement regarding the public dissent.
Escalating Tensions Preceded Protests
The demonstrations in northern Gaza were triggered a day after Islamic Jihad militants launched rockets towards Israel. This action prompted Israel to order the evacuation of substantial areas of Beit Lahia, igniting public outrage in the region.
Ceasefire Breakdown and Renewed Hostilities
Following a nearly two-month ceasefire, Israel has recommenced its military operations within Gaza. Israeli authorities attribute this resumption to Hamas’s rejection of a recent United States-backed proposal aimed at extending the truce. Conversely, Hamas maintains that Israel reneged on the original agreement established in January.
Mounting Casualties and Displacement
Since the resurgence of Israeli military actions on March 18, marked by intensified airstrikes, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed, and thousands more have been displaced from their homes.
Protester’s Perspective: Grief and Frustration
Mohammed Diab, a resident of Beit Lahia and participant in the protest, recounted the destruction of his home during the conflict and the loss of his brother in a prior Israeli airstrike. He articulated the sentiments of many protesters:
- “We refuse to sacrifice ourselves for any group’s agenda or the vested interests of external entities.”
- “Hamas must step down and heed the voice of the bereaved, the authentic voice emerging from the ruins.”
Hamas’s Rule in Gaza Faces Public Criticism
Hamas has governed Gaza as the sole authority since 2007, following their victory in Palestinian elections the preceding year and the subsequent forceful removal of rival factions.
Dissent Against Hamas Rule
Further footage from Beit Lahia revealed protesters chanting “down with Hamas rule, down with the Muslim Brotherhood rule,” indicating a broader rejection of Hamas’s ideology and governance.
Growing Open Criticism
Public criticism against Hamas has become increasingly visible in Gaza since the onset of the war, expressed both in street protests and online platforms. While some individuals remain staunchly loyal to Hamas, the extent to which public support for the group has shifted remains difficult to accurately measure.
Pre-Existing Opposition
Prior to the current conflict, opposition to Hamas existed within Gaza, though largely concealed due to fear of retribution.
Voices of Dissent Online
Mohammed Al-Najjar, a resident of Gaza, expressed his frustration in a Facebook post, questioning Hamas’s strategy and accusing the group of disregarding Palestinian lives:
- “Excuse me, but what exactly is Hamas betting on? They’re betting on our blood, blood that the whole world sees as just numbers.”
- “Even Hamas counts us as numbers. Step down and let us tend to our wounds.”
War’s Origins and Devastation
The ongoing war in Gaza was initiated by Hamas’s assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. This attack resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of 251 individuals.
Israeli Military Response and Humanitarian Crisis
Israel’s military responded with an offensive in Gaza aimed at dismantling Hamas. The Hamas-controlled health ministry reports that the conflict has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths.
The majority of Gaza’s 2.1 million inhabitants have been displaced, many repeatedly. An estimated 70% of buildings in Gaza have suffered damage or destruction. Essential infrastructure, including healthcare, water, and sanitation systems, has collapsed, leading to severe shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter.