In a rare public show of uprising against Hamas, thousands of Palestinians have hit the streets demanding an end to the militant group’s rule. Hamas has been the de facto governing body in the Gaza Strip since 2007, when it ousted the Palestinian Authority from power. The militant outfit, an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood’s Palestinian branch, has traditionally enjoyed the support of the Gazans but the devastating war with Israel, which Palestinian authorities claim displaced 2 million people and killed 50,000, seems to have forced a rethink. The latest public outrage against Hamas comes after Israel resumed its strikes on Gaza after the militant outfit reportedly violated the ceasefire agreement and refused to hand over the Israeli hostages it had abducted on October 7, 2023.
According to reports, thousands of desperate Palestinians have taken to the streets of Gaza chanting slogans against Hamas. The protests erupted soon after Israel launched a new wave of airstrikes on Gaza, sending shockwaves among frightened citizens.
Already, the conflict has taken a devastating toll. Apart from the huge civilian casualties, basic services including healthcare, water, and sanitation have collapsed. According to estimates, 70% of the buildings in Gaza have been destroyed, making the strip uninhabitable.
Reports say Gazans have become disillusioned and disoriented with what’s happening around them. They have been forced to flee their homes multiple times, seen their family and close relatives getting killed in the war between the militant outfit they long supported and the powerful Israeli military. They now want Hamas to resolve the fresh conflict by returning the hostages.
Why the public protest against Hamas is important is because the militant outfit is known for ruthlessly cracking down on dissent. Gazans no longer fear Hamas and in fact want the group out.
Reports say Hamas officials initially tried to stop the protest by beating up some people but had to retreat against overwhelming public anger. The Hamas militants are now keeping a low profile hoping the public mood will change.
An underground militant outfit, lying low is not new for Hamas; its cowardly leaders are known to hide in tunnels or behind civilians.
While the protests seem to be growing, Israel is not yet convinced Hamas will mend its ways and is pressing ahead with an offensive in Gaza. Tel Aviv has also reiterated its resolve to dismantle Hamas and banish its leaders.
With the conflict showing no signs of resolution, Hamas is facing growing discontent from a population desperate for an end to violence and return to normalcy.
