Over recent days, significant anti-war protests have emerged within the Gaza Strip, with thousands of Palestinians vocalizing their dissatisfaction with Hamas. This display of anger is reportedly the most substantial against the militant group since its offensive on Israel, which triggered the ongoing conflict.
Demonstrators have expressed their frustration and hopelessness, particularly after an Israeli ceasefire came to an end, forcing another cycle of war and displacement. While their ire towards Israel, the United States, and other external entities remains strong, the protesters have for the first time openly criticized Hamas, seeking concessions from the group.
Instances of public dissent in Gaza are exceedingly rare, largely due to Hamas’ firm grip on power since 2007. The organization has previously quashed dissent with force, detaining, torturing, or even executing those who opposed its rule. Despite losing many leaders and fighters in the conflict, Hamas continues to control Gaza without facing any significant internal challenges.
The Gaza populace also harbors deep-seated anger towards Israel, whose military operations have caused widespread devastation and left tens of thousands dead, as entire neighborhoods lie in ruins. Israel has attributed the high casualty toll to Hamas, accusing it of carrying out operations within heavily populated areas while simultaneously showing disregard for civilian safety.
According to Mohamed Abu Saker, a resident from the war-torn town of Beit Hanoun, the protests are motivated not by politics but by a desperation to preserve life amidst the violence. “We can’t stop Israel from killing us, but we can press Hamas to give concessions,” he remarked.
Determining Hamas’ popularity is complicated. While Palestinians broadly support resistance against Israel’s occupation, the allegiance to Hamas varies, often influenced by the intensity of conflict. Before the war, surveys indicated a balanced support between Hamas and the more secular Fatah party. However, wartime polling revealed a surge in support for Hamas, particularly in the West Bank, following the deadly October 7 attack.
Polling in Gaza presents challenges due to the lack of access and displacement of people. Analysts like Tahani Mustafa of the International Crisis Group caution against assuming clear popularity metrics, highlighting the complexity of gauging public opinion in such environments. Many interviewed Palestinians opted for anonymity due to fears of repercussions from either Hamas or Israel for revealing their true sentiments.
The Gaza Health Ministry, associated with the Hamas-led government, reports that the recent conflict has resulted in over 50,000 deaths, though the civilian-versus-combatant split remains unspecified. Despite Israel challenging these figures, external bodies such as UN agencies consider the numbers generally credible.
Hamas’ authoritarian tendencies have historically stifled opposition since their takeover from Fatah, often through harsh measures against critics or alleged Israeli collaborators. While no fatalities have been confirmed from current protests, fear persists among the residents.
Israel and other Western states classify Hamas as a terrorist entity due to its history of attacks targeting civilians. In the tightly controlled streets of Gaza, Hamas’ security personnel maintain dominance, ensuring law and order and inhibiting expressions of dissent.
Criticism of armed resistance within Palestinian discourse is considered taboo, often seen as betrayal. Despite family heads in Beit Lahiya—where initial protests began—calling for an end to the war, they reaffirm support for armed resistance. Saeed Abu Elaish, a medic who suffered immense personal loss from an airstrike, voiced frustration over the ongoing conflict but censured Israel for exploiting the protests.
The absence of a viable alternative to Hamas complicates the situation in Gaza. With peace talks stalled and an unpopular Palestinian political leadership, there is no immediate prospect of replacing Hamas. Israeli maneuvers and policy positions further stymie potential leadership transitions, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explicitly excluding Abbas’ administration from any future role in Gaza’s governance.
With no elections since 2006 and a forthcoming opportunity uncertain, many Gazans see no end in sight to the conflict or to the current situation. Protesters like Abed Radwan articulate despair, lamenting the widespread destruction and the collective silence of the international community.
As the conflict continues, the lack of a postwar strategy and leadership alternatives within Gaza remains a source of deep distress for its besieged residents.