“Out, out, out – get out!”: Rare Anti-Hamas Protests Erupt in Gaza

In a rare public demonstration, large crowds took to the streets of Beit Lahia on Tuesday, protesting not only the ongoing war with Israel but, for the first time in over a year, openly condemning Hamas’s rule in Gaza.

Chants of “Out, out, out, Hamas – get out!” echoed through the city, as what began as a small anti-war protest quickly grew into a sweeping anti-Hamas demonstration. Eyewitnesses reported that hundreds of protesters quickly swelled to thousands, with participants waving white flags and holding signs calling for peace and international media attention.

One protester held a handwritten sign in English reading “Stop War,” while others pleaded: “Where is the media?”

These demonstrations mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing war that has devastated Gaza since October 2023. Analysts say the protests reflect growing public frustration with Hamas as Israeli airstrikes intensify, triggering new waves of displacement and exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Protesters speaking to NPR – most requesting anonymity or to be identified only by their first names for safety – voiced sharp criticism of Hamas’s leadership.

“Hamas is not taking us into account. It has 2 million people in Gaza who need to live,” said Ibrahim, who urged the group to release Israeli hostages in a bid to end the war.

“People are fed up with displacement. There are no more safe places to go,” added Mohammed. “So, people spontaneously went to the streets and demanded the fall of Hamas rule in Gaza. People want to live in peace and security.”

The protest comes as Israel intensifies its military campaign, with renewed strikes targeting top Hamas leaders and operatives. But the consequences for civilians have been devastating. Gaza health authorities say more than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, nearly half of them women and children.

Israel’s recent move to impose a total blockade on food and basic supplies during the holy month of Ramadan has further fueled public outrage. New evacuation orders continue to uproot families already displaced multiple times, leaving many with nowhere safe to go.

Despite the scale and tone of Tuesday’s protest, Hamas did not intervene or make arrests. The group has yet to issue any public comment in response.

Calls for further protests across Gaza circulated on Wednesday, but the atmosphere remains tense.