
Protest against Hamas, in Gaza
In what might signal a major turning point in Israel’s war against Hamas, many hundreds of Gazans earlier this week marched through the ruins protesting against Hamas quite publicly and apparently with no fear.
Hundreds of Gazans marched through the northern town of Beit Lahiya carrying white flags and chanting anti-Hamas slogans, according to videos posted from the scene, which showed participants calling for peace, press coverage, and the release of hostages.
In a rare public uprising against Hamas rule in Gaza, demonstrators took to the streets outside the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza. Footage shared on social media on Tuesday captured a crowd of protesters demanding an end to what they called “tyrant rule,” with chants of “Out, out, out! Hamas out!” and “We want to live!” echoing through the streets.
The images to the right are a screen capture from this video. The tweet claims thousands participated in this protest, with chants of “Down with Hamas, we’ve had enough, Hamas!”
Hamas has controlled Gaza for almost two decades. In that time any hint of protest against it has been routinely met quickly with brutal and violent retaliation. It now appears however that its power within Gaza has been severely damaged by Israel’s aggressive war, killing one leader after another with amazing efficiency.
Recently for example I have noticed in watching videos posted by Hamas supposedly showing Gazans cheering its effort, that if you look closely at the people in the crowd, many do not appear to be enthusiastic or supportive. Instead, these so-called Hamas supporters often have appeared sullen, joining the chants reluctantly almost out of fear.
These new protests against Hamas I think give us a better sense of the situation. Even though there is ample evidence that until recently Gazans of all stripes supported Hamas and were willing to eagerly aid it in its terrorist acts of murder, rape, and torture, it appears that Hamas’s failures in the war are finally taking their toll on its popularity.
These protests are a great opportunity for Israel, if it moves fast. If it can find and identify these protesters, especially their leaders, and protect them, it will further isolate Hamas and make its destruction more likely. It will also sow the seeds of a new leadership in Gaza that might actually be willing to live in peace with Israel.