In an unprecedented display of defiance, hundreds of residents from Gaza's northern town of Beit Lahiya took to the streets, brandishing white flags and chanting slogans against Hamas.
Videos circulating from the scene depict a fervent crowd advocating for peace, media attention, and the liberation of hostages.
This rare public dissent against Hamas governance unfolded outside the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza. Social media footage from Tuesday reveals a throng of demonstrators demanding an end to what they describe as "tyrant rule," with cries of "Out, out, out! Hamas out!" and "We want to live!" resonating through the air. The protesters, waving white flags and holding placards with messages such as "Stop the war" and "We refuse to be the ones who die," have dubbed their movement the "Intifada of the North."
One protestor boldly proclaimed, We are a people of peace. We demand a secure peace for this town We will be the ones who decide who is in control. According to Breitbart, the demonstrators also implored the media to cover the event. Where is the press? one participant shouted, accusing journalists of retreating into the hospital instead of documenting the protest. Another voice from the crowd demanded freedom and the release of hostages to alleviate Gaza's suffering: Hamas must stop what is happening We reject the rule of Hamas.
Subsequent footage reportedly captured similar protests erupting in southern Gaza, marking one of the most significant and overt demonstrations against Hamas since the conflict with Israel reignited in October 2023.
Historically, Hamas has met anti-government protests with immediate and often harsh crackdowns. The group, backed by Iran and in control of Gaza since 2007, is classified as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by both the United States and the European Union. This recent protest, however, underscores a growing sense of desperation among ordinary Gazans, many of whom now seem prepared to voice their discontent despite the potential repercussions. As one protester poignantly asked, How can we remain steadfast when were dying and bleeding?
The unrest in Gaza coincides with escalating instability in the region, as Israel intensifies its campaign to dismantle Hamas's leadership following the October 7 massacre the most lethal terror attack in Israel's history. In the past week alone, Israeli forces have successfully targeted several senior Hamas figures, revealing internal rifts within the organization and pushing its operatives into a defensive posture.
Amidst this turmoil, President Trump's renewed vision for Gaza, which includes voluntary resettlement and economic revitalization, has gained momentum. Polls indicate that over half of Gazans are now contemplating leaving the region.
As Hamas grapples with maintaining its grip on power and protesters clamor for change from within, the groundwork is being laid for a potentially transformative shift in the region's trajectory.
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