In a rare public protest, Palestinians in northern Gaza’s Beit Lahiya voiced frustration with Hamas, calling for an end to the war with Israel and demanding Hamas leave Gaza. Some demonstrators chanted, “Hamas is terrorism,” reflecting growing anger toward the group’s leadership after over a year of devastating conflict.

Axar.az, citing New York Times, reports that many Gazans still blame Israel for the destruction, but some hold Hamas responsible for sparking the war with its Oct. 7, 2023 attack and refusing to step down for a cease-fire.

The renewed protests came after Israel resumed bombing following a broken two-month cease-fire, aiming to pressure Hamas to release more hostages.

Despite a history of violently suppressing dissent, Hamas faced rare public criticism. Some locals expressed fears that as long as Hamas remains in power, future wars are inevitable.