Cairo/Gaza, March 26, 2025: Hundreds of Palestinians in northern Gaza took to the streets, chanting “Hamas out” and demanding an end to the war, according to social media footage widely circulated on Tuesday. The protests mark a rare public display of dissent against Hamas, the militant group that triggered the latest conflict with its October 7, 2023, raid on Israel.
Northern Gaza, one of the most devastated regions in the enclave, has seen widespread destruction, with most buildings reduced to rubble. Many residents have been displaced multiple times in search of safety.
Videos shared on X appeared to show demonstrators marching through Beit Lahiya, navigating streets lined with war-damaged buildings. Reuters verified the location of the footage by analyzing landmarks, though it could not independently confirm the exact date. Additional social media posts depicted banners reading “Enough wars”, while protesters chanted “We don’t want war.”
Following a two-month ceasefire in January, during which Hamas released some hostages from its October 2023 attack, thousands of displaced Palestinians returned to northern Gaza. However, on March 18, Israel relaunched its military offensive, stating its objective was to fully dismantle Hamas.
Since the renewed assault, nearly 700 people—mostly women and children—have been killed, according to Palestinian health officials. The overall Palestinian death toll since the conflict began has exceeded 50,000.
Hamas has controlled Gaza since 2007, when it ousted Fatah, the party of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Under its rule, opposition voices have been severely restricted, and many Palestinians fear reprisal for speaking out.
Despite these risks, Tuesday’s protests highlight increasing frustration among residents, many of whom have endured relentless war, displacement, and economic devastation. Public criticism of Hamas remains rare in Gaza, but the ongoing conflict has intensified grievances over governance, security, and the humanitarian crisis gripping the enclave.
