Hamas Deploys Armed Guards, Seizes Phones to Block Planned Gaza Protests
Hamas reportedly moved to crush planned anti-government protests across the Gaza Strip this week by deploying armed operatives, restricting movement, and confiscating phones, according to Hebrew media reports and sources inside the enclave.
Calls circulated on social media for a “Day of Rage” on Friday, with organizers demanding an end to harsh living conditions and accusing Hamas of stalling the second phase of a ceasefire and hostage-release deal with Israel. But the expected mass demonstrations never materialized as activists described a wave of preemptive intimidation.
Unidentified sources in Gaza told Ynet that Hamas gunmen were stationed near potential gathering points, sealed off areas in displacement camps, and in some cases seized mobile phones from individuals believed to be linked to the protest calls. One organizer told Kan News that participants faced severe threats, including accusations of treason. “They threaten anyone who opposes Hamas,” the organizer said. “All of us are in danger, but we still believe we deserve to live without a terrorist organization.”
A second protester in Gaza told Ynet that the atmosphere on the ground was one of “clear pressure,” and that “any attempt to organize the public was met with an immediate response from security forces.”
Hamas supporters, in turn, claimed the measures were intended “to protect public order and prevent chaos in times of war.” But the crackdown appears to have been coordinated with a broader campaign of arrests and executions. According to a Kan report, Hamas announced through affiliated media outlets this week that its operatives had detained groups and individuals suspected of “collaborating with Israel” — a charge that can carry the death penalty under Hamas rule.
A Gaza social activist argued that the timing was no coincidence. “Hamas is trying to intimidate opponents on social media. They publish photos of activists suspected of collaborating, then arrest, torture and execute them to instill fear in others,” the activist said.
The Israel Defense Forces had prepared for the possibility of violent riots along the Gaza Strip’s Yellow Line, but the planned unrest failed to materialize — a strong indication that Hamas’s preemptive tactics succeeded.
This is not the first time Hamas has used lethal intimidation to silence dissent. During the 2023 hostage crisis, U.S. President Donald Trump warned the group against harming Palestinian civilians, prompting a temporary halt to some abuses. But with the White House now focused elsewhere — and international attention shifting — Hamas’s security apparatus appears to be operating without the same constraints.
Analysts say the suppression of protests could further complicate already fragile negotiations over the second phase of a ceasefire deal, which includes the release of remaining hostages and a full Israeli withdrawal. Critics argue that by silencing internal opposition, Hamas is signaling that it will not accept any agreement that weakens its control over Gaza’s civilian and security apparatus.
Amir Bohbot contributed to this report.