In Gaza, Palestinians have held an unusual public demonstration urging Hamas to halt the conflict and depart from the region.
Online videos depict thousands of individuals participating in an anti-war demonstration in the war-ravaged northern town of Beit Lahiya on Tuesday.
Although the demonstrations initially started in northern Gaza, social media reports indicate that they spread across different parts of Gaza throughout the day, with gatherings reaching as far south as Khan Younis by nightfall.
In certain video clips, supporters of Hamas are shown trying to disperse the gatherings.
Some demonstrators broadly called for an end to the hostilities with Israel, whereas others specifically accused Hamas of initiating the conflict and urged the organization to abandon Gaza.
Although Hamas secured the highest number of seats in the 2006 parliamentary elections, they did not gain more than half of the total votes cast. They rejected forming a power-sharing arrangement with Fatah, the former ruling party in Gaza, ultimately taking control in 2007.
Human rights organizations allege that Hamas forcefully suppresses opposition, crushes demonstrations in regions under its control, and imprisons as well as tortures those who criticize them.
Protests could affect Hamas
In Beit Lahiya, individuals wielded placards with messages like "End the conflict" and "Our lives matter too," while some voices clearly shouted for change with "Out with Hamas."
"I am tired of the bombings, killings, and displacements," stated Ammar Hassan, who was present at the demonstration.
As per Hassan, the protest began as a small anti-war gathering of several dozen individuals but later grew to over 2,000 participants, who were shouting slogans against Hamas.
"The only party we have influence over is this one," he stated via telephone. "Demonstrations may not halt the Israeli occupation, but they could impact Hamas," he explained.
"The protest wasn’t centered around politics; it was focused on matters affecting people’s daily lives,” stated Mohammed Abu Saker, a father of three from the adjacent town of Beit Hanoun, who participated in the demonstration.
"Ideally, we aim to halt the violence and forced relocation, regardless of the cost. While we cannot prevent Israel from attacking us, we can exert pressure on Hamas to make compromises," he stated.
A statement issued by the Elders and Mukhtars of the Beit Lahiya group showed their backing for the demonstrations opposing Israel's military operation and its blockade, yet they also endorsed armed resistance.
Local leaders stated that they dismissed "any effort to misuse valid public grievances by a fifth column," seemingly alluding to Hamas' adversaries.
Tensions running high
A week following Israel's termination of the ceasefire with Hamas, where they initiated a sudden series of attacks resulting in numerous fatalities, the demonstrations began.
At the beginning of this month, Israel also stopped delivering food, fuel, medicines, and humanitarian assistance to Gaza’s approximately two-million-person population.
Israel has pledged to intensify the conflict until Hamas releases the 59 hostages they currently hold, with 24 thought to still be alive.
Israel is also insisting that the organization relinquish control, lay down arms, and have its leadership go into exile.
The conditions set by Hamas for freeing the remaining hostages in return for the release of Palestinian detainees include a permanent truce and complete Israeli troop removal from Gaza.
The conflict began with the assault led by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. In this incident, militant Palestinians killed approximately 1,200 individuals—primarily civilians—and captured 251 hostages.
Hamas states that only a few of its senior leaders were aware of the operation prior to its execution.
Israel's airstrikes and ground assaults during its conflict with Hamas have led to extensive damage throughout Gaza and forced about 90% of the region's inhabitants from their homes.