Hundreds Protest Against Hamas in Gaza in Unprecedented Move

Hundreds of Palestinians staged street protests in northern Gaza, in an unprecedented move, against the extremist group Hamas that controls the territory, calling for an end to the war with Israel. According to eyewitness accounts reported by AFP, on Tuesday, April 5, the protesters, mostly men, chanted slogans such as 'Hamas must go' in Beit Lahiya. The extremist group Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the European Union and the United States. Hamas has ruled Gaza since 2007 after violently eliminating rivals following its electoral victory. The protesters gathered in an area that the Israeli army resumed heavy bombing of last week after nearly two months of ceasefire. Reports indicate that at least one call for the protest on Tuesday was circulated on the Telegram social network. Videos verified by The New York Times showed groups of protesters in the semi-destroyed streets of northern Beit Lahiya. Some carried neutral-themed placards opposing the continuation of the war, while others shouted for Hamas to leave the area. Residents of Gaza, at least publicly, hold Israel responsible for many of the deaths, destruction, and famines that the war has caused. However, some also blame Hamas, as the group initiated the war by attacking Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and abducting 251. Following this attack, Israel launched operations aimed at destroying this extremist group, which, according to Hamas's health ministry, has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths. Throughout these conflicts, despite the deaths of thousands and the devastation of Gaza, Hamas continued the war instead of relinquishing its power in exchange for a ceasefire. In the past week since the start of Israeli operations, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed and many others have been displaced again. Hamas has not officially commented on these protests, but supporters of the extremist group have downplayed the demonstrations and accused the protesters of 'treason.'