Hamas Attempts to Suppress the Anti-Government Protests in Gaza

The demonstrations that have taken place in some areas of the Gaza Strip have reflected the anger of a segment of the population towards Hamas’s policies, accusing the movement of prioritizing its partisan interests over the well-being of the people. Instead of supporting the ceasefire and making concessions to ensure its success—thus saving lives and alleviating the burdens of war—Hamas has chosen to resume hostilities, believing that its interests as a movement have not been met.

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According to the London-based (Al-Arab) newspaper, eyewitnesses reported that, although some protests gathered several thousand people, they remain relatively small. This limits the impact of the message sent to Hamas by the protesters. To exert real pressure, larger demonstrations would need to take place, expanding into new areas and occurring on a daily basis, to push Hamas into considering public opinion in its decisions.

The newspaper highlights that the real issue is that many residents criticize Hamas and its decision to impose conditions that hinder the ceasefire. However, these criticisms remain whispered in private conversations, as many refrain from participating in protests. At the same time, they do not hesitate to praise Hamas and applaud its decisions when in the presence of the movement’s officials or individuals close to it. They avoid provoking Hamas’s anger, fearing its retribution, even though they resent it.

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In this context, several activists have reported that Hamas is currently conducting a large-scale crackdown on anyone opposing it or calling for demonstrations against its rule.

According to these activists, social and political activists, as well as anyone who has voiced criticism or expressed an opposing view of Hamas, are being summoned by phone across the Gaza Strip—from north to south. These individuals are then called to Hamas’s offices, where they are subjected to threats, including warnings of execution should they continue their criticisms.

Additionally, Hamas is issuing threats to those who refuse to comply with these security summons for interrogation. There are growing concerns that dozens of activists opposing Hamas may be forcibly disappeared and detained in the movement’s secret prisons.

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