The mostly male demonstrators chanted ‘Hamas out’ and ‘Hamas terrorists’
Hundreds of Palestinians chanted anti-Hamas slogans at a protest in northern Gaza on March 25, calling for an end to the war with Israel, witnesses said.
AFP
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BEIT LAHIA, Palestinian Territories (AFP) — Hundreds of Palestinians shouted anti-Hamas slogans at a protest in northern Gaza on Tuesday calling for an end to the war with Israel, witnesses said.
The mostly male demonstrators chanted “Hamas out” and “Hamas terrorists” in Beit Lahia, where the crowd had gathered a week after the Israeli army resumed its intense bombing of Gaza following nearly two months of a truce.
On the social media network Telegram, at least one appeal to protest had circulated on Tuesday.
“I don’t know who organized the protest,” said Mohammed, a demonstrator who declined to give his last name for fear of reprisals.
“I took part to send a message on behalf of the people: Enough with the war,” he said, adding that he had seen “members of the Hamas security forces in civilian clothing breaking up the protest.”
Majdi, another protester who did not wish to give his full name, said the “people are tired.”
“If Hamas leaving power in Gaza is the solution, why doesn’t Hamas give up power to protect the people?” he asked.
As of Tuesday evening, Telegram messages from unknown sources were calling on people to reprise the demonstration in various parts of Gaza on Wednesday.
Israel regularly calls for Gazans to mobilize against the Islamist movement that has been in power in the territory since 2007.
Levels of discontent towards Hamas in Gaza are difficult to gauge.
The last available survey was conducted in September by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research.
