Rare demonstrations against Hamas, which has long repressed dissent, came amid widespread despair after Israel resumed the war in Gaza following a two-month ceasefire.

Protests against Hamas come amid a deep humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where most infrastructure including medical facilities has been demolished. Additionally, the U.N. has decided to reduce aid operations in the strip, citing Israel's "devastating strikes" and blockade of humanitarian aid entry. Aid workers have been killed in Israeli strikes.