Published on: 2025-03-27

Intelligence Report: ‘We want to stop the killing’ Why Gazans are protesting against Hamas – ABC News (AU)

1. BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Recent protests in Gaza against Hamas indicate growing public dissent against the group’s governance and its ongoing conflict with Israel. The demonstrations, marked by public calls for Hamas to step down, reflect a significant shift in local sentiment and present both strategic risks and opportunities for regional stakeholders. The protests could potentially weaken Hamas’s control, alter the power dynamics in Gaza, and impact the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

2. Detailed Analysis

The following structured analytic techniques have been applied for this analysis:

General Analysis

The protests in Gaza are a rare public display of defiance against Hamas, driven by the dire humanitarian situation and ongoing conflict with Israel. Demonstrators, including Mohammed Abu Saker, have voiced demands for an end to the violence and criticized Hamas’s governance. The protests have gained momentum despite previous violent crackdowns by Hamas. The group’s weakened position, due to the Israeli military offensive, has emboldened citizens to express their grievances more openly.

3. Implications and Strategic Risks

The protests pose significant risks to regional stability and could lead to further escalation of violence if not addressed. The potential for increased Israeli military action in response to Hamas’s weakened control could exacerbate humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Additionally, the protests may inspire similar movements in other regions, challenging existing power structures and complicating diplomatic efforts.

4. Recommendations and Outlook

Recommendations:

• Encourage diplomatic engagement with both Israeli and Palestinian authorities to de-escalate tensions and address humanitarian needs.
• Support initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue between Gazan citizens and governing bodies to promote peaceful conflict resolution.
• Enhance monitoring of social media and public sentiment to anticipate potential flashpoints and mitigate risks of violence.

Outlook:

Best-case scenario: The protests lead to constructive dialogue and reforms within Gaza, reducing violence and improving humanitarian conditions.
Worst-case scenario: Escalation of violence results in significant casualties and further destabilization of the region.
Most likely outcome: Continued protests and intermittent violence, with limited progress towards a long-term resolution.

5. Key Individuals and Entities

The report mentions significant individuals and organizations:

• Mohammed Abu Saker
• Akram Attallah
• Basem Naim
• Israel Katz
• Benjamin Netanyahu