Palestinians protest against Hamas in southern Gaza for third day

In recent protests occurring in southern Gaza, which have lasted for three days, hundreds of Palestinians have taken to the streets, demanding an end to the war and the ousting of Hamas. The protests began with young activists on a Monday and gained momentum as others joined while heading to community kitchens, maintaining pots as they demonstrated. Demonstrations have been rising, particularly among the youth, in a region where Hamas has typically suppressed dissent. Protesters have voiced strong criticisms of Hamas, with chants calling for the group’s removal, highlighting the discontent with their governance amid ongoing violence. The tensions in Gaza intensified following the cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, resulting in numerous fatalities and the upheaval of communities. Activists and former political prisoners, such as Moumen al-Natour, have echoed the sentiments of many who feel displaced and burdened by the ongoing conflict and Hamas's refusal to disarm. Displaced individuals, like Alaa, who identified himself as one of the protest initiators, share their struggles about regular relocations and the inability to secure proper shelter due to the unstable situation caused by the conflict with Israel. Reports indicate that protests against Hamas have been growing, particularly in northern Gaza, where discontent has been expressed despite suppression of public dissent in the southern region. The data from United Nations highlights that since mid-May, over 57,000 individuals have been displaced in southern Gaza due to ongoing conflict and evacuation orders. Activists assert that the dire living conditions and continual displacement are critical factors that ignite public revolt against Hamas's rule. The protests are garnering attention as people are increasingly willing to confront the risks of speaking out against the armed group, which has a history of violently silencing opposition. In essence, as humanitarian conditions deteriorate and public frustration mounts over the actions of Hamas, the protests symbolize a significant shift in public sentiment, indicating a growing demand for leadership change and a cessation of violence. This new willingness to publicly oppose Hamas could lay the groundwork for more sustained movements in the future, as residents seek to reclaim their agency in a long-suffering region. Additionally, the consequences of these protests, particularly in light of past violence against dissenters, may lead to further scrutiny of Hamas's power and the international response to the crisis at hand.