Thousands in Gaza Protest Against Hamas as Humanitarian Crisis Worsens

Thousands of Palestinians protested against Hamas in northern Gaza, marking the largest demonstration since the war began. Crowds in Beit Lahia chanted against Hamas, demanding an end to the war. A social media message encouraged more protests, but CNN couldn’t verify its source. The demonstrations come as Gaza’s death toll surpasses 50,000. Northern Gaza has suffered heavy destruction from Israeli military operations following the October 7 attacks. Hamas has controlled Gaza since 2007 after a conflict with the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority.

The region is now almost entirely reliant on humanitarian aid. Israel blocked aid deliveries in early March after ceasefire talks failed. Israel accuses Hamas of seizing aid for military purposes, a claim Hamas denies. The UN warns of an escalating hunger crisis due to the blockade. No food, water, or medical supplies have entered for weeks. The situation remains dire with no resolution in sight.

Thousands in Gaza Protest Against Hamas as Humanitarian Crisis Worsens

Thousands of Palestinians in northern Gaza gathered on Tuesday in one of the largest demonstrations against Hamas since the war with Israel began. In the town of Beit Lahia, crowds shouted slogans such as “Hamas out!” and “We want the war to end!” The protests reflect rising frustration with Hamas’ leadership as the conflict continues, bringing immense suffering.

Activists online called for more protests on Wednesday, urging people across Gaza to join and make their voices heard. A widely circulated message stated, “Let the world know Gaza is not silent. We refuse to be erased.” However, the origin of this message remains unclear, and CNN could not confirm its source.

War and Humanitarian Disaster

The protests come as Gaza faces a deepening humanitarian crisis. Over 50,000 people have reportedly been killed in the war, with no sign of peace. Northern Gaza, where Israel has focused its military operations, lies in ruins. Homes, hospitals, and infrastructure have been destroyed, leaving families trapped in rubble or forced into overcrowded shelters.

The war began after Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and led to approximately 250 hostages being taken. Israel responded with intense airstrikes and a ground invasion, vowing to dismantle Hamas. However, the civilian toll has sparked global outrage, and now, rare public dissent against Hamas is emerging from within Gaza itself.

Hamas’ Troubled Rule

Hamas, an Islamist group, has governed Gaza since 2007. It won legislative elections in 2006 but later clashed violently with Fatah, the party controlling the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. This split left Gaza politically isolated. Over the years, Hamas has faced criticism for its strict policies, lack of economic progress, and repeated conflicts with Israel.

Today, Gaza’s 2.3 million people rely almost entirely on aid for survival. However, Israel halted deliveries in early March after ceasefire talks failed, accusing Hamas of stealing supplies meant for civilians. Israel claims the group diverts food, fuel, and medicine to its fighters and tunnel networks—a charge Hamas denies. The United Nations warns that the blockade has pushed Gaza to the brink of famine, with no shipments of food, water, or medical aid entering for weeks.

Desperation Grows

With supplies cut off, families are struggling to find basic necessities like bread and clean water. Hospitals, overwhelmed by injuries and shortages, are turning away patients. Parents describe children starving to death or dying from untreated wounds. “We’re eating grass to survive,” one resident told reporters. “No one is coming to help us.”

The protests highlight growing anger at both Hamas and the international community. Many blame Hamas for provoking the war and failing to protect civilians, while others criticize Israel’s harsh tactics and the world’s slow response. “We’re trapped between Hamas’ mistakes and Israel’s bombs,” said a protester in Beit Lahia. “We just want this nightmare to end.”

Uncertain Future

The demonstrations mark a rare challenge to Hamas’ authority, which has long silenced dissent. Previous attempts to protest were met with arrests or force. However, the scale of current suffering appears to have weakened Hamas’ grip, with some locals openly defying the group.

Meanwhile, efforts to negotiate a ceasefire have stalled. Hamas demands a permanent end to the war and Israeli withdrawal, while Israel insists on dismantling Hamas and securing the release of remaining hostages. The U.S., Qatar, and Egypt continue to mediate, but hopes for a deal are fading.

As the war enters its sixth month, Gaza’s crisis shows no sign of relief. The UN warns that without urgent aid, disease and hunger could kill thousands more. For now, the protests offer a glimpse of Gazans’ desperation—and their plea for a future free from war and destruction.

Key Points:

• Rare public protests against Hamas signal frustration with the war’s toll.
• Over 50,000 deaths reported; northern Gaza is devastated.
• Israel’s aid blockade worsens starvation and medical shortages.
• Hamas denies stealing aid; Israel insists it targets militants.
• Ceasefire talks remain deadlocked, prolonging civilian suffering.

The world watches as Gaza’s people endure unimaginable loss, caught between warring powers and a fading hope for peace.