Thousands Protest Against Hamas in Northern Gaza

In a significant and rare display of dissent, thousands of Palestinians in northern Gaza, particularly in Beit Lahia, have protested against both Hamas rule and the ongoing war with Israel. Demonstrators of all ages carried signs demanding freedom, unity, and an end to aggression and terror, with chants such as 'Hamas out' and 'No to terror, yes to peace.' Protesters called for a new Palestinian leadership, international protection for civilians, and the reopening of border crossings amid worsening humanitarian conditions and ongoing displacement. Despite Hamas’s history of suppressing dissent, the scale of these protests was unprecedented, with some reports of Hamas operatives attempting to redirect or repress the demonstrations, and allegations of violent crackdowns in recent incidents. The protests reflect mounting public frustration over the humanitarian crisis, continued violence, and Hamas’s grip on power, with residents expressing a desire for peace and a life free from constant suffering. Many participants described the movement as a cry for help, emphasizing that the war has changed everything and that silence is no longer an option.