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.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)