A large-scale protest against the Palestinian armed group Hamas has been continuously taking place in the Gaza Strip since the 25th, drawing attention to its background. The Gaza Strip has been under Hamas rule since 2007, and it has been rare for voices in opposition to Hamas to emerge. However, in this case, Hamas has not been able to respond effectively as it attempted to suppress the protests and was forced to retreat. There are even attempts at organization, which is being evaluated as unusual. An analysis suggests that the Hamas leadership has been weakened after more than 17 months of war with Israel, and the public, weary of their devastated lives, has sparked the protests.
The protest started in Beit Lahia, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, where the bombing damage is particularly severe. According to reports from the Associated Press (AP), about 3,000 people marched in front of a hospital, shouting slogans such as "We want to live," "Hamas must go," and "End the war." A participant in the protest on the 25th told the AP, "A few dozen began an anti-war protest, but as they started to shout slogans condemning Hamas, the number grew to over 2,000." They added, "This protest may not stop Israel, but it can affect Hamas."
This protest is taking place amid a situation where the Israeli military has recently resumed attacks on the Gaza Strip after a two-month ceasefire. It is the largest anti-Hamas demonstration since the war started in October 2023. Considering that Hamas has suppressed opposition voices until now, this protest is unprecedented. Furthermore, Hamas is unable to respond to this protest. The AP noted, "Hamas has violently suppressed previous protests, but this time they are not fully intervening," suggesting that Hamas's combat power has diminished since the resumption of the war with Israel. Hamas spokesperson Bassem Naeem also stated on Facebook on the 26th that "all Palestinians have the right to raise their voices against the invasion of our people, and to cry out in pain," without condemning the protests.
Among the residents of the Gaza Strip, there are claims that the causes of the impoverished life in Gaza are due both to Israel and Hamas. Belal Abu Zaid, a Palestinian from northern Gaza, told CNN, "We are oppressed by the occupying forces (Israel) and by Hamas," adding, "Hamas initiated operations on October 7, and we are paying the price for it." Mahmoud Haji Ahmad, a surgeon at Kamal Adwan Hospital, stated, "Our final message is directed at Hamas, saying, 'Stop now. You have ruled long enough. Give others a chance, and let others come.'" There are voices calling for Hamas to step down to stop the attacks from Israel and prevent further casualties.
The Gaza Strip war began when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. At that time, Hamas killed about 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped 251. Subsequently, Israel carried out retaliatory airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. According to the Gaza Strip Ministry of Health, approximately 50,000 people have died in the Gaza Strip since then.