Opinion and Commentary By Donna Westfall – March 27, 2025
Two days in a row, protests have gained steam in Gaza against Hamas, starting out with hundreds of men and growing to thousands by the second day. Certainly not an easy decision to make because Hamas brutality has come raining down on some of the protestors through torture, beatings and death. But, for the second day in a row, more and more are shouting they want Hamas out. They have endured 15 years of oppression by Hamas. To be fair, many still think they have been oppressed by Israel and are loyal to Hamas. Let’s face it. In war, death is a given, but how many of you know of any nation that has warned residents to evacuate from a war zone to save their own lives? As far as I know, only two. The US warned the Japanese before dropping the A-Bomb. And Israel is the only other nation to warn Gazan residents.
But, could the Palestinians really want an end of this war and these protests might be the final turning point? “Out, out, Hamas Get out!” The protestors brave enough to speak openly and have their faces televised all over the media know that they’re taking a chance.
There’s no freedom of speech in Gaza so those continuing to protest is probably more from pressure because humanitarian aid has been cut off. Remember seeing pictures of Hamas taking trucks with food and supplies which were to go to the displaced Palestinians? These Hamas monsters also believe using children as human shields is just fine.
The polling numbers show Palestinian support for Hamas has declined from 57% to 39%. Hamas has been in control since 2007 yet this is the first protest against them. Nothing was said about returning the hostages held by Hamas.
I believe that Palestinians facing starvation and/or relocation due to the renewed bombardment by Israel intent on destroying Hamas will stop kowtowing to Hamas. I haven’t seen or heard anything about Hamas helping the thousands if not millions of their fellow countrymen with food and necessities.
The official first response by Hamas about the protests claim these protests are only against Israel. They must have turned off the audio so no one can hear what the protestors are saying. Certainly the people are desperate and want both Hamas out and the destruction by Israel to stop. I don’t see Israel stopping any time soon. With severe shortages of food, water, medicines and fuel, the Palestinians are in increasing dire circumstances. Israel halted all aid three weeks ago because they accused Hamas of stealing. Hamas, not known for it’s honesty, has denied those allegations.
50,000 have been killed so far in this war.
When President Trump spoke with Egypt and Jordan about taking in Palestinians, both countries vehemently declined. So far, this is what’s happening. Israel is sending 100 Gazans to work in Indonesia. This pilot project hopes to encourage the voluntary relocation of thousands.
