Cairo/Ramallah, 26 March – Hundreds of Palestinians staged a rare protest in northern Gaza, demanding an end to the ongoing war and chanting “Hamas out,” according to social media posts. The demonstration comes in the wake of renewed Israeli military operations, which resumed after a brief ceasefire.
Widespread Destruction in Northern Gaza
Northern Gaza remains one of the most severely affected regions, with most buildings reduced to rubble and residents displaced multiple times due to the conflict. The recent protests indicate growing frustration among the war-weary population, as many have lost their homes and livelihoods.
Israeli Response to the Protest
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to highlight the protests, stating that Israel’s renewed offensive was successfully targeting Hamas. He noted that Hamas police, who had reappeared during the ceasefire, had once again retreated from public view.
One widely circulated video, purportedly from the Beit Lahiya region, showed protesters marching through devastated streets, chanting, “Out, out, out, Hamas get out.” A witness, speaking anonymously for fear of retribution, described the rally as a spontaneous outcry from people desperate for peace. “Many chanted slogans against Hamas, though not everyone. People are exhausted, and no one should blame them,” he added.
Spreading Protests and Hamas’ Reaction
Activists on social media shared another video from Shejaia, a suburb of Gaza City, allegedly showing hundreds more demanding Hamas’ removal on 27 March. Reuters could not independently verify the authenticity of the footage. However, the spread of such demonstrations suggests rising discontent.
Senior Hamas official Basem Naim acknowledged the people’s right to protest but warned of “suspicious political agendas” exploiting the crisis. He pointed to the West Bank, where protests against Israeli aggression are often restricted, questioning why similar criticism was not directed there.
Casualties and Humanitarian Crisis
The ongoing conflict has resulted in catastrophic human loss and destruction:
| Statistic | Figure |
|---|---|
| Palestinian Death Toll | 50,000+ |
| Israeli Death Toll (7 Oct Attack) | 1,200 |
| Hostages Taken by Hamas | 251 |
| Deaths Since 18 March Offensive | ~700 |
Israeli strikes have levelled much of Gaza, forcing hundreds of thousands into makeshift shelters or the ruins of their homes. Many who had fled to the south after earlier bombings returned north during the January ceasefire, only to face fresh evacuation orders with the renewed offensive.
A protester lamented, “All of Gaza is in ruins, and now the occupation orders us to leave the north again. Where can we go?”
Hamas’ Declining Control
Following the ceasefire in January, Hamas had reasserted control over Gaza’s streets with police and security forces. However, since the Israeli military campaign resumed, Hamas’ presence has sharply diminished, with leaders and fighters going underground to evade airstrikes.
Palestinian political analyst Akram Attallah noted that Hamas had previously suppressed public dissent, but now faces limited options. “People have suffered immense losses in lives and property. Hamas is battling a relentless Israeli offensive and lacks the capacity to silence dissent as before.”
Political Divide Over Gaza’s Future
Hamas has ruled Gaza since 2007, following elections that ousted the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority (PA). Since then, both factions have remained deeply divided, failing to agree on a governance framework for post-war Gaza. The PA insists it must regain control, while Hamas, though willing to relinquish some power, demands a role in selecting the new administration.
With increasing unrest and continuing devastation, the region faces an uncertain future, as the humanitarian crisis deepens and political tensions escalate.