Hundreds of demonstrators in Khan Younis are speaking out against Hamas, urging for the group's removal as they face dire humanitarian conditions linked to the ongoing conflict. Activists report a growing wave of public dissent, fueled by frustrations over persistence of war and hardship.
Protests Against Hamas Surge in Southern Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
Protests Against Hamas Surge in Southern Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
For the third consecutive day, Palestinians in southern Gaza have been protesting against Hamas, demanding an end to its leadership and the ongoing conflict.
Palestinians in southern Gaza have organized protests for a third consecutive day, calling for the removal of Hamas from power and an end to the ongoing conflict. Demonstrators chanted "Out! Out! Out! All of Hamas, out!" in a show of defiance against the armed group, as videos shared on social media captured the widespread unrest.
Activists have reported that these protests, which initially began with young people on Monday, quickly gained momentum, particularly as others joined in on their way to community kitchens. The unrest appears to have been sparked by a controversial podcast interview featuring Hamas senior official Sami Abu Zuhri, in which he described the war with Israel as "eternal" and emphasized a commitment to continuing resistance.
As frustrations over war and deprivation mount, protesters in Khan Younis condemned Hamas for perceived exploitation and revealed sentiments of desperation, with one participant stating that the people no longer fear Hamas' repression. Notably, public dissent against Hamas has been historically dangerous; many individuals have faced severe repercussions for opposing the group's authority, including abductions and violence.
Throughout the protests, the participants have expressed that ongoing violence, food scarcity, and the loss of loved ones have driven them to rally against Hamas. A participant, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, conveyed the urgent need for global pressure on both Hamas and Israel to alleviate their suffering.
The situation has escalated, with Israel conducting continuous airstrikes on Khan Younis since the protests began. The military operations formed part of a broader campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas following the deadly cross-border attacks on October 7, which resulted in substantial casualties and further contributed to the region's humanitarian crisis.
As the protests unfold, there are indications that opposition to Hamas is growing stronger, highlighting a divergence between the group's aims and the concerns of the public amid devastating living conditions in Gaza.
