In a recent development in the northern Gaza Strip, a humanitarian mission turned chaotic. As aid was being distributed to the residents, the situation rapidly deteriorated into violence, with equipment being looted by Palestinians. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the disorder led to numerous Palestinians sustaining injuries due to pushing and trampling amidst the commotion.
The IDF spokesperson detailed that following the upheaval, a group of Palestinians advanced towards the Israeli forces stationed in the vicinity. This movement was perceived as a threat to the safety of the troops, compelling them to open fire in response.
Gazans were burning tires at protests in Rafah today against the skyrocketing costs of food.
— Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) February 28, 2024
Humanitarian aid entering Gaza should not cost Gazans money.
The aid groups, like UNRWA, that are meant to help Gazans, are instead allowing their desperation to be exploited.
For… pic.twitter.com/ASPF25AvLA
The aftermath of the incident has been shrouded in confusion, with Palestinian media and social media platforms presenting conflicting reports regarding the casualty figures.
Simultaneously, the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah became a hotspot for unrest as large crowds expressed their frustration over escalating food prices by burning tires and expelling merchants from a local market. These actions did not explicitly target Hamas; however, the underlying discontent hints at widespread dissatisfaction with the organization's alleged mismanagement of humanitarian aid.
Hamas thugs... pic.twitter.com/d0zhOQDue7
— PF (@PalestinFiction) February 29, 2024
The aid, intended to alleviate the hardships faced by Gaza's residents, is accused of being diverted by Hamas. Instead of being distributed freely, it is claimed that the aid was sold to traders, exacerbating the already dire situation.
Amid these tumultuous events, a group known as Gaza's Liberators has emerged as a vocal opponent of Hamas. This organization, which has been organizing protests against Hamas, accuses the group of worsening living conditions in Gaza and refusing to relinquish power. The protests, particularly in Rafah, have been characterized as direct challenges to Hamas's authority.
The identity of those behind Gaza's Liberators remains speculative, with suggestions pointing towards affiliates of Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah faction or other opponents of Hamas, potentially supported by external forces. Their activities have gained momentum, with protests spreading across the Gaza Strip. These demonstrations are increasingly bold, calling for the release of Israeli hostages and an end to the ongoing war, while condemning Hamas's leadership for remaining unaffected by the conflict.
Gaza's Liberators have been active in disseminating anti-Hamas material, encouraging public protests against the organization. Their efforts include distributing flyers in displaced persons' encampments and using social media to amplify their message. Recent statements from the group have poignantly criticized Hamas's leadership, urging them to halt the war and address the plight of the Gazan people, who lack the military capabilities to defend themselves.
Demonstration against the increase in prices and the diversion and exploitation of the Ministry of the Economy of humanitarian aid in Rafah, Al-Najma roundabout, Hamas resells the humanitarian aid which is supposed to
— Ph.Gritti (@Philipp27960841) February 28, 2024
be distributed free of charge. pic.twitter.com/rDXIn73Zy9
Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF's Arabic Spokesperson, has highlighted the growing unrest within Gaza against Hamas, sharing videos of protests and quoting demonstrators' chants calling for the departure of Hamas leaders. Adraee's posts underscore the sentiment among Gazans who blame the leadership for their suffering and the destruction within the Strip.
These incidents mark a significant moment in Gaza's ongoing struggle, revealing deep-seated grievances against Hamas and the dire humanitarian situation that continues to unfold.
