Hamas faces unprecedented backlash as Palestinians take to the streets following the brutal execution of a young protest leader. The shocking murder of 22-year-old Oday Nasser Al Rabay has ignited a powder keg of anti-Hamas sentiment in Gaza, where citizens are increasingly vocal about their frustration with both the ongoing conflict and the terrorist group’s iron grip on power.
At a glance:
• Hamas tortured and executed 22-year-old Oday Nasser Al Rabay after he led protests against the militant group
• Thousands of Palestinians have protested in northern Gaza, with many explicitly calling for Hamas to leave power
• Protesters chanted “Hamas out!” during Al Rabay’s funeral procession, marking a rare show of dissent against the ruling authority
• The unrest comes amid 17 months of conflict that has claimed over 50,000 Palestinian lives according to Gaza’s Health Ministry
• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has warned of increased pressure on Hamas if the remaining 59 hostages are not released
Palestinians Turn Against Hamas After Brutal Execution
The body of 22-year-old Oday Nasser Al Rabay was discovered outside his family’s residence after he was allegedly tortured and executed by Hamas forces for leading protests against the group. Al Rabay’s death has become a rallying point for Palestinians increasingly disillusioned with Hamas rule amid the devastation of the ongoing conflict with Israel.
Thousands gathered for the young activist’s funeral procession where mourners boldly chanted “Out, out, out! Hamas out!” according to reports from The Jerusalem Post. This public display of anti-Hamas sentiment represents a significant break from the typical narrative that all Gaza protests target only Israel.
Videos circulating on social media show large crowds of Palestinians in northern Gaza openly calling for Hamas to relinquish power. The demonstrations have taken place in multiple locations including Beit Lahiya and Gaza City, with protesters explicitly condemning the terrorist organization that has controlled the territory since 2007.
Growing Frustration with Hamas Leadership
Protesters in Beit Lahiya were heard chanting “the people want the fall of Hamas,” echoing the revolutionary slogans of the Arab Spring uprisings. This unprecedented public rejection comes at a critical moment as Hamas faces pressure from both Israeli military operations and now its own population.
“We condemn this latest crime, which adds to the occupation’s long record of terrorism, violating sanctities, lives and medical facilities,” Hamas stated after an Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital that killed senior Hamas official Ismail Barhoum. The terrorist organization continues to use civilian infrastructure while endangering the Gazan population according to the Israeli military.
Hamas seized control of Gaza after winning elections in 2006 and subsequently ousting the Palestinian Authority in a violent takeover. The terrorist group’s leadership has maintained strict control over all aspects of life in the enclave, typically suppressing any public dissent against its rule.
Israel Continues Pressure on Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of increased pressure on Hamas if the remaining 59 hostages are not released. Israel has recently targeted and killed multiple Hamas political bureau members, including Ismail Barhoum and Salah al-Bardawil, in precision strikes as part of its ongoing campaign against the terrorist organization.
The conflict was triggered by Hamas’ brutal October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of over 250 hostages. Israel demands the return of the remaining captives while Hamas seeks a comprehensive prisoner exchange, permanent ceasefire, and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Israel has stopped food, fuel, medicine, and aid deliveries to Gaza as part of its pressure campaign, creating desperate humanitarian conditions. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports over 50,000 deaths since the conflict began, though these figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
