“We want to live in freedom”: Uncommon anti-Hamas protest breaks out in northern Gaza amid Israeli blockade.

GAZA CITY, April 17 — Hundreds of Palestinians took to the streets of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza yesterday to protest against Hamas’ rule, demanding an end to the ongoing war with Israel, according to eyewitnesses.

Demonstrators openly criticized the Islamist group with chants like “Hamas out, out” and “Hamas is all rubbish,” said Abu Ismail Washah, a 45-year-old resident who joined the protest in support of “any movement calling for an end to the war,” adding that people are living under siege, facing destruction and unrelenting hardship.

Hamas seized full control of the Gaza Strip in 2007 after a brief conflict with rival Palestinian faction Fatah. Public dissent is rare in Gaza due to Hamas’ intolerance for opposition, but on Wednesday, some protestors held signs reading, “Hamas does not represent me.”

Mohammed al-Masri, another 45-year-old resident, said the crowd was demanding Hamas step down amid the devastation, airstrikes, and forced evacuations. “We don’t want a Qatari tent, we want to live in freedom,” demonstrators chanted.

Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.4 million people have been displaced at least once since the war began, with a worsening humanitarian crisis due to a full Israeli blockade imposed on March 2, following the collapse of ceasefire talks.

Protesters also expressed support for Egypt, a mediator in the conflict, with some waving Egyptian flags. Hassan Abu Jarad called for the release of hostages held in Gaza, a key Israeli demand. “We urge the wise among us to release the kidnapped Israelis immediately,” he said.

He also delivered a message to Israelis: “We ask you to let go of your hatred. We do not hate you… we are a people who love life and peace.”

This marks at least the third protest in Gaza over the past month calling for an end to the war. The previous demonstrations also took place in the north, much of which has been devastated by Israeli airstrikes. — AFP