The streets of Gaza erupted with rare protests this week as Palestinians openly turned against Hamas. Chants of “Hamas out” and “the people want to overthrow Hamas” echoed through ruined neighborhoods. This bold show of anger marks a turning point after years of Hamas silencing critics.
Hundreds gathered in northern Gaza’s Beit Lahiya and Jabaliya areas, holding signs reading “Stop the war” and “We refuse to die.” Videos showed crowds burning tires and shouting “Hamas are terrorists.” Many blamed Hamas for prolonging the conflict instead of protecting civilians. One protester said, “We can’t stop Israel from killing us, but we can press Hamas to give concessions.”
Exhausted families joined the demonstrations, fed up with endless bombings and displacement. A 19-year-old protester explained his mother has cancer and his brother needs hospital care, but they’ve been forced to flee repeatedly. “People are angry at the whole world,” he said, “including the U.S., Israel, and Hamas.” Others admitted fearing retaliation but felt they had no choice but to speak out.
Hamas has a history of violently crushing dissent, but this time their forces stayed hidden. Critics say the group is losing its grip after Israel’s renewed strikes shattered a fragile ceasefire. Hamas leaders scrambled to downplay the protests, calling them “suspicious” and blaming rival factions. Meanwhile, Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu declared the protests proof that military pressure works.
Netanyahu praised the courage of protesters, saying, “Our policy is working.” He vowed to keep fighting until Hamas releases hostages and surrenders power. Israeli airstrikes have killed hundreds since the ceasefire collapsed, with Gaza’s health officials reporting over 50,000 dead since the war began. Israel argues Hamas uses civilians as shields, making casualties unavoidable.
Hamas official Bassem Naim accused protesters of ignoring violence in the West Bank, where rival group Fatah holds power. Fatah fired back, demanding Hamas listen to “the call of the people.” This infighting highlights the chaos Hamas has brought to Palestinian leadership. Many protesters chanted against both Hamas and Fatah, showing distrust in all factions.
The war started when Hamas terrorists massacred 1,200 Israelis on October 7, 2023. Israel’s response has left Gaza in ruins, with most homes destroyed and families starving under blockade. Protesters admitted they can’t stop Israeli bombs but begged Hamas to make deals to end the suffering. “We want Hamas to resolve this,” one said, “return the hostages and end this whole thing.”
Conservative voices say this moment exposes Hamas’ failures. Their refusal to surrender keeps Gaza trapped in violence, while Israel defends itself against terror. The protests show ordinary Palestinians just want peace, not Hamas’ extremist agenda. As families brave retaliation to demand change, the world must support those standing up to tyrannical rule—and hold Hamas accountable for years of misery.
