Hundreds protest in Gaza chanting anti-Hamas slogans

Hundreds of Palestinians gathered in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, to voice their frustration with Hamas and demand an end to the ongoing war with Israel. Witnesses say the protest, composed mainly of men, featured chants such as “Hamas out” and “Hamas terrorists” as the crowd expressed anger over continued suffering and destruction in the region.

The demonstration took place roughly a week after Israel resumed its military operations following nearly two months of ceasefire. Calls to protest reportedly circulated on Telegram, although the organizers remain unknown.

One protester, Mohammed, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns, said the goal was to deliver a message: that the people want peace. He also claimed that Hamas security personnel in plain clothes attempted to disperse the crowd. Another participant, Majdi, echoed the sentiment, asking why Hamas wouldn’t step down if doing so could protect the population.

Additional calls for protests were being shared online, urging similar actions in other parts of Gaza.

The Gaza Strip continues to endure severe humanitarian hardship. More than 17 months of war have devastated infrastructure and living conditions. The situation worsened in early March when Israel halted aid into the territory in an attempt to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry, at least 792 Palestinians have died since Israel resumed its strikes last week. The broader conflict, sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed 1,218 people, has resulted in more than 50,000 Palestinian deaths, the majority of whom were civilians, according to local health authorities.