{"id":86836,"date":"2025-03-26T09:18:34","date_gmt":"2025-03-26T14:18:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/?p=86836"},"modified":"2025-03-26T09:18:34","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T14:18:34","slug":"protests-erupt-in-gaza-as-palestinians-demand-hamas-step-down","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/protests-erupt-in-gaza-as-palestinians-demand-hamas-step-down\/","title":{"rendered":"Protests erupt in Gaza as Palestinians demand Hamas step down"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>By JOSHUA MARKS<\/p>\n<p>(JNS.org) \u2013&nbsp;Hundreds of Palestinians staged protests in northern Gaza on Tuesday, notably in Beit Lahia and Jabalia, demanding an end to the ongoing conflict with Israel and calling for Hamas to relinquish control of the territory.<\/p>\n<p>Demonstrators chanted slogans such as \u201cHamas out\u201d and carried banners reading \u201cStop the war\u201d and \u201cWe want to live in peace.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_86837\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Gaza_protestors.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-86837\" class=\"wp-image-86837 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Gaza_protestors-300x167.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"167\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Gaza_protestors-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Gaza_protestors-1024x569.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Gaza_protestors-768x427.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Gaza_protestors-1536x853.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Gaza_protestors-2048x1138.jpg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/167;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-86837\" class=\"wp-image-86837 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Gaza_protestors-300x167.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Gaza_protestors-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Gaza_protestors-1024x569.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Gaza_protestors-768x427.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Gaza_protestors-1536x853.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Gaza_protestors-2048x1138.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-86837\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A child carries a sign reading in Arabic: &#8220;The children of Palestine: We want to live&#8221;, during a rally calling for an end to the war, in the northern Gaza Strip, on March 25, 2025. Hundreds of Palestinians chanted anti-Hamas slogans. (AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jns.org\/gaza-cost-of-living-protests-organized-by-hamas\/\">protests<\/a>, among the most significant against&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jns.org\/israel-eliminates-hamas-sniper-employed-by-al-jazeera\/\">Hamas<\/a> since the war began, were reportedly organized through social media platforms. Eyewitnesses noted that Hamas security forces attempted to disperse the gatherings, with reports of forceful interventions.<\/p>\n<p>The demonstrations reflect growing frustration among Gaza\u2019s residents over deteriorating living conditions and the prolonged conflict with Israel. Criticism of Hamas\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jns.org\/holding-the-line-against-hamas-governance-in-the-gaza-strip\/\">governance<\/a> has intensified, particularly concerning its handling of the war and the economic hardships faced by the population.<\/p>\n<p>As of now, Hamas officials have not issued a formal response to the protests. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further demonstrations in the coming days.<\/p>\n<p>Following the collapse of a ceasefire in mid-March, Israel retook the Netzarim Corridor, a key route dividing northern and southern Gaza, to pressure Hamas to release hostages and curb terrorist activity.<\/p>\n<p>In January, Israel briefly allowed displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza but halted entries on Jan. 26, citing Hamas ceasefire violations. Amid renewed fighting and rocket attacks, Israel expanded evacuation orders on Tuesday, preventing large-scale civilian returns.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_86838\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF_commander.webp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-86838\" class=\"wp-image-86838 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF_commander-300x200.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF_commander-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF_commander-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF_commander-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF_commander.webp 1320w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/200;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-86838\" class=\"wp-image-86838 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF_commander-300x200.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF_commander-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF_commander-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF_commander-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF_commander.webp 1320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-86838\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, left, meets with Southern Command chief Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, center, and Deputy IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai near Re\u2019im, March 25, 2025. Photo by Shira Keinan\/Defense Ministry.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Israeli Defense Minister&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jns.org\/katz-hamas-to-pay-increasingly-heavy-price-unless-it-frees-hostages\/\">Israel Katz<\/a>&nbsp;on Tuesday approved the Israel Defense Forces\u2019 operational plans to continue military actions against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur main goal is to bring the hostages home,\u201d Katz stated. \u201cIf Hamas continues to refuse a deal, it will pay an increasingly heavy price. We will take territory, eliminate terrorist operatives and destroy infrastructure until Hamas is completely defeated.