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‘For God’s Sake, Hamas Out’: Palestinians in Gaza Protest Ruling Terror Group, Larger Demonstrations to Come

Palestinians protest to demand an end to war, chanting anti-Hamas slogans, in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip, March 26, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Stringer
Palestinians staged a large anti-Hamas protest in the northern Gaza city of Beit Lahia on Tuesday, and there are indications it is just the first of many to come.
Thousands of people gathered and marched through Beit Lahia chanting anti-Hamas slogans such as “Down with Hamas, we’ve had enough,” For God’s sake, Hamas out,” “we want an end to the war,” and “Hamas terrorists.”
One Gazan said, “Their rule has destroyed us, killed us, and ruined our lives — and all of us here in Beit Lahia stand firmly to end Hamas’s rule.”
A brave and unprecedented: the notable figures of Beit Lahia in Northern Gaza declare that Hamas’s rule must end. “Their rule has destroyed us, killed us, and ruined our lives—and all of us here in Beit Lahia stand firmly to end Hamas’s rule.” pic.twitter.com/Jd7qaGmYS8
— Ihab Hassan (@IhabHassane) March 25, 2025
Hamas, which brutally seized full control of Gaza in 2007, sparked the current war in the Palestinian enclave when it invaded Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping 251 hostages. The ensuing conflict has resulted in massive losses for Hamas but also created a humanitarian crisis among Gazan civilians.
Anger with Hamas among Gaza’s population is strong. A recent poll from the Institute for Social and Economic Progress showed that only 6 percent of Gazans want Hamas to exclusively rule the enclave after the war, and even fewer said they would vote for them if elections were held today. However, 38 percent expressed support for a unity government, which would presumably include Hamas in power as part of a coalition with other Palestinian factions.
The crowds at the protest in Beit Lahia on Tuesday were likely larger than they were at any of the Hamas-orchestrated hostage release parades, where aerial photography suggested they were smaller than what Hamas wanted to present to the world.
The photo on the left shows thousands of people in Gaza protesting against Hamas. The photo on the right shows a few hundred—mostly Hamas members—marching in a Hamas parade after the ceasefire.
The truth couldn’t be more obvious. pic.twitter.com/aBdh4GOpO4
— Ihab Hassan (@IhabHassane) March 25, 2025
Later in the night, protests erupted in the Gazan cities of Khan Younis and Jabaliya as well, with one man explaining to a camera, “We want world nations and leaders to get Hamas out of Gaza — we don’t want Hamas!” The protests also continued on Wednesday morning.
Khan Younis, southern Gaza, is one of many sites of large-scale demonstrations against Hamas, along with Jabaliya, Beit Lahia, and many others. Protests are expected to intensify tomorrow. There’s no turning back! pic.twitter.com/peoAOsSZPF
— Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib (@afalkhatib) March 25, 2025
These protests will likely not be the only ones. Some of the major clans in Gaza have come out in support of a protest movement against Hamas.
The Assembly of Southern Gaza clans released a statement against Hamas, saying, “Enough is enough — a popular uprising against injustice. No more playing with our lives, our children’s future, or disregarding our suffering. Gaza is not anyone’s hostage; Gaza will be liberated by the will of its people.”
Another statement, released by the clans of Shuja’iyya in northern Gaza, read, “We call on you to take to the streets in a popular march of anger rejecting the continuation of the war, and demanding the lifting of Hamas’s control over the Gaza Strip, so that life can return to its people and our ongoing suffering can come to an end.”
Gazan activists were reportedly gearing up for a continuation of the protests on Wednesday, with them taking place across the Strip in Deir al-Balah Camp, Jabalia Camp, Nuseirat, Gaza City, Al-Shati Camp, Khan Younis, Shuja’iyya, and Beit Lahia.
Khalil Sayegh, co-founder and president of the Agora Initiative, which aims to create “a shared vision for Palestine and Israel,” wrote on X that “if you have been following accounts that report daily updates on Gaza, you may have noticed that some have disappeared or gone silent today since news came out about protesters against Hamas.”
“These individuals are either ideologues or propagandists for Hamas, and soon they will come up with a new narrative to spread on this issue. Someone in Turkey will likely send them the memo soon,” he continued.
Sayegh also wrote, “You won’t see this picture of Palestinians in Gaza protesting against Hamas on media. Many media outlets want to dehumanize Palestinians by claiming they all support Hamas, while far-left and pro-Palestine media won’t report it because it undermines their narrative about Hamas.”
