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For nearly two decades, open criticism of Hamas in Gaza has been rare and perilous. But recent scenes on the streets of the besieged territory suggest a shift is underway. The group that has long ruled Gaza with an iron fist now faces mounting unrest from the very people it claims to protect.
Chants of “Out! Out! Out!” and “Hamas is garbage!” echo through the crumbling streets of Beit Lahiya and beyond, as brave Palestinians defy years of suppression to demand an end to Hamas’ rule.
These protests mark a significant change. Under Hamas, dissent has often been met with violent crackdowns, imprisonment, torture, and in some cases, death. Yet despite the risks, more Gazans are speaking out, blaming the militant group for dragging the territory into its worst humanitarian crisis in more than 70 years.
“We Didn’t Choose Hamas”
One of the most vocal critics is Moumen al-Natour, a 30-year-old lawyer and former political prisoner. In a video interview filmed from his makeshift tent-home, al-Natour paints a grim picture of life under Hamas.
“The world thinks Gaza is Hamas, and Hamas is Gaza,” he said. “We didn’t choose them, and now they’ve chained our future to their cause. Hamas must step aside.”
Al-Natour has not kept his anger confined to social media. In March, he published a powerful opinion piece in The Washington Post, writing:
“To support Hamas is to be for Palestinian death, not Palestinian freedom.”
Despite knowing the dangers, al-Natour says he has nothing left to lose.
“I was 11 when Hamas took over. I’m 30 now. My entire adult life has been wasted in war and fear.”
Torture, Intimidation, and Killings
The price of defiance can be deadly. On March 26, 22-year-old Oday al-Rubai was abducted by armed militants from a refugee shelter in Gaza City. His lifeless body, bearing signs of brutal torture, was discovered hours later.
The Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights described his killing as “a grave violation of the right to life” and a clear case of extrajudicial execution.
Just days earlier, al-Rubai had recorded a chilling video, fearing for his life:
“I’m stranded in the street. I don’t know where to go. Gaza has become a city of ghosts.”
His funeral turned into a spontaneous protest. Mourners called for justice and demanded Hamas’ removal.
Dissent Spreads Despite Repression
Another victim of Hamas’ crackdown is Amin Abed, a longtime critic who was viciously beaten by masked militants last year. Now living in Dubai after surviving kidney damage and multiple broken bones, Abed remains vocal from abroad.
“Hamas’ power is weakening,” he told the BBC. “They still use fear, but it doesn’t work like it used to. People are fed up.”
The resurgence of protests comes amid Israel’s renewed military operations in Gaza, following the collapse of a temporary ceasefire. Once openly parading their power, Hamas fighters have retreated underground, leaving civilians exposed to relentless airstrikes and worsening humanitarian conditions.
Civilian Defiance and a New Spirit of Resistance
In Beit Lahiya, defiance recently turned physical. According to eyewitness accounts, Hamas gunmen attempted to use a civilian home to launch projectiles—an act that has drawn repeated criticism for endangering civilians.
But this time, the community resisted.
When fighters entered the home of Jamal al-Maznan, residents refused to back down. The gunmen opened fire, injuring several, but were eventually driven out.
“They told them to leave,” said an eyewitness. “We don’t want your weapons that brought us death and ruin.”
Similar scenes have occurred elsewhere. Protesters have forced militants to avoid launching attacks near schools and hospitals—desperate attempts to prevent more civilian casualties.
But such defiance comes at a cost. In Gaza City, one protester was reportedly shot and killed by Hamas.
Caught Between Fire and Fury
Many Gazans are caught between the unrelenting force of Israeli military power and the internal stranglehold of Hamas. They feel abandoned by international powers, ignored by their leadership, and betrayed by factions who claim to act on their behalf.
Asked whom he blames for the devastation, Amin Abed gave a bitter reply:
“It’s like choosing between cholera and the plague.”
While the protest movement is not yet a revolution, the signs are unmistakable: Hamas’ grip is loosening. After nearly 20 years in power, the militant group is facing growing dissent from within—a warning that the people of Gaza may no longer remain silent.