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jns.org\/idf-chief-no-choice-pressure-must-be-increased-on-hamas\/\">Eyal Zamir<\/a>&nbsp;has called for an escalation against the Hamas terrorist group.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHamas is stalling for time\u2014this is a strategy, not just a tactic,\u201d&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jns.org\/idf-chief-defeating-hamas-includes-judea-and-samaria\/\">Zamir<\/a>&nbsp;said in security discussions, according to a&nbsp;<em>Channel 12 News<\/em>&nbsp;report on Monday. \u201cThe IDF\u2019s actions are hurting them and causing instability, but they are not leading to the release of hostages. Therefore, we have no choice\u2014we must increase the pressure.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Israeli political and military leaders are&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jns.org\/report-israel-to-conquer-gaza-with-overwhelming-force-to-defeat-hamas\/\">considering plans<\/a>&nbsp;for a fresh ground campaign in Gaza that could include a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jns.org\/report-israel-eyeing-full-scale-occupation-of-gaza\/\">military occupation<\/a>&nbsp;of the entire enclave for months or longer, according to the&nbsp;<em>Washington Post<\/em>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_86839\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF-deployment.webp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-86839\" class=\"wp-image-86839 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF-deployment-300x200.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF-deployment-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF-deployment-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF-deployment-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF-deployment.webp 1320w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/200;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-86839\" class=\"wp-image-86839 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF-deployment-300x200.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF-deployment-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF-deployment-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF-deployment-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IDF-deployment.webp 1320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-86839\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">IDF 36th Division forces preparing for military operations in the Gaza Strip. (Credit: IDF)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Current and former Israeli officials briefed on the matter told the&nbsp;<em>Post<\/em>&nbsp;that the new tactics would likely include direct military control of humanitarian aid, targeting Hamas\u2019s civilian leadership and evacuating women, children and vetted noncombatants to \u201chumanitarian bubbles\u201d while laying siege to those who remain.<\/p>\n<p>Israeli officials emphasized to the&nbsp;<em>Post<\/em>&nbsp;that Jerusalem is still waiting for the outcome of ceasefire talks and no decisions have been made on whether\u2014or how\u2014to escalate the current phase of the offensive, which has so far consisted mostly of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jns.org\/israeli-forces-destroy-hamas-trucks-linked-to-oct-7-massacre\/\">aerial bombardment<\/a>, with limited ground maneuvers.<\/p>\n<p>The IDF announced on Sunday that it has&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jns.org\/idf-expands-ground-operations-in-gaza-north-and-south\/\">expanded military operations<\/a>&nbsp;in both northern and southern Gaza, including the encirclement of Tel al-Sultan in Rafah and an offensive in Beit Hanun\u2014targeting Hamas terrorists and infrastructure and widening the security buffer zones.<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding-bottom:20px; padding-top:10px;\" class=\"hupso-share-buttons\"><!-- Hupso Share Buttons - https:\/\/www.hupso.com\/share\/ --><a class=\"hupso_toolbar\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hupso.com\/share\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/static.hupso.com\/share\/buttons\/share-medium.png\" style=\"border:0px; padding-top: 5px; float:left;\" alt=\"Share Button\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.hupso.com\/share\/buttons\/share-medium.png\" style=\"border:0px; padding-top: 5px; float:left;\" alt=\"Share Button\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><script type=\"text\/javascript\">var hupso_services_t=new Array(\"Twitter\",\"Facebook\",\"Google Plus\",\"Pinterest\",\"Linkedin\",\"Tumblr\",\"Email\");var hupso_background_t=\"#EAF4FF\";var hupso_border_t=\"#66CCFF\";var hupso_toolbar_size_t=\"medium\";var hupso_image_folder_url = \"\";var hupso_url_t=\"\";var hupso_title_t=\"Protests%20erupt%20in%20Gaza%20as%20Palestinians%20demand%20Hamas%20step%20down\";<\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/static.hupso.com\/share\/js\/share_toolbar.js\"><\/script><!-- Hupso Share Buttons --><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":86837,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[663,40,491,8790,8795,8788,2794],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/86836"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=86836"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/86836\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":86840,"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/86836\/revisions\/86840"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/86837"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=86836"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=86836"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=86836"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}