Egypt Daily News – Protests on the streets of Gaza have been driven by families whose members were injured or killed in Israeli military attacks. Senior leaders of Hamas’s military wing expressed frustration with their inability to achieve significant progress against the Israeli army or secure meaningful results in the reconstruction of Gaza.
Many Palestinians have grown disillusioned with Hamas, particularly after seeing their civilian areas used as launch sites for Hamas attacks, which has led to further deaths and suffering.
The main areas of protest include Beit Lahiya, Jabaliya, and Khan Younis. Israeli security officials have noted that if the ground phase of the war expands, the protests could intensify.
The situation is expected to worsen, with mounting pressure from halted aid, destroyed infrastructure, and displaced residents, all without a clear solution for Gaza’s reconstruction.
Hamas has been slow to respond to the protests on the ground, fearing the potential escalation of unrest. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority is reportedly encouraging opposition movements in Gaza.
Out of frustration, Hamas has attempted to disperse the protests without using significant force, but the protesters have thrown stones, forcing security forces to retreat and allowing the protests to continue. The Palestinian Authority is pushing for the replacement of Hamas’s rule and the restoration of control over Gaza.
Security sources believe the next 24 hours will be a crucial test, as the scale of the protests and the response from both the public and Hamas will determine whether the unrest fades like it did in February 2024 or if it results in a deeper shift in Palestinian sentiment and continued opposition to Hamas.
An informed security source has suggested that other pressure tactics are available, leaving room for potential negotiations concerning the hostages, despite little progress so far.
