Palestinians protest Hamas on Twitter: 'Enough is enough'

Palestinians online are criticizing Hamas under the hashtag "They Kidnapped Gaza" and through Twitter Spaces during what is a rare public protest of Gaza's ruling government.

While some Gazans on social media are voicing opposition against Israel's restrictions, many are also attacking Hamas' rule. 

Hamas, a U.S government-designated terrorist organization, has had de facto governing authority over the Gaza Strip since 2007. Many Gazans are afraid to risk their safety by criticizing Hamas. Protesters there have been arrested, tortured and beaten, Amnesty International has reported.

"We have the right to live a decent life. What are we eating today or tomorrow? … Enough is enough, you who rule Gaza. #TheyKidnappedGaza," A self-proclaimed Palestinian tweeted in Arabic, as translated with the help of Google Translate.

"Do we have a solution??" a user identified as Heart of Palestine tweeted in Arabic on Tuesday, "Oh, we live on the standard of living of Hamas or Hamas."

"May God’s curse in this world and the hereafter be upon Hamas and everyone who defends Hamas," Another Palestinian Twitter user said, in Arabic; "Look at the humiliation that the Palestinian lives in Gaza."

Hundreds of Palestinians are using the newly-launched Twitter Spaces to hold conversations about problems in Gaza.

“In Gaza, you’re told to shut up. Don’t you dare give voice to your pain. Because the shadow of the Internal Security forces is always pursuing your thoughts,” said Suleiman, a resident of Gaza, according to The Times of Israel. 

During one Twitter conversation, Amjad, who left Gaza seven years ago, explained, "You see situations where one person is unemployed and in his 30s and can’t get married, while a 22-year-old has a job and can afford a car and to get married — just because he’s a Hamas member."

Unemployment hit 50.2% during the third quarter of 2021 in Gaza, according to a report from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics.

For 15 years, both Israel and Egypt have issued a blockade on the Gaza Strip in order to try and contain Hamas. Goods in and out of Gaza are highly regulated as authorities attempt to prevent the terrorist organization from obtaining weapons and capital.