Israel Warning signal to Hamas: thousands protest in the Gaza Strip
Thousands of Palestinians have protested in the northern Gaza Strip against the Islamist Hamas and the ongoing war against Israel. Eyewitnesses spoke of one of the largest protests in years in the coastal strip. People of all ages joined the rally in Beit Lahia, including many children and elderly people.
16.04.2025, 18:49
SDA
The demonstrators held up signs reading "Stop the aggression", "We want to live in freedom" and "No to terror, yes to peace". Others raised white flags and called for an end to the war that has been raging in the Gaza Strip for more than a year and a half. In its military operation, Israel's army is taking action against the Islamist Hamas, whose rule it wants to smash.
"We have made a mistake by remaining silent."
Some participants in the protest called for Palestinian national unity and a new Palestinian leadership. Others called for international protection for civilians in Gaza and an end to the blockade that has cut Gaza off from aid.
"We made a mistake by keeping silent," said Abu Mahmud, a retired engineer. "But the war has changed everything." He said it was now time to raise our voices.
"We are tired of Hamas speaking in our name."
41-year-old Mohammed said: "This is not just a protest, this is a cry for help from thousands of people. We are tired of Hamas speaking in our name while we bury our children. We want peace. We want a life."
Residents reported seeing Hamas-affiliated forces in civilian clothes, but that they had not intervened for the time being. "They can't arrest everyone," said Samid, a young man who joined the protests with friends. "This is different from before, there are too many people now." People are no longer afraid, he said. "We have already lost everything." Mustafa, another demonstrator, spoke of a warning signal to Hamas "that can no longer be ignored".
