Hamas has condemned protests which have broken out across Gaza representing the largest demonstrations against the militant group since the conflict with Israel began in October 2023.
The group’s military wing accused protesters of being “agents” who support Israel.
Why It Matters
Rising protests against Hamas point to increasing unrest within Gaza, further straining the group’s already diminished military strength and weakening its grip on power in the region.
This development could have major consequences for both Israel and the United States, which have consistently viewed Hamas as a key barrier to peace. The organization has openly declared its intention to eliminate the state of Israel and replace it with an Islamic state.
Photo by AFP/Getty Images
What To Know
Protesters gathered in Gaza on Tuesday chanting anti-Hamas slogans and demanding an end to the war. Opponents of Hamas shouted ‘Out’ as many also carried signs demanding an end to the “Israeli genocide.”
Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing broadcast a message through their Telegram channel saying those who take the streets in demonstrations “supporting the occupation, under the name of anti-Hamas protests” are “agents,” a term used in Arabic to refer to traitors, particularly in a political context.
The group also suggested its rival, the Palestinian authority in Ramallah, was behind the protests. Fatah spokesperson Munther Hayek called on Hamas to step down from governance in Gaza, allowing the Palestinian Authority and umbrella Palestine Liberation Organisation to take responsibility. He stated that Hamas’s presence “is harming the Palestinian cause” and urged the group “to listen to calls for change to help alleviate the suffering in Gaza,” according to Wafa news website.
In the early stages of the conflict, Hamas enjoyed significant backing from Palestinians, largely due to their resistance against Israel and the solidarity sparked by the violence. However, this support has waned over time, particularly as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deepened and the toll of the conflict has increased.
Israel Targets Hamas in Gaza
Israel resumed bombing Gaza on March 18 following the collapse of a ceasefire brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, which took effect on January 19, 2025. The ceasefire had briefly paused the conflict that began when Hamas launched attacks on Israel in October 2023. After the failure to secure the release of more hostages, including an American-Israeli soldier, the United States approved Israel’s renewed military campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
Protests against Hamas come amid a deep humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where most infrastructure including medical facilities has been demolished. Additionally, the U.N. has decided to reduce aid operations in the strip, citing Israel’s “devastating strikes” and blockade of humanitarian aid entry. Aid workers have been killed in Israeli strikes.
Tensions between opponents of Hamas have surfaced on social media and messaging platforms, with the group’s military wing accusing demonstrators of being “traitors,” further intensifying the divisions.
What People Are Saying
Al-Qassam Brigades: “The “Khalik Waei” platform has monitored a systematic incitement campaign against the Palestinian resistance in the Gaza Strip, following the violation of the ceasefire agreement by the occupation and launching a treacherous attack on civilian homes and shelters, resulting in a large number of martyrs… Based on the research findings, the “Khalik Waei” team estimates that the central entity directing the incitement campaign is the “Security Media Unit” within the Palestinian Intelligence Service in Ramallah, which has been inciting against the resistance and its liberation approach since the beginning of the aggression.”
Fatah spokesperson Munther Hayek: “listen to calls for change to help alleviate the suffering in Gaza.”
What Happens Next
Hamas has previously cracked down on any signs of protest in areas under its control and on those thought to be loyal to Fatah, but this could also put greater pressure on the group for release of some hostages. Israel and the United States are likely to welcome the protests as signs that their pressure is ultimately having an impact.
