Mass civilian protests planned across the Gaza Strip against Hamas leadership on Friday were subdued by threats and intimidation from the terror group, according to Hebrew media reports.
Calls were made on social media platforms this week for what organizers described as a “Day of Rage,” with various Palestinian spokespeople indicating that the protests were focused on the harsh living conditions in the Gaza Strip and the delay in advancing the second phase of the agreement.
The IDF had prepared for violent demonstrations and riots along the Gaza Strip’s Yellow Line, but the anticipated protests did not take place as predicted.
Hamas issues severe threats to protestors
Unidentified sources in Gaza told Ynet that Hamas gunmen were deployed throughout the area to prevent the demonstrations from spreading to multiple locations.
According to these same sources, armed terrorists were positioned near gathering points, movement of civilians in areas of displacement camps was restricted, and in some cases, phones were reportedly confiscated from participants or individuals identified as linked to the protest calls.
One of the protest organizers reportedly told Kan News that participants were facing severe threats from Hamas. “They accused us of treason,” the source stated.
“They threaten anyone who opposes Hamas. All of us are in danger, but we still believe we deserve to live without a terrorist organization.”
Another reported protester in Gaza told Ynet, “The atmosphere on the ground was one of clear pressure, and any attempt to organize the public was met with an immediate response from security forces.”
Conversely, Hamas supporters apparently claimed that these measures were intended “to protect public order and prevent chaos in times of war.”
Hamas arrests so-called ‘Israeli collaborators’
According to a Kan report, this past week, Hamas announced through affiliated media outlets that its operatives had arrested groups and individuals “collaborating with Israel” throughout the Strip, noting that some of these activists are expected to face execution.
A Gaza social activist indicated that this was not coincidental but rather intended to prevent the protests from occurring. “Hamas is attempting to intimidate opponents on social media. They publish photos of activists suspected of collaborating with Israel and then arrest, torture, and execute them to instill fear in others.”
In the past, Hamas employed similar methods of killing and abusing Palestinians. United States President Trump warned Hamas against such actions at the time, which prompted the group to cease its intimidation. However, now that the Gaza Strip is no longer a focus for the White House, Hamas’s security measures are operating without its previous restraint.
Amir Bohbot contributed to this report.
