Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Growing dissent is emerging within the Gaza Strip as an increasing number of Palestinians openly express their opposition to Hamas. The armed group has governed the enclave for nearly two decades, and now faces rising public criticism. Amidst the ongoing crisis and devastation, Gazans are increasingly holding Hamas accountable, marking a notable shift in sentiment within the territory.
Rising Discontent: Gazans Speak Out Against Hamas
Defiant voices are echoing in Gaza’s streets, with residents increasingly vocal against Hamas, the governing authority in the region for almost 20 years. These protests signify a shift in public sentiment, with many Gazans attributing the territory’s dire situation to Hamas’ policies and actions.
Video clips circulating on Telegram capture the essence of this burgeoning dissent:
- “Out! Out! Out!” protesters chant, their voices resolute.
- “All of Hamas, out!” the message is clear and unequivocal.
- “Hamas is garbage,” crowds proclaim, marching through Gaza’s ravaged streets.
Accusations and Frustration
Many Gazans believe Hamas is responsible for plunging the territory into its current crisis, the most severe faced by Palestinians in over seven decades. The frustration is palpable, with residents eager to convey their perspective to the outside world.
Moumen al-Natour, a Gaza lawyer and former organizer of the “We Want to Live” movement, emphasized this point. “The world thinks that Gaza is Hamas and Hamas is Gaza,” he stated. “We didn’t choose Hamas, and now Hamas is determined to rule Gaza and tie our fate to its own. Hamas must retreat.”
The Risk of Speaking Out
Expressing opposition to Hamas comes with considerable risk. The group has a history of suppressing dissent, making open criticism a dangerous act. Nevertheless, individuals like al-Natour remain steadfast in their resolve to voice their concerns.
In a recent column for the Washington Post, al-Natour wrote, “To support Hamas is to be for Palestinian death, not Palestinian freedom,” highlighting the stark choices facing Gazans.
Personal Sacrifices and Lost Years
Al-Natour acknowledges the risks involved but believes speaking out is imperative. “We need to take a risk and speak out,” he asserted. “I’m 30 years old. When Hamas took over, I was 11. What have I done with my life? My life has been wasted between war and escalating violence for nothing.”
Hamas’ Response to Dissent
Since seizing control of Gaza in 2007, following a victory in national elections, Hamas has faced multiple conflicts with Israel and has been accused of suppressing internal opposition.
“Humanity demands that we raise our voices, despite suppression by Hamas,” al-Natour declared, underscoring the importance of speaking out against injustice.
Crackdown on Critics
Hamas has been known to retaliate against its critics. In March, 22-year-old Oday al-Rubai was abducted and later found dead with signs of torture. The Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights condemned his death as “a grave violation of the right to life and an extrajudicial killing.”
Al-Rubai’s family attributed his death to his participation in anti-Hamas protests, demanding justice for his killing.
“Gaza Has Become a City of Ghosts”
Prior to his death, al-Rubai posted a video expressing his fear of being targeted by Hamas militants. “Gaza has become a city of ghosts,” he lamented, highlighting the atmosphere of fear and intimidation within the territory.
Erosion of Hamas’ Authority
Despite the risks, the protest movement continues. Amin Abed, a long-term critic of Hamas, survived a brutal attack last year after speaking out against the group. Now residing in Dubai, he remains involved in the protest movement and believes Hamas’ power is waning.
“Hamas’ power has begun to fade,” Abed stated. “It targets activists and civilians, beats and kills them to scare people. But it’s not how it was before.”
Civilian Resistance
Recent protests indicate a growing defiance among Gazan civilians, who appear to be losing their fear of Hamas amidst ongoing conflict. In Beit Lahiya, residents have reportedly prevented Hamas fighters from launching military operations from within their community.
An eyewitness recounted an incident where residents defended an elderly man, Jamal al-Maznan, from Hamas gunmen attempting to use his house to launch rockets. “They were not intimidated by the bullets,” the eyewitness said of the protesters. “They advanced and told [the gunmen] to take their things and flee. We don’t want you in this place. We don’t want your weapons that have brought us destruction, devastation and death.”
A Choice Between Cholera and the Plague
While such defiance persists, it remains perilous. Some protesters have been met with violence, and the overall situation remains tense. With diminishing hope for an end to the war, some Gazans are directing their anger at both Israel and Hamas.
Amin Abed, when asked which side he blamed most for Gaza’s catastrophe, responded that it was “a choice between cholera and the plague,” reflecting the difficult reality facing the people of Gaza.
The protest movement may not yet constitute a full-scale rebellion, but after nearly two decades of control, Hamas’ grip on Gaza appears to be gradually loosening, indicating a potential shift in the region’s dynamics.