JERUSALEM — In a rare public demonstration of dissent, hundreds of Palestinians gathered in northern Gaza on Tuesday to protest against Hamas, calling for an end to the war and accusing the militant group of bringing destruction to the territory.
Footage circulated widely on social media appeared to show residents of the Beit Lahiya area marching through war-damaged streets, chanting slogans including “Hamas is terrorist” and “We don’t want war.” One banner held by demonstrators read “Enough wars.”
Northern Gaza has been among the hardest-hit regions since Israel launched its military campaign in response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, in which militants killed more than 1,200 people in Israel and took approximately 250 hostages. The Israeli military resumed its offensive on March 18, following a two-month cease-fire during which several hostages were released.
More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict so far, according to health officials in Gaza. Nearly 700 people — the majority of them women and children — have been reported killed since Israel resumed airstrikes last week, the officials said.
Reuters was able to verify the location of the protest video using satellite imagery and identifiable landmarks in Beit Lahiya, though the precise date could not be confirmed. Other videos posted on March 25 showed similar scenes.
The protests come as Israeli forces issue new evacuation orders for parts of northern Gaza, prompting renewed displacement among civilians who had returned home during the pause in fighting.
Hamas has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007, when it seized control from the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority. The group, designated a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, and several other countries, has allowed little room for political opposition. Many residents have expressed fear of reprisals for speaking out against Hamas.
While demonstrations critical of Hamas are rare, the devastation of the current conflict and the collapse of basic services in Gaza have deepened public frustration.
