In a rare demonstration against Hamas, hundreds of Palestinians marched through Beit Lahia in northern Gaza this week, calling for the militant group to relinquish control and end the ongoing conflict with Israel. This protest, which occurred on Wednesday, is part of a series of small but significant protests that have emerged over the past two weeks, despite Hamas's attempts to suppress dissent.
Witnesses reported that this was the first protest in Beit Lahia to include women, some of whom brought their children. These demonstrations represent a notable challenge to Hamas's longstanding rule in Gaza, particularly following the escalation of violence that began after Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023. The subsequent Israeli military response has resulted in significant destruction and loss of life in the region.
Protests began about a week after the violence resumed, and while they lasted three days, they have since diminished. Activists have since called for new rallies, with estimates of Wednesday's protest attendance ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 participants. Many protesters expressed their despair over the situation, with one participant stating, "We have lost our homes, our loved ones, our hope and our future. Enough is enough."
Despite fears of retaliation from Hamas, the group's response to the recent protests has been relatively subdued, likely due to concerns about further inflaming public anger and its reduced capacity to respond after sustaining significant losses. However, the threat of violence remains, as evidenced by the abduction of a protester, Oday al-Rabi, by Hamas operatives, who later died from injuries sustained during his detention.
Other protesters reported facing threats from Hamas, including intimidation tactics aimed at discouraging further participation in demonstrations. Activists have expressed feelings of being trapped between the violence of Israeli airstrikes and the oppressive actions of Hamas. One activist described the situation as being persecuted by both sides, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by civilians in Gaza.
Participants in the protests cited hunger as a primary motivator for their actions, as ongoing Israeli blockades have severely limited food supplies, leading to skyrocketing prices. Protesters criticized both Israel and Hamas for the dire conditions, with one stating that those unable to provide basic necessities should not engage in warfare under the guise of liberation. Calls for better regulation of food prices and supply management were echoed among the demonstrators, who are increasingly frustrated with the ongoing conflict and its impact on their lives.