Gaza protests prompted by Israeli evacuation orders, residents say

This week, people in the Gaza Strip took to the streets to protest the ongoing war, hoping to draw attention to their desperate situation. Several participants disclosed this information to the Middle East Eye news website, seeking international awareness of their plight.

The protests began on Wednesday in the northern city of Beit Lahia. Participants stated that they opposed the widespread portrayal of them as "anti-Hamas" by Western media and social media outlets. Instead, they emphasized that most people gathered out of frustration and fear over new community evacuation orders issued by Israel, and they called for an end to the war, highlighting the dire conditions they face.

According to witnesses, many people felt confused and frightened, unsure of where to go. Others indicated that many of those on the streets were idle young people, with estimates of hundreds participating in the protests. While some expressed anger towards Hamas and called for an end to Hamas's rule in Gaza, local residents stated that the primary motivation for the protests was directed at the nearby Israeli forces, reflecting their immediate concerns.

Ramiz Almasri, 33, told Middle East Eye that he was one of the first demonstrators in Beit Lahia. "The Israeli army ordered my community to evacuate again, but I have nowhere to go. I came to demonstrate to express my anger and helplessness," he said. Almasri stated that his two brothers were killed in Israeli airstrikes during the war, his home was destroyed, and he has faced a year of starvation, illustrating the devastating impact of the conflict on his life.

He stated that he would support the release of the remaining Israeli hostages if it could help end the war, and he would support Hamas stepping down from the Gazan government. "We all know that Israel doesn't need a reason to kill us, but if Hamas stops ruling, they will have no excuse in front of the world." Almasri added, "Gaza is like hell now, and we can't bear any more suffering," emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution.

Samy Ryad, 34, participated in the protests in the Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City on Thursday. He said he does not belong to any political faction, but everyone in Gaza faces the same enemy. "I am protesting to send a cry for help to Arab and non-Arab countries, Europe, the United States, and anyone with power," he said. "In Gaza, we are dying every day, for more than 15 months, and the world has taken no action to stop Israel. We are protesting to convey a message that we have lost everything. We want the right to live in peace," underscoring the widespread desire for stability and security.

Meanwhile, representatives of Gazan tribes denied claims that they encouraged people to protest against Hamas, and accused instigators of spreading "false and incorrect" information. The National Council of Palestinian Tribes, Clans, and Families said in a statement: "We affirm that [the National Council] has not issued, and will not issue in the future, any statements attacking our free people." The council called on Palestinians to unite against the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and warned people not to participate in protests that could "help the occupiers and their supporters." "We categorically reject all suspicious and inflammatory calls that incite against the resistance under any pretext," the statement added, emphasizing the importance of solidarity.

While some calls for further demonstrations in other parts of Gaza appeared on social media, these calls largely went unanswered, as many feared that continuing protests would fuel Israel's agenda, local sources told Middle East Eye. Waseem Abdel Nabi, who runs a clothing stall in the Rimal neighborhood, said that he passed by the protesters while they were complaining about the economic situation. While he said he did not participate, he told Middle East Eye that he shared the same demands as the protesters. "They want a decent life, they want food, they want safety, they want to return to education. There is no food, no safety, and no one can sleep peacefully and comfortably," he said, highlighting the fundamental needs of the population.

Nabi stated that he would support Hamas handing over power in Gaza if that was the price for ending the war and Israel's withdrawal from Gaza. "Hamas is one of the reasons for the outbreak of the war, but not the main reason. The main reason is the Israeli occupation," he said. "My message to the world is to look at us with compassion and try to pressure Israel to withdraw from Gaza so that citizens can return to their homes and try to rebuild everything that has been destroyed," advocating for international intervention and a lasting solution.