Hamas responded Thursday to escalating public protests in Gaza by insisting that the demonstrations are directed against Israel and the ongoing war, rather than the terrorist group’s rule over the territory.

The response came amid rare, large-scale protests this week, with thousands of Gazans taking to the streets, openly chanting for an end to Hamas’s nearly two-decade control.

Senior Hamas official Basem Naim downplayed reports that the protests were aimed at the group, telling Qatari news channel Al-Araby that demonstrators were primarily expressing frustration over “war and destruction.” He claimed that outside forces were attempting to manipulate the unrest to serve Israel’s interests.

“People are calling to stop the aggression, but the enemy and other parties with political agendas are diverting the spontaneous protests to serve the occupation’s agenda,” Naim said, referring to Israel. He also insisted that Hamas allows political dissent, stating, “We protect both opinions and opposing views.”

However, multiple media reports, images, and videos from Gaza contradict Hamas’s claims, showing protestors directly condemning the group. Demonstrators have openly called for Hamas’s removal, blaming its leadership for the war’s devastation.

On Wednesday, thousands of people rallied throughout Gaza, with many chanting “Hamas out” and demanding the release of hostages in an effort to expedite an end to the war. Protesters carried banners reading, “Hamas does not represent us,” as demonstrations spread to major cities, including Gaza City and Beit Lahiya.

“In Beit Lahiya, around 3,000 people gathered, calling for Hamas’s downfall,” one witness reported. In Gaza City’s Shejaiyeh neighborhood, dozens of men were heard chanting, “Out, out, out! Hamas, get out!”

Some demonstrators spoke to media outlets, openly blaming Hamas for their suffering. “Residents have no water or electricity. Hamas is destroying Gaza and making us into stones. They must be removed from power,” one protester, identified as Sami Ubayed, told Israel’s Ynet news outlet.

While Hamas has violently suppressed previous protests, there was no immediate crackdown this time—leading some analysts to speculate that the group’s power may be waning. However, Hamas security forces have reportedly kept a low profile since the resumption of Israeli strikes earlier this month, following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement.

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