Gaza residents are turning against Hamas after the terrorist group allegedly tortured and killed a young protest leader. The death of 22-year-old Oday Nasser Al Rabay has ignited unprecedented anti-Hamas demonstrations as Palestinians express growing frustration with the militant organization’s authoritarian rule amid the ongoing conflict with Israel.
At a glance:
• Hamas allegedly tortured and executed 22-year-old Palestinian protest leader Oday Nasser Al Rabay
• Thousands of Gaza residents joined funeral processions featuring anti-Hamas chants
• Protesters in multiple Gaza locations have been heard demanding “Hamas out!”
• The demonstrations follow 17 months of devastating conflict that has claimed over 50,000 Palestinian lives
• Israel continues targeted strikes against Hamas leaders while demanding the return of 59 hostages
Hamas Faces Internal Resistance After Killing Palestinian Activist
Hamas is facing unprecedented internal opposition after allegedly torturing and executing 22-year-old Oday Nasser Al Rabay, who had led protests against the terrorist group in Gaza. Al Rabay’s body was discovered outside his family home, bearing signs of torture that sparked immediate outrage among local Palestinians who have grown increasingly disillusioned with Hamas rule.
Thousands gathered for the young activist’s funeral procession, with mourners boldly chanting “Hamas out!” in a rare public display of defiance against the militant group. Such protests are particularly significant given Hamas’s brutal history of suppressing dissent and the grave risks Palestinians face when criticizing the organization that has controlled Gaza since 2006.
The demonstrations have spread to multiple locations across Gaza, with protesters in Beit Lahiya chanting “the people want the fall of Hamas” and men in Gaza City shouting “Out, out out! Hamas get out!” Videos circulating on social media show Palestinians directly blaming Hamas for their suffering, contradicting the narrative that Gazans solely blame Israel for the conflict.
Conflict Intensifies As Both Sides Refuse To Yield
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of increased pressure on Hamas if the remaining 59 hostages are not released immediately. The militant group continues to demand a complete ceasefire, prisoner exchange, and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza before considering any hostage releases.
The Palestinian Health Ministry reported 39 deaths and 124 injuries from Israeli strikes in just 24 hours, adding to the devastating toll of the 17-month conflict. Israel has resumed intensive military operations after briefly pausing for ceasefire talks, targeting Hamas leadership while restricting the flow of food, medicine, and aid into Gaza.
Israeli forces recently conducted a precision strike on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, killing Hamas official Ismail Barhoum and a 16-year-old civilian. Hamas condemned the attack as terrorism, while Israel’s military accused the group of “cynically using an active hospital as a shelter for planning and executing murderous terrorist attacks in a direct violation of international law.”
The attack on the hospital resulted in significant damage to the surgical ward, further straining Gaza’s overwhelmed medical facilities. Trauma surgeon Feroze Sidhwa criticized the targeting of medical infrastructure, stating: “I operated on him. I believe on March 18, I did an abdominal operation. He probably would have gone home tomorrow, but now he’s dead.”
Growing Humanitarian Crisis As Palestinians Turn Against Hamas
The conflict, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, has claimed over 50,000 Palestinian lives according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Hospitals across Gaza are overwhelmed and lacking essential medical supplies due to prolonged border closures enforced by Israeli forces.
Hamas gained control of Gaza after winning elections in 2006 and subsequently ousting the Palestinian Authority through force. The terrorist organization has maintained an iron grip on the territory for nearly two decades, but the current protests signal a potential shift in public opinion as Palestinians increasingly blame Hamas leadership for their suffering.
The growing internal resistance to Hamas represents a significant development that could impact the conflict’s dynamics. Palestinian protesters are now openly calling for Hamas to surrender and release hostages, directly contradicting the terrorist group’s stance and potentially undermining its authority over the Gaza population.
