Hundreds of Palestinians participated in significant protests in northern Gaza on Tuesday, expressing anti-Hamas sentiments and calling for an end to the ongoing war with Israel.

These protests are noted as the largest direct challenge to Hamas since the outbreak of hostilities that began on October 7, 2023. Footage shared via social media platforms depicted demonstrators gathering primarily in Beit Lahia, where they chanted phrases such as "Hamas out" and "Hamas terrorists." The protests took place near the Indonesian Hospital, amid renewed intense bombardment by the Israeli military following a fragile two-month truce.

The Palestinian Health Ministry has reported that since the resumption of military operations by Israel, at least 792 Palestinians have died, adding to the already dire humanitarian crisis exacerbated by over 17 months of conflict.

The unrest follows a sustained campaign by Hamas against perceived dissidents, with reports of violent repression against protests challenging its authority.

Protesters carried banners with messages like "Stop the war" and "We want to live in peace." Some activists reportedly utilized social media, including Telegram, to organize the protests, with calls to extend demonstrations across various regions of Gaza.

One participant noted being disrupted during the gathering by individuals believed to be Hamas security personnel dressed in civilian clothing.

"The people are tired," he expressed, suggesting that if Hamas's departure could protect citizens, then the group should relinquish power.

Simultaneously, protests emerged in Palestinian refugee camps in Jabalia, where crowds were observed burning tires and demanding an end to the conflict, chanting, "We want to eat," reflecting the acute shortages faced by residents.

The protests signify a growing disillusionment among Gazans with Hamas's leadership, further compounded by severe economic conditions and the impacts of the ongoing warfare.

Hamas has governed Gaza since 2007, following a struggle for power against Fatah, the political body led by President Mahmoud Abbas, who operates out of the West Bank.

The protests echo themes from the Bidna N’eesh (‘We Want to Live’) movement that arose during economic protests in 2019, which were subsequently suppressed by Hamas for being perceived as a threat.

As the conflict intensified following the October 7 attack, which killed 1,218 individuals in Israel, primarily civilians, humanitarian conditions in Gaza deteriorated dramatically.

Notably, no food, water, or medical supplies have entered Gaza for weeks, with the United Nations reporting escalating risks of hunger crises.

The circumstances have left many in Gaza in dire straits as they endure relentless bombings and lack basic necessities.

The situation in Gaza is further complicated by the ongoing fear and repression imposed by Hamas, noted experts have said.

The protests indicate a potential shift in sentiment among the population, challenging Hamas's grip on power amid widespread suffering and frustration with the conflict.

While skepticism remains about the protests leading to a significant change in governance, the public expression of dissent represents a notable moment in the ongoing strife in the region.