In a rare public display of dissent, hundreds of Palestinians took to the streets of Beit Lahiya on Tuesday, voicing their frustration with Hamas and the ongoing war in Gaza. Protesters held signs reading “Stop the war,” “We refuse to die,” and “The blood of our children is not cheap.” Others were heard chanting, “Hamas out!”—an unprecedented move in a territory where criticism of the governing militant group is often suppressed.
Eyewitnesses reported that the demonstration, which started with a small group, quickly swelled to more than 2,000 participants. “We are sick of the bombing, killing, and displacement,” said Ammar Hassan, a Beit Lahiya resident who joined the protest. “Protests won’t stop the [Israeli] occupation, but they can affect Hamas.”
However, the demonstration was not without resistance. Videos circulating online appeared to show Hamas supporters dispersing the crowd, a reflection of the group’s tight grip on Gaza. Meanwhile, local family elders released a statement reaffirming their support for armed resistance against Israel and warning against any perceived internal divisions that could be exploited by external forces.
The protests come in the wake of renewed Israeli military operations in Gaza, which resumed after the collapse of a ceasefire agreement. With Israeli airstrikes and ground offensives intensifying, the civilian toll has reached devastating levels. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began. Millions have been displaced, with humanitarian conditions deteriorating rapidly.
Israel has vowed to continue its military campaign until Hamas releases remaining hostages, disarms, and relinquishes power. In contrast, Hamas has demanded an immediate ceasefire, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The war erupted following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages.
Both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, which governs the West Bank, have been accused of suppressing dissent and silencing opposition voices. The rare protest in Beit Lahiya highlights the growing desperation of Gaza’s civilians, who continue to bear the brunt of the relentless conflict.
As the war rages on, the question remains: will these protests mark a shift in public sentiment, or will they be swiftly silenced by those in power? For now, the people of Gaza remain trapped between war and repression, yearning for peace amid the ruins of their homeland.
