Hamas Cracks Down on Rare Gaza Protests Amid Intensifying Conflict with Israel

In March 2025, public protests erupted in Gaza against the ongoing war with Israel and Hamas's leadership. The protests, starting in Beit Lahia and spreading to other areas, were met with violent suppression by Hamas, targeting protesters, journalists, and political opponents. The demonstrations have largely subsided due to fear and repression. Meanwhile, Israeli military operations have intensified, causing significant casualties and humanitarian issues. Despite growing civilian frustration, Hamas has rejected ceasefire proposals demanding disarmament and withdrawal, insisting on a complete end to hostilities and Israeli withdrawal.

Protests Emerge Amid War and Desperation

The protests began spontaneously in Beit Lahia, a city in northern Gaza, shortly after Israel resumed military operations following the collapse of a ceasefire. Residents, many of whom had lost homes and family members in Israeli airstrikes, took to the streets calling for an end to the war and for Hamas to relinquish control. The demonstrations quickly spread to other areas, including Khan Younis, Jabalya, and the Nuseirat refugee camp.

Chants of “Hamas out” echoed through the streets, a rare and bold act of defiance in a territory where dissent has long been met with harsh consequences. Protesters made clear that their anger was directed not only at Israel’s military campaign, which has killed thousands, but also at Hamas’s handling of the war and its refusal to accept ceasefire proposals.

“If the end of Hamas’s rule will lead to the end of the war, for us the most important thing is for the war to end,” said Rami Haroun, a resident of Nuseirat who joined the protests.

Hamas Responds with Intimidation and Violence

Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, responded swiftly to the unrest. According to multiple eyewitnesses and family members of victims, the group’s internal security forces and armed wing, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, used threats, beatings, and even killings to suppress the demonstrations.

In one case, Oday Rabey, a man who had defended a relative harassed by Hamas security, was kidnapped, beaten, and tortured by masked men claiming to be from Hamas’s armed wing. He later died from his injuries. His family said the assailants accused him of drug use and weapons theft—charges they deny.

“This is the fate of people who wrong Hamas,” the attackers reportedly told Rabey’s family.

Other political opponents were also targeted. Prominent critic Amin Abed was physically assaulted, and Ziad Abu Hayya was shot dead, according to their families. Hamas officials have not publicly commented on these specific incidents, though a statement from senior official Basem Naim acknowledged the public’s right to express pain but condemned those who “exploit these tragic humanitarian conditions” for political purposes.

Journalists Silenced, Public Fear Grows

Local journalists who initially sought to cover the protests said they were pressured into silence. Two reporters, speaking anonymously, said they feared being labeled collaborators with Israel or facing retaliation from Hamas. One journalist said Hamas’s internal security agents sometimes follow reporters during their work.

“There is a fear of Hamas, but also a fear of chaos,” said Haroun, the Nuseirat resident. “In the current situation, there isn’t an alternative. The issue is terrifying.”

Despite the repression, some analysts believe Hamas’s grip on power is weakening. Mkhaimar Abusada, a political analyst in Gaza, noted that the group’s ability to control the streets has diminished due to the war’s toll and internal divisions. “Hamas is not in a position to control the Palestinian streets,” he said.

Israeli Military Pressure Intensifies

The protests and Hamas’s crackdown are unfolding against the backdrop of a relentless Israeli military campaign. Since the ceasefire collapsed in March, Israel has resumed airstrikes and ground operations across Gaza, targeting Hamas infrastructure and leadership. According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 1,600 Palestinians have been killed in recent weeks, most of them women and children.

Israel has seized more than half of Gaza’s territory and established two military corridors—Netzarim and Morag—that divide the enclave. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israeli troops will remain in these “security zones” indefinitely. Aid deliveries have been severely restricted, with Israeli officials openly acknowledging the use of food as leverage against Hamas.

Hospitals and civilian infrastructure have also been targeted. The World Health Organization reports that 36 hospitals, including the Al Ahli Baptist Hospital, have been attacked since 2023. The humanitarian situation is dire, with widespread displacement, food shortages, and limited access to medical care.

Civilian Frustration with Hamas Leadership

As the war drags on, many Gazans have grown increasingly disillusioned with Hamas. Residents accuse the group of prioritizing its political survival over the well-being of the population.

“It is clear that all Hamas cares about is what happens the day after the war,” said Ashraf Mahmoud, a resident of Gaza City whose home was destroyed. “They want to remain in control of Gaza, preserving what little power they have left to impose their rule on the wounded, grieving, and hungry citizens.”

Others echoed this sentiment, saying Hamas glorifies the suffering of civilians as “steadfastness” while doing little to alleviate it. “We are not steadfast,” said Areej Ahmed, a 30-year-old from Gaza City. “We are simply forced to survive.”

Ceasefire Talks and Hamas’s Stance

Despite mounting pressure, Hamas has rejected recent Israeli ceasefire proposals, which include demands for the group to disarm and for its leadership to leave Gaza. Hamas insists on a complete end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from the territory.

A senior Hamas official, Suhail Al Hindi, confirmed that the group is reviewing a new 45-day truce proposal but reiterated that any deal must guarantee a total cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Meanwhile, Israel continues its military operations, stating that future ceasefire negotiations will take place “under fire.”

References

• 'Hamas is finished, politically and militarily': Gazans call for group to accept ceasefire deal | The National
• How the United Nations Enables Hamas
• Hamas - Wikipedia
• Gaza territory shrinks drastically as Israel seizes huge swaths of land
• Israel’s Relentless Bombardment of Gaza Continues
• Israel kills 19 in Gaza since morning, says troops to ‘remain’ indefinitely
• Hamas rejects Israeli truce disarmament proposal - official