Protests erupted in Gaza on Tuesday, marking a rare display of dissent against Hamas, as some demonstrators chanted slogans criticizing the armed group's control over the territory following over a year of intense conflict with Israel.
Verified videos depicted groups of Gazans in the heavily damaged streets of Beit Lahiya, with some participants holding neutral signs advocating for an end to the ongoing war, while others called for Hamas to relinquish its power.
While many Gazans publicly attribute the violence and hardship to Israel, there is a growing sentiment that holds Hamas accountable for instigating the conflict. This perspective is rooted in the group's actions during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which included the abduction of 251 people and a refusal to cease hostilities in exchange for a potential cease-fire.
The protests seem to have gained momentum following Israel's recent re-initiation of airstrikes in Gaza after ceasing hostilities for two months, an effort aimed at pressuring Hamas to release additional hostages.
“We want to continue until the bloodshed stops and Hamas leaves the Palestinian scene,” declared Ahmed al-Masri, a 35-year-old construction worker and participant in the demonstration.
Another protester, Ibrahim, 32, mentioned that he unexpectedly encountered the rally while shopping for food in downtown Beit Lahiya. He expressed a desire for the protesters’ message to reach Hamas, urging the group to end the conflict and withdraw from Gaza.
Since gaining control of Gaza in 2007, Hamas has been known for its severe repression of dissent, employing tactics such as detaining critics and forcefully dispersing protests against its governance. According to a 2018 report from Human Rights Watch, the group has routinely engaged in the arrest and torture of opponents.
Although some Gazans have quietly expressed their dissatisfaction with Hamas since the onset of the war, few have felt safe to voice these concerns publicly.
Last year, Amin Abed, one of the few vocal critics of Hamas still residing in Gaza, reported being attacked by the group’s internal security forces, who allegedly assaulted him with hammers and metal rods.
A spokesperson for the Hamas government in Gaza indicated that Abed and another dissident's experiences may have been the result of criminal activity, and assured that the Hamas-run Interior Ministry is investigating these incidents.
Despite efforts by Israel to diminish its influence, Hamas continues to maintain a significant number of armed fighters. During a two-month cease-fire starting in January, the group sought to re-establish its authority in the region.
Some residents of Gaza are apprehensive that any cease-fire allowing Hamas to remain in power would simply set the stage for future conflicts. “Without Hamas going away, the next war will only be a matter of time,” warned Helal Warshagha, a 27-year-old activist who fled Gaza before the events of October 7, 2023. “We’ve had enough of the war, destruction, and killing,” he added.