Paris- AIJES: Gaza is witnessing a growing wave of public anger as rare protests and open calls emerge demanding that Hamas withdraw from the political and governmental scene after years of siege, economic collapse, and the devastation of repeated wars. What was once a muted voice under strict security conditions is now being openly expressed, with Palestinians urging the group to relinquish power and make way for a national leadership that can better represent the people’s aspirations and alleviate their mounting suffering.

Calls That Transcend Politics

Protesters argue that Gaza has become a closed battleground of suffering and destruction under Hamas’s rule since 2007, with the group’s continued control only deepening poverty, isolation, and political fragmentation. Many believe that Hamas’s presence in power no longer serves the Palestinian national interest, instead complicating both internal dynamics and Gaza’s position on the global stage.

These protests reflect a broader rejection of what demonstrators describe as “narrow partisan guardianship” imposed by Hamas over more than two million residents without elections or a clear political mandate. As a result, some are calling for the return of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority to govern the strip — entities they see as the legitimate representatives of the Palestinian people.

Daily Struggles and Mounting Frustration

Life in Gaza has become increasingly dire, with chronic power outages, crumbling infrastructure, rampant unemployment, and a bleak future — all exacerbated by the ongoing Israeli blockade and strict restrictions on movement. Since the war erupted on October 7, 2023, the humanitarian crisis has worsened dramatically, leading many to ask: how much longer must civilians pay the price for political decisions they had no voice in making?

Breaking the Fear Barrier

Despite the heavy security presence, hundreds of Gazans took to the streets in rare protests — a bold act of defiance against the de facto authorities. Demonstrators raised slogans demanding an end to the war and the resignation of Hamas from power. Analysts have described the protests as a significant shift in public sentiment, as people are now speaking openly about the need for political change and a governance model that reflects the people’s will — one free from ideological agendas or external regional influences.

Will Hamas Listen?

So far, Hamas has shown no sign of stepping aside or responding to public demands. However, mounting domestic pressure — coupled with increasing international calls for post-war reconstruction and political unity — may eventually force the group to reevaluate its position.

What is happening in Gaza today is more than a fleeting protest — it is the cry of a people exhausted by siege, division, and war. It is a call to restore dignity, choice, and the foundations of a state built on citizen rights — not militia control. Whether Hamas responds or not may shape the next chapter of Gaza’s future.