Growing Dissent: Palestinians Protest Against Hamas in Southern Gaza

As protests against Hamas continue into their third day in southern Gaza, demonstrators voice their frustration over the group's leadership and its handling of the ongoing war, emphasizing their desire for peace and an end to conflict.

Palestinians in southern Gaza have taken to the streets for a third consecutive day, voicing their opposition to Hamas amid the ongoing conflict in the region. Hundreds of demonstrators were recorded on social media platforms shouting, "Out! Out! Out! All of Hamas, out!" as they called for an end to the war and the removal of the armed group from their territory. The protests, which activists say were sparked by young people on Monday, have grown to include others who collected food from community kitchens, maintaining a supportive atmosphere even amidst their grievances.

In the wake of ongoing unrest, threats have circulated within journalists' networks, warning reporters against publishing negative news that could demoralize the populace. Notably, anger towards Hamas intensified after senior official Sami Abu Zuhri's comments from a March podcast circulated online. In the podcast, he described the conflict with Israel as "eternal," a phrase that struck a nerve with many in Gaza, leading to sharp criticism of the group's leaders. Videos from Khan Younis revealed protesters expressing deep frustration, claiming that Hamas was profiting from the violence, as one demonstrator lamented, “To those with Hamas, be aware the people of Gaza will dig your grave."

Despite a history of suppressing dissent, Hamas faces increasing public criticism, especially as protests have escalated in northern Gaza. The presence and control of the group in southern regions had previously stifled opposition, but dissatisfaction is now bubbling to the surface. International reporting on conditions in Gaza remains limited due to restrictions imposed by Israel, which adds layers of complexity to understanding the sentiment of residents.

Israeli air strikes have intensified, particularly in Khan Younis, where many have been issued evacuation orders. One protester, identified only as Alaa for his safety, criticized Hamas, stating that residents are unwilling to remain silent while facing dire circumstances such as food shortages and constant bombings. Having been displaced multiple times during the ongoing hostilities, Alaa emphasized that resistance to Israeli occupation predates Hamas and would persist, calling on the international community to intervene for the sake of peace.

The dangers of protesting against Hamas are evident, with recent reports indicating violent reprisals against anti-Hamas demonstrators. Alaa recounted a tense moment during the protest when they faced intimidation, noting that while some attempted to quell their voices, they were outnumbered by the defiant crowd. Moumen al-Natour, an attorney and co-founder of the anti-Hamas movement "We Want to Live," attributed the escalating protests to a growing sense of displacement and fatigue among residents.

The ongoing conflict has seen over 57,000 people displaced since mid-May, with more than 53,000 fatalities reported across Gaza since the war's onset. This surge in anti-Hamas sentiment underscores a pivotal shift in public opinion, as locals demand change in the face of overwhelming adversity.