Gaza Residents Protest Against Hamas, Demand Ceasefire as War Toll Mounts

BEIT LAHIA, Gaza Strip — Hundreds of civilians in this northern Gaza town staged rare public demonstrations Tuesday, calling for an immediate end to the war while openly criticizing Hamas' leadership. The protests erupted hours after Israeli forces issued new evacuation orders for the area.

Key Developments:

Protesters blamed Hamas for provoking Israeli airstrikes by launching rockets near civilian areas

Emotional crowds carried signs reading "Our children's blood isn't cheap" and "We want to live in peace"

The demonstrations mark one of the clearest public challenges to Hamas' authority since the war began

On the Ground:
The march wound through Beit Lahia's devastated streets, pausing near the heavily damaged Indonesian Hospital. Protesters chanted "Hamas out!" and criticized the group's late military leader Yahya Sinwar, whose policies they blame for their suffering.

The Backstory:
Many participants are among Gaza's 1.7 million displaced persons who have been forced to flee multiple times during the 15-month conflict. They argue Hamas' continued rocket attacks from civilian areas only brings more Israeli retaliation.

Divided Reactions:
While some protesters escalated their criticism of Hamas, others tried to suppress anti-Hamas slogans, reflecting the population's complex relationship with the militant group. The demonstrations sparked heated online debates between supporters of Hamas and its political rival Fatah.

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens:
The protests come as:
• UN reports 792 Palestinian deaths in the past week alone, including 720 children
• Over 124,000 newly displaced in recent days
• Critical aid routes remain closed during Ramadan

Why It Matters:
These demonstrations reveal growing civilian frustration with all sides of the conflict, but particularly with Hamas' governance and military strategy that protesters say prolongs their suffering. The public nature of the criticism is unprecedented in Hamas-controlled Gaza, where dissent is typically suppressed.