Wed Mar 26 02:24:20 UTC 2025: ## Gaza Protests Erupt Against Hamas Amidst Renewed Israeli Offensive

**GAZA CITY, March 26, 2025** – Hundreds of Palestinians staged the largest anti-Hamas protest in Gaza since the start of the ongoing conflict with Israel, demanding an end to the violence and the resignation of the ruling Hamas group. The demonstrations, which took place in Beit Lahia and Jabalia refugee camps, followed a week of intensified Israeli bombing after a nearly two-month truce.

Protestors, predominantly men, chanted “Hamas out!” and carried banners calling for peace and an end to the war. Videos circulating on social media showed the scale of the demonstrations, with participants expressing their frustration with the Hamas leadership.

However, reports indicate that Hamas security forces, some in civilian clothes, violently dispersed the protests, assaulting several demonstrators. Witnesses reported masked militants using guns and batons to break up the gatherings.

One protester, who identified himself only as Mohammed, fearing reprisals, stated the protests were a plea for an end to the violence, claiming to have witnessed Hamas security forces suppressing the demonstrations. Another protester, Majdi, simply stated, “The people are tired.” Similar sentiments were echoed in Jabalia, where protestors burned tires and chanted “We want to eat,” highlighting the dire humanitarian situation.

While the organizers remain unknown, appeals circulated on Telegram apparently mobilized the protests. Further demonstrations are reportedly planned for Wednesday.

Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, has yet to comment on the protests. However, pro-Hamas supporters have attempted to downplay the significance of the demonstrations, labeling the protestors as traitors. Fatah, a rival Palestinian faction, publicly called on Hamas to step aside to protect the Gazan population.

The protests come amidst a devastating war that has claimed the lives of at least 792 Palestinians in Gaza since the renewed Israeli offensive and at least 50,021 Palestinians since the start of the conflict. The ongoing conflict, sparked by a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, has left Gaza in ruins and its population facing a severe humanitarian crisis. The Israeli blockade of aid into Gaza further exacerbates the suffering. A September 2024 poll indicated only 35% of Gazans support Hamas, suggesting growing discontent with the ruling group.

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