Tensions in Gaza have escalated further as Palestinian militant groups issued warnings against those participating in protests against Hamas’ rule and the ongoing war with Israel. In recent days, hundreds of Palestinians have taken to the streets in northern and central Gaza, with some openly chanting “Hamas out” in an unprecedented display of dissent.
The protests, which have been welcomed by Israel, reflect growing frustration among Gazans who are struggling to survive amid war, food shortages, and destruction. Demonstrators have expressed exhaustion from the continued fighting, with one resident of Gaza City’s Shejaia neighborhood telling Reuters, “We are not against the resistance. We are against war. Enough wars, we are tired.”
However, Hamas and other militant factions view these demonstrations as a potential threat to their rule. The “Factions of the Resistance,” an umbrella group that includes Hamas, issued a statement warning that those they consider “collaborators” will be “treated accordingly.” The statement accused protest leaders of trying to absolve Israel of blame for the suffering in Gaza.
Hamas officials acknowledged that people have the right to protest but warned against allowing demonstrations to serve political agendas that align with Israeli interests. A Palestinian official from a Hamas-allied group reiterated this stance, stating, “We don’t threaten our people, we adore their sacrifices, but there are some suspicious figures who cooperate with the goals of the occupation.”
Despite these warnings, the protests have continued to spread. Videos posted online, though unverified, indicate demonstrations have now reached Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza. In response, Israeli leaders have urged more Palestinians to take to the streets, with Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz calling on Gaza residents to “demand the removal of Hamas.”
The war, which began on October 7, 2023, after a Hamas-led attack on Israel killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, has left much of Gaza in ruins. According to Palestinian health officials, over 50,000 Palestinians have died in Israeli strikes. With humanitarian conditions worsening, the protests mark a significant moment in the conflict, as ordinary Gazans call for an end to the war that has devastated their lives.
