'We want to live...' Gaza protesters demand peace, call for Hamas’ removal

Gaza: Hundreds of Palestinians took to the streets of northern Gaza in what has been described as the largest anti-Hamas protest since the war with Israel began. Protesters in Beit Lahia demanded an end to the ongoing conflict and called for Hamas to step down from power.

The demonstration came just a week after Israel resumed its airstrikes on Gaza, following nearly two months of truce. Social media footage showed large crowds chanting slogans such as "Out, out, out, Hamas out" and "Hamas terrorists" while holding banners that read "Stop the war" and "We want to live in peace."

Hamas cracks down on protesters

Reports indicate that masked Hamas militants, armed with guns and batons, forcefully dispersed the protesters and assaulted several participants.

A man named Mohammed, who participated in the demonstration, told the media that the protest was mobilised through calls on Telegram.

"I don't know who organised the protest," he said, refusing to reveal his last name for security reasons.

"I took part to send a message on behalf of the people: Enough with the war."

He added that he saw Hamas security personnel in plain clothes disrupting the protest. Another demonstrator, Majdi, shared similar sentiments.

"The people are exhausted," he said.

"If Hamas stepping down is the solution, why don’t they give up power to protect the people?"

Elsewhere in Gaza City’s Jabalia refugee camp, protesters burned tyres and urged an end to the war.

"We want to eat," they chanted.

Further calls were circulated on Telegram for more demonstrations to take place across Gaza the following day.

Hamas' rule and growing discontent

Hamas has governed Gaza since 2007 after winning the Palestinian elections a year earlier and ousting its rivals in a violent takeover. While the group has not officially commented on the protests, its supporters have downplayed the movement and labelled demonstrators as traitors.

Despite the growing unrest, Hamas still commands strong support in Gaza. The last available survey, conducted in September by the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research (PCPSR), found that 35 percent of Gazans supported Hamas, while 26 percent backed its rival, Fatah.

Israel has frequently urged Gazans to rise against Hamas. Monther al-Hayek, a Fatah spokesperson in Gaza, called on Hamas to "step aside from governing" to ensure the survival of Palestinians in the territory.

War devastates Gaza

Gaza has been severely impacted by the ongoing war, which has lasted over 17 months. The humanitarian crisis worsened when Israel blocked aid deliveries on 2 March, aiming to pressure Hamas into releasing Israeli hostages.

Since Israel resumed its military operations, at least 792 Palestinians have died, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The war began after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed 1,218 people, mostly civilians, based on AFP’s tally of official figures.

Israel's military response has resulted in over 50,021 deaths in Gaza, predominantly civilians, as reported by the territory’s health ministry.

(Agency inputs)