Gazans scream ‘Down with Hamas’ and tell its leaders to ‘go away’
Gazans are taking to the streets in protest of Hamas, calling for leaders such as its chief Yahya Sinwar to leave the Strip and chanting “Down with Hamas,” videos show.
Angry demonstrations broke out Tuesday night in Jabalia and Rafah as fed-up Gazans are demanding Sinwar and his posse leave the region.
“Sinwar, Haniyeh, the people are the victims,” demonstrators in Jabalia shouted, according to Ynet News. “Down with Hamas! Down with Hamas!”
Others voiced opposition to Hamas leaders Osama Hamdan, whom they told to go back to Lebanon, and Ismail Haniyeh, the terror organization’s political leader.
“Listen, listen, Haniyeh, the people are the victims. Gaza will be redeemed through spirit and blood,” Rafah protesters screamed, according to Ynet News.
IDF Arabic spokesperson Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee, who shared clips of the protests on X, said Gazan citizens “recognize the reason behind the tragedy in the Gaza Strip and the consequences of the destruction and terror wrought by Sinwar and his gang.”
Since the start of the war on Oct. 7, Gazans have watched more than 28,000 of their relatives, friends and neighbors die.
Various protests have been happening in recent weeks in Gaza, where citizens are calling for the overthrow of Hamas as they have suffered gravely since the war’s beginnings.
Around 1.5 million Gazans have been displaced from their homes and many have moved to Rafah, on the southernmost border, to seek shelter.
Many Gazans also face starvation and are heavily relying on humanitarian aid.
Earlier this week, Israel announced it would launch a ground offensive in Rafah by the time Ramadan begins next month if the remaining hostages are not released.
“The world must know, and Hamas leaders must know: If by Ramadan, our hostages are not home, the fighting will continue to the Rafah area,” Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz told Jewish American leaders in Jerusalem on Sunday.
“To those saying the price is too high, I say this very clearly: Hamas has a choice — they can surrender, release the hostages, and this way, the residents of Gaza can celebrate the holy holiday of Ramadan.”
