Rising Anti-Hamas Sentiment in Gaza Amidst Deteriorating Conditions

As social unrest increases, more Gazans openly oppose Hamas, blaming the group for the current crises. While speaking out against Hamas is dangerous, many believe their grip on power is faltering amidst ongoing military conflicts.

With discontent simmering in the Gaza Strip, public protests against Hamas appear to be on the rise. The ruling group, which has held power for nearly two decades, faces growing criticism as Palestinians increasingly accuse it of exacerbating the humanitarian crises gripping the territory.

Recent demonstrations have seen participants chanting anti-Hamas slogans openly, with fervent calls for the group's removal echoing through the streets. Citizens, like lawyer Moumen al-Natour, articulate frustrations over the dire conditions they face. "The world thinks that Gaza is Hamas and Hamas is Gaza," he stated, emphasizing a widespread sentiment that many Gazans never chose Hamas as their rulers.

Historically, dissent against Hamas has been severely punished, but the landscape appears to be changing as recent events have sparked a wave of public dissent. Reports have emerged of protesters confronting armed Hamas operatives, and even preventing them from carrying out military actions from within civilian areas. An eyewitness recounted a tense standoff where local residents prevented Hamas gunmen from launching an attack from an elderly man's home, defying their authority even amidst violent threats.

Hamas' oppressive regime continues to retaliate harshly against dissenters, highlighted by the disturbing account of Oday al-Rubai, who was allegedly kidnapped and killed for participating in anti-Hamas protests. Such incidents, coupled with systematic human rights violations, have galvanized citizens to push back against Hamas' control.

Despite facing significant danger, many residents now seem willing to speak out. Amin Abed, a vocal critic of the group who suffered brutal retaliation for his criticisms in the past, noted that Hamas' power appears to be waning. "It targets activists and civilians, beats and kills them to scare people. But it's not how it was before," he asserted from his new home in Dubai, where he continues to support the burgeoning protest movement.

Yet protests remain fraught with risk, as evidenced by the lethal force employed against demonstrators in Gaza City. Many protesters articulate a dual frustration, blaming both Hamas and Israel for the resulting devastation, at times comparing the two to competing plagues.

As tensions mount and the humanitarian situation deteriorates, the past's unquestioning support for Hamas is increasingly giving way to open defiance. This grassroots uprising may indicate that after nearly 20 years of being governed by Hamas, a new chapter may be slowly unfolding in Gaza.