Enough War’: Why Gazans Are Protesting Hamas Now

Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, hundreds of Palestinians have taken to the streets to protest against both Israel’s military campaign and Hamas, which governs the enclave. Many blame Hamas for triggering the conflict and Israel for the relentless destruction that has followed.

On Tuesday, demonstrators in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, openly called for Hamas to step down, marking one of the largest protests against the militant group since its October 7 attacks on Israel. A second day of protests followed on Wednesday in Beit Lahia and Deir al-Balah, central Gaza. Protesters chanted slogans such as “For God’s sake, Hamas out” and “We want an end to the war.” Signs read “We Want to Live” and “Stop the Genocide.”

“Our message is to the Israeli army to stop the bloodshed,” said Mahmoud Haj Ahmad, a surgeon at Kamal Adwan Hospital who joined the protest. “Our final message to Hamas: Enough is enough. You have ruled long enough; give others a chance.”

Many Palestinians privately oppose Hamas but fear speaking out due to potential retribution. However, the war’s devastation has driven some to break their silence.

“Our demand is that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people,” said lawyer Mohammed Attalah. “This chaos they have created is enough.”

Raed Abu Hamouda, another Palestinian from northern Gaza, wanted to join the protests but was unable to reach them. “People’s voices must come before the sound of gunpowder,” he said, emphasizing the need for a unified Palestinian government with international and regional backing.

The war, which began after Hamas’s October 7 attacks that killed over 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostages being taken, has resulted in severe consequences for Gaza. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israeli strikes have killed more than 50,000 Palestinians. The destruction has left much of the enclave in ruins, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported that 90% of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents have been displaced between October 7, 2023, and January 2025. The situation has deteriorated further after Israel halted humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Hamas’ Government Media Office downplayed the protests, describing them as “spontaneous” and claiming they do not reflect the broader public opinion. “These demonstrations result from the unprecedented pressure our people are experiencing,” it said, blaming Israel for trying to create internal divisions.

Despite this, some activists fear Hamas may crack down on future protests. “There is fear and worry about participating,” said activist Abdullah Ahmed from Jabalia.

Hamas still has a significant support base, with some residents believing the group remains strong. One Hamas supporter, who requested anonymity, insisted that most people are too preoccupied with finding food and water to protest.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pointed to the protests as proof that Israel’s military campaign is working. “In recent days, we have seen something we’ve never seen before – open protests in the Gaza Strip against Hamas rule,” he said during a speech in Israel’s Knesset.

A survey by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found that public support for Hamas’ October 7 attack has declined—from 71% approval in March 2024 to 57% by June 2024. As the war drags on, living conditions continue to worsen, increasing frustration among civilians.

For many in Gaza, the immediate concerns are survival, not politics. “Our demands are to feed our people, to quench their thirst, to see our children educated and not dying,” said protester Belal Abu Zaid.

When asked whether he feared Hamas’ retaliation, Abu Zaid replied, “There is no more fear. Death can happen at any minute.”

“Enough war, enough exhaustion, enough humiliation.”