Hundreds of Palestinians shouted anti-Hamas slogans at a protest in northern Gaza, calling for an end to the conflict with Israel, AFP quotes witnesses as saying.
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 yesterday. “I don’t know who organised 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.
Israel regularly calls for Gazans to mobilise against the movement that has been in power in the territory since 2007. Levels of discontent towards Hamas in Gaza are difficult to gauge.
