Hundreds of Palestinians took to the streets of Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, on Tuesday in the largest anti-Hamas protest since the war began on 7 October 2023.
According to media reports, demonstrators demanded Hamas step down from power, blaming the group for the ongoing conflict. The protest erupted just as the Israeli military renewed its offensive against Hamas following a two-month ceasefire.
Chanting slogans such as “For God’s sake, Hamas out”, “Hamas terrorists”, and “We want an end to the war”, frustrated Gazans expressed their desire for peace and a change in leadership. However, the protest was swiftly crushed by masked Hamas militants armed with guns and batons. Witnesses say many demonstrators were assaulted and forcibly dispersed.
Escalating tensions in Gaza
The protests came just a day after Islamic Jihad militants launched rocket attacks on Israel, triggering a strong Israeli military response and forcing residents to evacuate large parts of Beit Lahia. The renewed violence has added to public anger in Gaza, with many blaming Hamas for provoking further bloodshed.
According to CNN, a message circulated on social media calling for nine additional anti-Hamas protests on Wednesday. The message read:
“Our voices must reach all the spies who sold our blood. Let them hear your voice, let them know that Gaza is not silent, and that there are people who will not accept to be eradicated.”
Growing public dissent against Hamas
Hamas has ruled Gaza since 2007, after winning the 2006 elections and forcibly ousting its rivals. While opposition to Hamas has existed for years, most criticism has remained hidden due to fear of repression. However, open dissent has increased since the war began, as civilians bear the brunt of the ongoing conflict.
Gaza death toll surpasses 50,000
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that the death toll in Gaza exceeded 50,000 on 23 March, with thousands more injured and displaced.
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Meanwhile, tensions between Israeli settlers and Palestinians have also escalated. On 24 March, Israeli settlers allegedly attacked Basel Adra, one of the Palestinian co-directors of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’. He was later detained by Israeli forces. However, an Associated Press report states that the Israeli military arrested three Palestinians for allegedly throwing rocks at forces and also detained an Israeli civilian involved in the violent clash.
Netanyahu blames Hamas for renewed fighting
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held Hamas responsible for the resumption of military operations.
In a public address on 18 March, Netanyahu urged Gazans to evacuate conflict zones and blamed Hamas for every civilian casualty. He accused the group of rejecting a US-backed proposal to extend the ceasefire, saying its refusal forced Israel to continue its military campaign.
As the war enters its sixth month, public frustration within Gaza is growing, with increasing calls for Hamas to relinquish power. However, with no political alternative in sight, the region remains caught in a cycle of war, repression, and humanitarian crisis.
