In a rare and defiant display, Hundreds of Palestinian demonstrators organized themselves in northern Gaza to challenge the war situation by expressing disappointment with Hamas leadership. People assembled at Beit Lahia on Tuesday for the demonstration where they shouted the calls “Hamas out!” and “We refuse to die!” The defiant protest involved hundreds of Palestinians who displayed the slogans “Hamas out!” together with “We refuse to die,” as they showed major resistance against Hamas control in the enclave.
Demonstrators presented their demands for conflict termination at the 17-month point of the war to NBC News-verified video footage while the fighting had already led to more than 50,000 casualties since Israel initiated military operations after the October 7 Hamas-led attacks. A protester expressed deep passion when saying “We don’t want destruction; we want to live” which shows the increasing civil unrest linked to the crossfire situation of this war.

Many children with placards displayed at the rally showed their support for peace because families faced urgent situations during the extended violence. The demonstration consisting primarily of male participants was declared to be the biggest anti-Hamas protest since the start of the conflict.
Hamas faces mounting pressure from Israel as well as the United States and Palestinian civilians at this moment. The organizers behind the demonstration remain unknown yet people from Gaza believe future demonstrations might occur.
Public sentiment in Gaza seems to be changing according to analysts because Hamas has remained silent about the protests even though the group has yet to comment publicly.