Some observers are attempting to change the narrative regarding the protests, claiming they are primarily being held to oppose Israel but not Hamas.
Anas Al-Shareef, a journalist for the Qatar-based news network Al Jazeera, wrote on X that there were protests to “stop the genocide. The massacres continue. Marches in Beit Lahia demand an end to the war and genocide.”
In response, Hamza Howidy, a Palestinian human rights and peace activist, wrote that “Al Jazeera’s journalist, who hid while the protestors were looking for anyone to cover the anti-war & anti-Hamas protests, is working to change the narrative and the demands of the protestors; we want to end the war and Hamas to step down from ruling Gaza.”
“The massive anti-Hamas, anti-war protests in Gaza are not PLO, PA, or Fatah organized,” wrote Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, who is the head of Realign for Palestine, a project of the Atlantic Council, where he is a resident senior fellow.
“They are organic, popular-led, and entirely authentic expressions of frustrations, anger, rage, fury, and exhaustion by a people being held hostage by Hamas’s ruthless terrorism & criminality.”
The post ‘For God’s Sake, Hamas Out’: Palestinians in Gaza Protest Ruling Terror Group, Larger Demonstrations to Come first appeared on Algemeiner.com.
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Amid War, Olim-Owned Businesses in Jerusalem Thrive, Showcasing Resilience, Community Spirit

Olim gather at JFK Airport, ready to board a charter flight to Israel and begin their new lives in the Jewish state. Photo: The Algemeiner
JERUSALEM — Despite the strains of war and the obstacles of starting over in a new country, businesses in Jerusalem owned by Jewish immigrants are thriving — a testament to resilience, Zionist commitment, and the power of community.
New immigrants, or olim, who make aliyah to Israel face steep challenges even in times of peace, navigating strict regulations, endless permits, and financial hurdles, though the Israeli government offers some support and incentives to promote new businesses.
Aliyah refers to the process of Jews immigrating to Israel, and olim refers to those who make this journey.
In recent years, the road has become even more difficult for entrepreneurs, first with the economic disruption of COVID-19 and now amid the uncertainty of the war in Gaza.
For many olim, launching a business in Israel is about more than entrepreneurship — it’s a way to start a new life, serve their country, build a community, and make a meaningful impact.
Last week, 225 new olim arrived in Tel Aviv on the first charter aliyah flight since the Hamas-led invasion of and massacre across southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Nefesh B’Nefesh (NBN) — a nonprofit that promotes and facilitates aliyah from the US and Canada — brought its 65th charter flight from New York, which The Algemeiner joined.
Founded in 2002, NBN helps olim become fully integrated members of Israeli society, simplifying the immigration process and providing essential resources and guidance.
In partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth, and the Jewish National Fund, NBN has helped nearly 100,000 olim build thriving new lives in Israel.
Eager to start their next chapter in Israel, these immigrants bring fresh ideas, culinary creativity, and cultural richness, strengthening the country’s social fabric every day.
Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Diana Shapira brought her passion for baking and warm hospitality to Israel, turning her aliyah dream into a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
She and her husband created Infused JLM, located near Jerusalem’s Mahaneh Yehuda Market, blending American and Israeli culture and creating a space that brings people together.
“We want people to see that an oleh’s dream can happen,” Shapira told The Algemeiner. “Even without family and facing many challenges, starting a business in Israel is possible — especially when you have the support of the community.”
“Before we made aliyah, so many people told us it was a bad financial decision. But you have to push past the doubt and keep striving,” she continued.
Another olim-owned business located in Jerusalem, Power CoffeeWorks, has become a favorite destination for coffee enthusiasts across the city.
Owned by Stephanie and Brandon, who made aliyah from Cape Town, South Africa, in 2016 with their four children at the time (now seven), the couple has turned their venture into a hub for coffee lovers and a gathering place for the community.
“We made aliyah because we believed Israel was the best place to raise our children,” Stephanie told The Algemeiner. “Despite all the challenges along the way, it has been an incredible journey.”
Crave, another oleh-owned restaurant in Mahaneh Yehuda, has gained increasing attention with its strictly kosher gourmet street food, blending American, Mexican, and Asian flavors in a way that hasn’t been seen before.
