Palestinians in and outside Gaza are organizing a potential grassroots uprising against Hamas, an effort organizers have dubbed the "June 26 Revolution." According to reports from VG, citizens in Gaza are calling for peaceful protests to demand political change and accountability, despite facing threats of violence and labels of "traitor" from Hamas leadership. This movement emerges as residents face severe infrastructure collapse, ongoing displacement, and the long-term consequences of the conflict triggered by the October 7, 2023, attacks.
Why are Palestinians in Gaza calling for protests now?
Residents have reached a "bristepoint" due to months of hunger, the absence of public services, and the destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, according to Kareem Joudeh, a 30-year-old aid worker who has been internally displaced since the war began. Joudeh states that a growing portion of the population harbors deep bitterness toward Hamas, arguing the group has failed to protect civilians or provide a path toward a dignified life.
Ayman Lubbad, a human rights advocate in Gaza, characterizes this potential uprising as the "last chance" for citizens to challenge a leadership that he claims is gambling with the future of their children. Lubbad and other organizers emphasize that after nearly two decades of rule without elections, the population is demanding the democratic right to choose their own representatives.
How does Hamas respond to internal dissent?
Hamas maintains control through an authoritarian security apparatus, often using intimidation to suppress opposition. According to Erik Skare, a senior researcher at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) and author of Road to October 7, the group has utilized brutal methods—including summary executions and physical violence—to consolidate power during the ongoing ceasefire.
Inhabitants who speak out against the governing faction frequently face accusations of being "spies" or "collaborators" working for Israel. This atmosphere of fear is a pervasive barrier to mass mobilization. Joudeh notes that public criticism of Hamas’s military or political strategy carries severe risks, including interrogation or imprisonment, which makes the success of any scheduled protest uncertain.
Hamas revised its charter in 2017 to suggest a temporary Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, yet the organization has not held elections in Gaza since 2006.
How does the current situation compare to previous years?
The current sentiment represents a shift from the relative stability of Hamas’s governance prior to the October 7, 2023, attacks. While some residents previously viewed Hamas as a necessary force to prevent total anarchy, the scale of destruction in Gaza has forced a reassessment.
According to Skare, the population is currently split:
- Pro-Hamas/Status Quo: Some residents maintain support for the group as the only entity capable of maintaining order.
- The Opposition: An increasing number of citizens hold Hamas directly responsible for the war, the resulting ruin of their homes, and the lack of basic necessities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "June 26 Revolution"?
It is a grassroots initiative circulating on social media calling for peaceful protests in Gaza against Hamas’s continued political and military control.
Why is it difficult to organize protests in Gaza?
Organizers face significant threats of violence and public shaming from Hamas, which labels dissenters as "traitors" or "collaborators."
Does Hamas still control Gaza?
While Israel occupies over 60 percent of the strip, Hamas retains political and military control in the remaining areas, according to reports from late 2025.
What do the protesters want?
They are calling for an end to the current leadership, accountability for the destruction of the territory, and the restoration of democratic elections.
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