Hundreds of people join the largest anti-Hamas protests since the beginning of the Gaza war
Hundreds of people have participated in Gaza’s largest anti-Hama protests since the war with Israel began, riding on the streets to demand the group’s withdrawal from power.
The masked Hamas militants, some equipped with guns, and some carried batons, intervened and forcibly dispersed the protesters and beat several of them.
Videos widely shared by activists on social media are often criticizing Hamas, suggesting that young people marched on the streets of Beit Lahia in northern North Gaza on Tuesday, shouting “Go out, go out, go out, go out, go out.”
Pro-Hanmas supporters defended the group, downplaying the demonstrations and accusing participants of being traitors. Hamas has not commented yet.
The protests in northern Gaza came the day after Islamic jihadist gunmen launched rockets in Israel, prompting Israel’s decision to evacuate much of Beit Lahia, which has sparked public outrage in the area.
Israel resumed its military campaign in Gaza after nearly two months of ceasefire, blamed Hamas for rejecting a new proposal to extend the truce. Hamas, in turn, accused Israel of abandoning the original deal reached in January.
Thousands of Palestinians have been killed and thousands have been displaced since the Israeli military operations resumed air strikes on March 18.
Mohammed Diab, a protester, was destroyed in the war and killed his brother a year ago in an Israeli airstrike.
“We refuse to die for any person, any party’s agenda or foreign interest,” he said.
“Hamas must step down, listen to the sound of sadness, the sound rising from under the rubble – it’s the most realistic sound.”
Hamas has been the sole ruler of Gaza since 2007, winning the Palestinian election a year ago and then violently ousted its rivals.
Videos of the town also show protesters shouting “Reigned with Hamas ruled by the Muslim Brotherhood”.
Hamas has been the sole ruler of Gaza since 2007, winning the Palestinian election a year ago and then violently ousted its rivals.
Public criticism of Hamas has grown in Gaza since the beginning of the war, both on the street and online, although there are still some very loyal people, and it is difficult to accurately measure how far the support for the group has moved.
Tuesday’s protests were the largest anti-Hamaran demonstration since the war began after the October 7 attacks [AFP]
There was a long time before the war against Hamas, although most of them still hide fear of revenge.
Mohammed al-Najjar from Gaza posted on his Facebook saying: “Sorry, but what is Hamas betting on? They are betting on our blood, the blood of the world, only numbers.
“Even Hamas sees us as a number. Leaving the stage makes us lean towards wounds.”
Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 sparked the war in Gaza, during which approximately 1,200 people (mainly civilians) were killed and another 251 were taken hostages.
Hamas – The health ministry that operates said Israel attacked a military offensive in Gaza to destroy Hamas, which killed more than 50,000 Palestinians.
Most of Gaza’s 2.1 million people are also displaced, many of them several times.
In Gaza, health care, water and sanitation systems, an estimated 70% of buildings have been damaged or damaged, and there is a shortage of food, fuel, medicines and shelter.
