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One Gazan who attended the rally said the protesters wanted Hamas to end the war and leave the enclave.
March 25, 2025, 4:46 p.m. ET
Palestinians protested in Gaza on Tuesday in a rare show of dissent against Hamas, with some chanting slogans critical of the armed group’s grip on the territory after more than year of devastating war with Israel.
Videos verified by The New York Times showed groups of Gazans in the half-ruined streets in the northern town of Beit Lahiya. Some carried more neutral signs that opposed the continuation of the war, while others chanted slogans calling for Hamas to get out.
Gazans, at least publicly, tend to blame Israel for much of the death, destruction and hunger the war has brought. But at least some hold Hamas responsible, as well, for starting the conflict by leading the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, abducting 251 people to Gaza and continuing to fight rather than giving up its power in exchange for a cease-fire.
The anger appeared to have resurfaced after Israel last week abandoned a two-month cease-fire and resumed its bombardment of Gaza in an attempt to pressure Hamas to free more of the remaining hostages.
“We want to continue until the bloodshed stops and Hamas leaves the Palestinian scene,” said Ahmed al-Masri, a 35-year-old construction worker who said he had participated in the rally.
Ibrahim, 32, another Gazan who joined the protest, said he had arrived in downtown Beit Lahiya to buy food before stumbling into the crowd of demonstrators. He asked to be identified by his first name only for fear of retribution by Hamas.