American-born Yoni Van Leeuwen, who made aliyah more than 20 years ago with his wife and eight children, views food not just as a business, but as a way to bring cultures and communities together.
Following the Oct. 7 atrocities, the war in Gaza dealt a harsh blow to Israeli businesses, forcing many to cut hours, adapt operations, and manage shortages.
Yet these olim-owned establishments have shown resilience, proving that passion, creativity, and commitment to the Zionist dream can overcome even the toughest challenges.
Whether by serving comfort food, offering a safe space for neighbors, or organizing fundraisers for soldiers in Gaza and Lebanon, these business owners described a spirit of perseverance deeply rooted in Jewish history.
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Police in England Investigate Air Rifle Attack Against Jewish Teenager, Swastika Spray Painted at Rabbi’s Home

Friday night saw a string of swastika vandalism resulting in four reports, including from Rabbi Bentzion Alperowitz, a Chabad leader who discovered the Nazi symbol spray painted in black on his home’s white wall as he left for synagogue the next morning with his two young daughters. Photo: Screenshot
Multiple antisemitic incidents reported this past weekend targeted the Jewish community of Bournemouth in the southern region on the coast of the United Kingdom.
On Saturday afternoon, a driver stopped to harass and yell obscenities at two pedestrians before shooting one, a Jewish teenage boy, in the forehead with an air rifle and fleeing. The victim suffered swelling but has otherwise recovered.
“Detectives are leading the investigation to locate the occupants of the vehicle and to establish the full circumstances of the incident,” a spokesman for Dorset Police said. “The incident is being treated as a hate crime. Officers are engaging with the local community and carrying out patrols in the area. We would encourage anyone with information or concerns to please speak with an officer.”
Rabbi Alan Lewis, who leads the Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation, said that “the young man who was shot is a religious Jew who was wearing a skull cap. It was very obvious he was Jewish. Then several people living on Manor Road woke up to find that swastikas had been painted on their homes. The homes had a mezuzah outside, so it was obvious that Jewish people lived there.”
Friday night saw a string of swastika vandalism resulting in four reports, including from Rabbi Bentzion Alperowitz, a Chabad leader who discovered the Nazi symbol spray painted in black on his home’s white wall as he left for synagogue the next morning with his two young daughters.
“We will continue to live as proud Jews here in Bournemouth … I want to encourage everyone to do exactly the same,” Alperowitz said. “This is not the Bournemouth I know. Bournemouth is a kind, beautiful place and I feel this is still the truth for the vast majority of people here.”
Other members of the Jewish community came to assist the rabbi with removing the graffiti.
“[The] good news is that by the time you’re watching this video our wall will have been cleaned, thanks to some amazing people from the community, who came around to help clean it,” Alperowitz said.
Author Dov Forman wrote that “on Saturday morning, my friend Rabbi Benzion Alperowitz of Bournemouth Chabad walked outside to find a swastika on his home. Antisemitism is alive on our streets, yet it is too often excused and ignored. But it will not break us. We will continue to live proudly as Jews.”
Law enforcement has reportedly stepped up patrols in the town’s Jewish neighborhoods which include an estimated 2,000 people.
On Monday, the Community Security Trust (CST), an organization focused on monitoring antisemitic threats in the UK, released a statement saying that it was “appalled by a series of anti-Jewish hate crimes in Bournemouth over the weekend. These are abhorrent acts of racism that are deeply distressing for the Jewish community and should alarm everybody. We are supporting the local Jewish community and working with Dorset Police to assist their investigation. We urge anyone with information about these incidents to contact the police and CST.”
CST released a report of antisemitic incidents in the UK during 2024, finding 3,528 — the second highest ever — showing an 18-percent decrease from the all-time high of 4,296 in 2023.
Earlier this month, CST released a separate report noting the group recorded 1,521 antisemitic incidents in the UK from January to June of this year. It marks the second-highest total of incidents ever recorded by CST in the first six months of any year, following the first half of 2024 in which 2,019 antisemitic incidents were recorded in the aftermath of the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel.
“These hateful attacks on people and property in Bournemouth are extremely concerning. We have been informed that the police are investigating and hope that the perpetrators will be arrested and face the full force of the law,” Andrew Gilbert, vice president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said in a statement.
Maurice Michaels, who served as rabbi at Bournemouth Reform Synagogue, said that the community felt “very pressurized and anxious.” He added, “We’re getting terrified calls from people across the UK asking, ