Dire conditions in Gaza are fostering growing dissent among residents. For the first time in 18 years, since Hamas took control, Gazans are openly criticizing the group, despite the significant risks involved.

“Since October 7th, people have been blaming Hamas,” stated Moumen Al Natour.

Al Natour, a Gazan lawyer and former political prisoner of Hamas, is acutely aware of the danger in publicly opposing Hamas.

“I would be lying if I said I was not afraid,” he admitted. “Like any citizen held hostage under Hamas rule for the past 18 years, I am afraid. But if we don’t speak out against Hamas, we will certainly face something worse in the future.”

While Al Natour is taking a perilous step by speaking out – even publishing an op-ed in The Washington Post – he is not entirely alone.

On March 26th, thousands of Palestinians protested in the devastated streets of Beit Lahiya, a town in northern Gaza. They chanted slogans such as “Out, out, Hamas get out” and “The people want the fall of Hamas.”

In the past, such a demonstration in Gaza would have been met with a harsh response from Hamas. Now, the organization is weakened, partly by the Israeli Defense Forces and partly by the desperation of the Gazans it claims to represent.

“Recently, anger has been increasing towards Hamas because the situation is deteriorating,” Al Natour explained.

Power has been a rare commodity in Gaza since October 7, 2023. Visuals from the Gaza Strip accurately depict the widespread destruction. Al Natour noted that only buildings in the center of the Gaza Strip escaped the destruction.

Water is scarce. “Most of the water we have is dirty, unhealthy water,” Al Natour said. “It’s very hard to have access to clean water. The water they use for other purposes is seawater, and it’s very salty. It is greatly affecting people’s health over here.”

Life in Gaza can only return to normalcy when the war ends. Therefore, Al Natour said Gazans desire the release of the Israeli hostages. “The people of Gaza are all for the release of all Israeli hostages and sending them back to their houses. But, on the other hand, the civilians in Gaza do not have anything. They do not have the tools or any ability to help in this matter.”

He also stated that Gazans want Hamas to be replaced with local leadership focused on providing basic necessities rather than fighting Israel or prioritizing political affiliations.

“,” he said. “We don’t need political affiliations or political programs right now. We only want to give the people services.”

The established Palestinian leadership quickly rejected President Donald Trump’s proposal to evacuate and rebuild the Gaza Strip, turning it into a freedom zone. “That’s a hell of a place,” the president remarked last Monday.

Living amidst the destruction, Al Natour believes Gazans might agree, even if it means permanently leaving the coastal strip. “People welcomed Trump’s recommendation because life in Gaza is hell, and no human being can stay in Gaza forever under these circumstances.”

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