Growing Discontent: Anti-Hamas Protests Escalate in Southern Gaza

In a significant surge of discontent, hundreds of Palestinians in southern Gaza have taken to the streets for a third consecutive day, demanding the removal of Hamas amid calls for peace as the war continues to escalate.

Hundreds of demonstrators have flooded the streets of southern Gaza for a third day, voicing their outrage against Hamas amidst the ongoing conflict. The protests erupted in Khan Younis as demonstrators chanted, "Out! Out! Out! All of Hamas, out!" Videos circulating on social media depict the growing frustration among civilians as they call for an end to both the war and Hamas's rule.

Participants of the protests are primarily young people who began mobilizing on Monday, joined by community members carrying pots from local kitchens. Their grievances were amplified following controversial remarks by Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri, who claimed the war with Israel was "eternal" while advocating for procreation to replace fallen fighters. The backlash to his comments spurred further protests, with slogans directed at the group's leadership, criticizing their policies and actions during this volatile time.

Public dissent against Hamas can be perilous, particularly in Gaza, where reporters have received threats from unknown sources warning them against disseminating negative narratives that could undermine morale. Despite these risks, the protests demonstrate a significant shift in public sentiment as frustrations boil over due to hardship resulting from the extended conflict.

Alaa, an anonymous protest organizer and former political prisoner, highlighted the dire conditions faced by civilians, stating, "The people do not care anymore about Hamas' attempts to suppress their voice." His sentiments reflect the prevailing sense of desperation among residents who have been displaced multiple times due to the ongoing airstrikes and evacuation orders issued by Israeli forces.

Reports indicate that the UN has registered over 57,000 displaced individuals since May, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The Hamas-run health ministry has reported over 53,000 fatalities since the war's beginning on October 7, with immense losses in the recent days alone.

As protests grow, calls for international intervention resonate louder as civilians plead for help to address the devastation all around them. Moumen al-Natour, a key figure in the anti-Hamas protest movement, expressed that the ongoing conflict's burden is pushing people to revolt against what they perceive as non-negotiable resistance from Hamas.