The demonstrators in Gaza call on Hamas to withdraw

In a rare and perilous public spectacle of anger against Hamas, hundreds of Palestinians crossed Beit Lahia in the north of Gaza this week, demanding that the militant group renounce the control of the territory and end the war with Israel, according to four witnesses.

Wednesday walks on Wednesday seems to be the last of a handful of these demonstrations that have broken out in the past two weeks, despite Hamas’ efforts to suppress dissent with threats and strength shows. Witnesses said it was Beit Lahia’s first demonstrations that women joined, some bringing their children.

Together, the demonstrations, although small and dispersed, represent the most serious challenge to the 18 -year -old Hamas fist rule of the Gaza Strip since the start of the war when Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023. The overwhelming Israeli response that followed has torn the territory and the lives of residents, killing tens of thousands of people. The bloodshed resumed after Israel put an end to a cease-fire agreement of two months in mid-March, citing the refusal of Hamas to accept Israeli requests.

The Palestinians began walking about a week later in Beit Lahia, an agricultural community in the northern part of Gaza, then in other parts of the enclave. The demonstrations lasted three days before appearing to fade.

Activists have published on social networks this week calling for new rallies. The demonstrators gathered in the main square of Beit Lahia and walked towards another place, demonstrators said in interviews. They gave variable estimates of the size of the rally, from around 1,000 to 1,500.

“We have lost our houses, our loved ones, our hope and our future. Fairly enough,” said Abeer al-Radeea, 34, a housewife who said that she went to the demonstration on Wednesday with her husband and children. “We call on Hamas to stop this and leave us. We do not know when it ends, but we want peace and democracy. ”