Hundreds of Palestinians took to the streets of northern Gaza, demanding an end to the ongoing war and calling for Hamas to relinquish control. In a rare and bold display of dissent, protesters were heard chanting, “Hamas out” and “Enough wars,” as frustration over the devastation and suffering in Gaza reached a boiling point.
Gaza Residents Break Their Silence
The protests erupted in Beit Lahiya, one of the most heavily bombarded areas in Gaza, where entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble. Videos circulating on social media captured residents marching through the war-torn streets, voicing their exhaustion and anger over the continuous cycle of conflict.
“It was a spontaneous rally against the war,” one witness told reporters. “People are tired and have nowhere to go.”
Although public dissent against Hamas is rare due to fear of retaliation, many protesters openly expressed their frustration, blaming the group for igniting the conflict with its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The unprecedented demonstration signals growing discontent among Gazans, who have endured relentless airstrikes, displacement, and humanitarian crises since the war began.
Hamas Responds to the Unrest
Senior Hamas official Basem Naim acknowledged the protests, stating that Palestinians have a right to express their anger. However, he accused external forces of exploiting the situation for political gain.
“Why don’t they protest against the aggression in the West Bank?” he questioned, attempting to redirect blame toward Israel’s military actions in other Palestinian territories.
The protests also come amid growing tensions between Hamas and the rival Fatah movement, which governs the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank. Fatah leaders have urged Hamas to listen to the voices of the people and reconsider its grip on Gaza’s governance.
Israel Resumes Its Offensive After Ceasefire Collapse
The demonstration happened against the backdrop of renewed Israeli military strikes. After a fragile two-month ceasefire collapsed on March 18, Israeli forces resumed their offensive, claiming their objective is to completely dismantle Hamas.
Since then, Palestinian health officials report that nearly 700 people, mostly women and children, have been killed. The humanitarian situation continues to worsen, with many residents forced to evacuate their homes once again.
“All of Gaza is in ruins,” said one protester. “Now the occupation is ordering us to leave the north again. Where can we go?”
What Comes Next for Gaza?
The protests highlight the deep divisions within Palestinian society regarding the future of Gaza. While Hamas seized control of the enclave in 2007 after defeating Fatah in elections, its rule has left little room for political opposition.
The Palestinian Authority has repeatedly stated that Gaza’s future governance must be under its administration. Hamas, on the other hand, has suggested that it would step back from power but insists on being involved in selecting a new government.
As the war rages on, negotiations for a ceasefire remain stalled. With no clear resolution in sight, the people of Gaza are left to bear the brunt of the violence, desperate for an end to their suffering.
