Dozens of residents took to the streets of Gaza. Residents protested vigorously after Israel lifted the siege and stopped its bombardment of the region. It is conducting an intensified militarized campaign to pressure Hamas. Their aim is to obtain the release of the 58 hostages still held in captivity since hostilities broke out. Amidst the chaos, voices calling for reform within the Palestinian leadership have intensified, highlighting the struggle for a legitimate government that represents the people.
The protests represent a dramatic, new turn in Gaza, a place where pain and aggravation have boiled over again. More than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed because of the continued violence. In reply, protestors, led by figures such as Mustafa Barghouti, are rocking the political boat and calling for radical reforms to an outdated political regime. Barghouti has recently and consistently done the former, calling for reform and an end to corruption within the Palestinian Authority. He lambasts the permanent leadership by president Mahmoud Abbas for 20 years now.
Voices of Dissent
Amal Ashraf Al Shafa’a is one of the students on protest. She calls out Hamas publicly, even as she cries for her three sons, lost due to the war. “We are not opposed to resistance, we are opposed to the war itself,” she stated, emphasizing the dire situation faced by ordinary Gazans. Al Shafa’a’s home is adorned with pictures of her martyred sons. These portraits are an unending testament to the painful price that this war has already taken on families throughout Gaza.
These protests are indicative of larger frustration within Gaza with the ruling authority of Hamas. Rafed Rafed Mohammed Atta Al-Radi, an anti-Hamas protester, stated, “The people want the fall of Hamas!” He called on Hamas to get out of Gaza without delay. At the same time, he indicated quite openly how much he wanted Abbas to take charge of things. Residents have reached a boiling point. Yet they believe the radical Islamist militant group’s repressive governance is snuffing out their anticipated candle flames, denying them their chance to be heard.
“It is abhorrent and shameful that while Palestinians in Gaza are enduring atrocities at the hands of Israel, Hamas authorities are further exacerbating their suffering by ramping up threats and intimidation against people simply for saying ‘we want to live’,” – Erika Guevara-Rosas
The Committee to Protect Journalists has documented that numerous journalists reporting on these protests have been shot and attacked by Hamas. This violence creates a climate that makes it more difficult to call attention to the citizens’ suffering. The reality is still fraught as residents face pressure from outsiders and from within their communities.
The Human Cost of Conflict
Hamada Alza’anoun, a local who lost his home in recent bombings told us what it feels like to live through such an invasion. “Regardless of conditions, we want the war to end. Gaza people love life,” he stated as he sifted through rubble. His statement expresses a feeling we’ve heard again and again from Gazans who long for the mundane in the wake of utter destruction.
Odai Al-Rubai’s family has suffered an unimaginable loss. They gave an account of his being taken hostage and tortured by Hamas, with his body later found close to their household. This deplorable act has raised the pressure for introducing accountability and reform to this unaccountable bastion of privilege and privilege.
Barghouti emphasized the need for significant reform within the Palestinian Authority, stating, “I’m surprised sometimes when people think that appointing somebody in a certain position is reform.” He argued that true reform would only come through free democratic elections that would allow citizens to choose their leaders.
“This is not reform; the reform is really when we have the right to have free democratic elections.” – Mustafa Barghouti
Constant brutality and loss of life have left many city dwellers with deep skepticism. They are asking if Hamas and the Palestinian Authority are fulfilling their needs and aspirations.
Calls for Leadership Change
With ongoing protests and public outcries for reform, many Gazans are looking for new leadership that can genuinely represent their interests. This unyielding status quo has resulted in plenty of skepticism about Abbas’s administration’s ability to actually govern in such dark times.
Protesters have made it clear that they desire change and are willing to voice their demands despite potential repercussions from Hamas. “We want Abu Mazen [Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas] to rule Gaza,” Al-Radi declared passionately during one of the demonstrations.
Hamas has threatened demonstrators to protect its control. They made it clear that anyone who defies their instructions will be made to “take full responsibility.” This caveat has not stopped hundreds from assembling in faith and fellowship for justice.
“We stand against the politics of Hamas and the ongoing killings; we cannot remain silent or passive.” – Amal Ashraf Al Shafa’a
Demonstrations continue to burn in flames across Gaza. None of this is to say that Hamas and/or the Palestinian Authority should be expected to heed these growing calls for reform.
