In brief
For the second consecutive day, citizens in Gaza have voiced their opposition to both the war and Hamas's rule, signaling a rising tide of dissent.
March 26, 2025, 1:52 p.m. ET — In a rare display of public opposition, residents in Gaza have gathered for protests against the territorial rulers, Hamas, for the second day in a row. These demonstrations reflect a deep sense of frustration over the recent collapse of a hoped-for cease-fire with Israel after months of conflict.The protests, occurring largely in the northern region of Beit Lahiya, have drawn hundreds of participants, some of whom carried signs declaring, “Hamas does not represent us,” while chanting for a life of freedom and peace. Eyewitness accounts have noted that while previous demonstrations have been limited in scale, this week’s rallies have garnered significant turnout and media attention.Initially sparked by spontaneous outrage, there is now evidence that the protests are becoming more organized, with calls to action proliferating on social media. Through rallying cries such as, “Hamas out! Hamas is terrorism!” demonstrators are voicing their desire for an end to both the ongoing hostilities and the party’s grip on governance, which has lasted 17 years.While the protests signal a powerful expression of discontent against the ruling party's handling of the conflict that began with the October 7, 2023, assault on Israel, the nature and future of these demonstrations remain uncertain. The calls for regime change and peace have resonated throughout the war-ravaged streets, indicating a poignant shift in public sentiment within Gaza.
