On Tuesday, hundreds of Palestinians protested in northern Gaza, particularly in Beit Lahia and Jabalia. They demanded an end to the conflict with Israel and called for Hamas’s control to be relinquished.
Demonstrators carried banners that read “Stop war” and “We Want to Live in Peace” as well as slogans like “Hamas Out”.
Social media was reportedly used to organize the protests. They were among the largest against Hamas in the history of the war. Hamas security forces reportedly used force to disperse protesters, according to eyewitnesses.
Gazans are increasingly frustrated by the deteriorating conditions of their lives and by the conflict with Israel. Hamas has been criticized for its governance, especially concerning the handling of the conflict and the economic hardships that the people of Gaza are facing.
Hamas has not yet issued an official response to the protests. The situation is still tense, and there’s a possibility of further protests in the next few days.
Israel took back the Netzarim Corridor after the mid-March ceasefire collapsed. This is a major route that divides northern and southern Gaza. It was done to put pressure on Hamas and to curb its terrorist activities.
Israel temporarily allowed Palestinians who had fled to the north of Gaza to return in January. However, on Jan. 26, it halted entry, citing Hamas violations of the ceasefire. Israel increased evacuation orders on Tuesday amid renewed fighting and rocket assaults, preventing civilian returns.
Israel Katz, the Israeli Defense Minister, approved on Tuesday the Israel Defense Forces’ operational plans for continuing military action against Hamas within the Gaza Strip.
Katz said, “Our main goal is the return of hostages. If Hamas refuses to make a deal and continues to do so, it will continue paying a heavy price. We will seize territory, eliminate terrorists, and destroy infrastructures until Hamas has been completely defeated.”
IDF Chief Staff Lt.Gen. Eyal Zamir called for an escalation of the fight against Hamas terrorists.
According to Channel 12 News, Zamir stated, “Hamas stalls for time – this is not just a tactical approach, but a strategy. The IDF’s actions hurt them and cause instability, but do not lead to the release hostages. We have no other choice but to increase pressure.”
The Washington Post reports that Israeli military and political leaders are considering a new ground campaign in Gaza, which could include an occupation of the entire enclave by military forces for several months.
Former and current Israeli officials who were briefed about the issue told The Post that new tactics will likely include direct military controls of humanitarian aid. They also plan to target Hamas civilian leadership, evacuate women, children, and noncombatants into “humanitarian zones,” and then lay siege to the remaining people.
Israeli officials told the Post they are still waiting on the results of the ceasefire talks. They have not yet made any decisions about whether or how to escalate the current offensive phase, which consists mainly of aerial bombardment and limited ground maneuvers.
IDF announced on Sunday that it had expanded its military operations both in northern and southern Gaza. This included the encirclement and offensive of Tel al-Sultan in Rafah.
