Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz directed a statement to Gaza’s residents following protests in Beit Lahia against Hamas.
He emphasized, “Residents of Gaza, the IDF will soon take strong action in additional parts of Gaza, and for your own safety, you will need to evacuate from areas of combat. Plans for this operation have already been formulated and approved.”
Katz also said, “Hamas is putting your lives at risk and is responsible for destroying your homes, with more land being incorporated into Israel’s defense system. Sinwar the First ruined Gaza, and Sinwar the Second is prepared to devastate half of Gaza to maintain his corrupt control and that of his fellow Hamas criminals.”
He pointed out, “The leaders of Hamas, along with their families, are hiding in shelters or enjoying comfort in luxurious hotels, with billions in foreign bank accounts, while using you as hostages.”
Katz urged Gazans to “take a lesson from the residents of Beit Lahia: Demand that Hamas be removed from Gaza and that all Israeli hostages be freed immediately—this is the only path to halting the war.”
On Tuesday, hundreds of Palestinians in northern Gaza took to the streets to express their strong opposition to Hamas and call for an end to the conflict with Israel.
This protest was reportedly the largest of its kind since Hamas’ brutal assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Videos shared on social media showed mostly male protesters gathered in Beit Lahia, chanting slogans such as “Hamas out” and “Hamas terrorists.”
The demonstration took place near the Indonesian hospital, just days after the IDF resumed operations against Hamas following a brief ceasefire.
Some protesters were seen holding signs reading “Stop the war” and “We want to live in peace,” with Telegram messages reportedly urging civilians to voice their opposition.
One participant told AFP, “I don’t know who organized the protest. I joined to make a statement on behalf of the people: Enough with the war,” adding that “members of Hamas’ security forces, disguised as civilians, were disrupting the protest.”
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