Gaza protests against Hamas and war stretch to second day

Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza took to the streets this week to march and chant slogans against Hamas and war in several hard-hit areas of northern Gaza. In the town of Beit Lahiya, about 3,000 demonstrators marched on Wednesday, with many shouting “the people want the fall of Hamas.” A similar protest was held there the day before. 

Protests also took place on Tuesday in Gaza City and the war-torn area of Jabaliya. Several protesters told the Associated Press they wanted Hamas to compromise in peace negotiations to stop the deaths and displacements their families have suffered. The war began with the terrorist organization’s Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

How did Hamas respond to the protests? Its military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, called the protesters traitors, Newsweek reported. But the group has not appeared to forcibly stop the protests. Hamas has previously repressed dissent with violent crackdowns and systematic torture, according to Human Rights Watch, a New York-based nonprofit organization.

How did Israel respond to the protests? Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday encouraged more people to join the protesters, saying the war would only end with Hamas’ removal from Gaza and the release of all hostages held by the terrorist group. Katz warned that more civilians in Gaza will need to evacuate soon as Israel’s combat operations spread. The Israel Defense Forces resumed fighting Hamas in Gaza March 18 after a breakdown in negotiations to extend a ceasefire.

How long has the terrorist group ruled Gaza? Hamas seized control of the enclave in 2007 after winning 2006 elections and a brief civil war with Fatah, a rival Palestinian faction. Fatah’s governmental arm, the Palestinian Authority, is currently headquartered in the West Bank and also claims jurisdiction over the Gaza Strip. A Fatah spokesman urged Hamas to step down in response to the protests, Newsweek reported.

Dig deeper:Read my report on Egypt’s proposal for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.