Hundreds of Palestinians Protest Against Hamas in North Gaza

Hundreds of Palestinians joined anti-war protests in Beit Lahia, a small town in northern Gaza bordering Israel. The protesters were seen carrying banners with slogans like "Stop the war, we want to live in peace."It was not clear who organized the movement, but local media reports claimed the protesters fled to IDF camps after the demonstration.

On the social media network Telegram, at least one appeal to protest was circulating on Tuesday.

"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 Islamist movement that has been in power in the territory since 2007.

The Gaza Strip has been devastated by more than 17 months of war between Israel and Hamas, with the humanitarian situation again deteriorating after Israel blocked the passage of aid into the territory on March 2 in an attempt to force the militants to release Israeli hostages.

Since Israel resumed its military operations in Gaza, at least 792 Palestinians have been killed, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

The war was sparked by the militant group's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

Israel's retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 50,021 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry.