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Hamas is facing grave accusations after the death of a man who was allegedly beaten and left on his family’s doorstep as a warning against dissent in the Gaza Strip. This incident comes amidst significant public discontent and growing unrest against the group’s governance.
In recent weeks, there have been unprecedented public demonstrations against Hamas as the ongoing conflict with Israel has led to immense suffering, with more than 50,000 Palestinian casualties reported. The protests reflect a rising frustration among the population regarding Hamas’ grip on power.
Chants condemning Hamas were notably heard during a broader protest aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict. Uday Al Rabbay, a participant in these demonstrations, was reportedly kidnapped shortly after expressing his views. His family received his lifeless body days later, showing signs of severe violence.
Mazen Shat, a police officer and member of the Fatah party, stated, “Uday was a victim of Hamas’ brutality. His only fault was speaking out against injustice and refusing to bow to their authority.”
Shat described how Hamas allegedly tortured Al Rabbay for a prolonged period, detailing injuries that left the body disfigured. He emphasized the violent tactics employed by Hamas to instill fear in the populace, asserting that they are oppressing citizens with a heavy hand.
Sam Habeeb, a Gazan now residing in London and a former parliamentary candidate, remarked that these protests mark a significant moment in Gaza’s history, being among the largest seen since Hamas took control in 2007. Despite sporadic protests over the years, many have been swiftly suppressed out of fear of violent reprisals from Hamas.
“The brutal response to protesters is a violation of human rights,” Habeeb asserted. “It’s unacceptable to silence dissent through violence. Many in Gaza do not align with Hamas and deserve to voice their opinions without fear of persecution.”
Hamas initially gained significant support in 2006, following elections where the Palestinian populace rejected the Fatah leadership, perceived as ineffective in achieving a sovereign Palestinian state. However, support for Hamas has fluctuated drastically over time, particularly following the group’s attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, which initially rallied public opinion in their favor but has since diminished as casualties mounted.
The recent wave of protests emerged after the collapse of a ceasefire agreement aimed at negotiating the exchange of hostages taken by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli detention. Following the failure of these negotiations, Israel intensified its military operations, resulting in increased civilian casualties and destruction across Gaza.
“The civilian population has been under relentless bombardment since October,” Habeeb added. “It’s clear that the majority desires an end to the violence, and Hamas must acknowledge the people’s right to express this desire,” he stated emphatically.
Hamza Howidy, a Gazan in exile, shared his harrowing experiences with Hamas, recounting instances of imprisonment and torture he faced for protesting. He voiced fears that those killed during recent unrest would be labeled as collaborators and face severe consequences, reflecting a broader climate of fear and repression enforced by Hamas.
While negotiations for a new ceasefire have been proposed, Hamas’ leadership has firmly rejected disarming, asserting it as a non-negotiable position. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his stance on the necessity for Hamas to relinquish its armaments and stated his commitment to intensifying pressure on the group.
Source
www.yahoo.com