Nearly 3,000 people chanted slogans such as “The people want the fall of Hamas,” expressing frustration with the ongoing violence and worsening humanitarian crisis. Protestors called for Hamas to step down, a bold statement in a region where dissent has historically been met with violent crackdowns
1 / 6Widespread protests across Gaza: In a rare public outcry, thousands of Palestinians took to the streets in northern Gaza, demanding an end to the war and openly criticising Hamas. The protests, which erupted in Beit Lahiya and Gaza City’s Shijaiyah neighbourhood, mark a significant shift as people voice their anger against both the militant group and the broader conflict that has ravaged the region for the past 17 months. (Image: AP)
2 / 6Calls for change amidst devastation: In Beit Lahiya, nearly 3,000 people chanted slogans such as “The people want the fall of Hamas,” expressing frustration with the ongoing violence and worsening humanitarian crisis. Similarly, in Gaza City’s Shijaiyah, protestors called for Hamas to step down, a bold statements in a region where dissent has historically been met with violent crackdowns. (Image: AP)
3 / 6‘We want to stop the killing’: The protests reflect deepening anger at all sides involved in the conflict. “Our children have been killed. Our houses have been destroyed,” said Abed Radwan, a protestor from Beit Lahiya. Others emphasised that they are against Hamas, Israel, and the global inaction that has allowed the war to continue. (Image: AP)
4 / 6Hamas’ response to the unrest: Unlike previous protests that were quickly suppressed, these demonstrations have seen little visible intervention from Hamas forces, potentially due to the militant group’s lower profile amidst Israel’s military offensive. Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim acknowledged the protests but urged people to focus their anger on Israel. (Image: AP)
5 / 6Mounting Pressure for Peace: As the humanitarian crisis deepens, many protestors are calling for Hamas to negotiate with Israel and facilitate the release of hostages in exchange for a ceasefire. “We want Hamas to resolve this situation, return the hostages, and end this whole thing,” said a 19-year-old protestor whose family has been displaced multiple times. (Image: AP)
6 / 6Escalation of Conflict Continues: The protests come amid renewed fighting after Israel resumed its military campaign, leading to more displacement and casualties. With food, fuel, and medical supplies cut off, Gaza’s 2 million residents face dire conditions, further fueling the unrest. (Image: AP)
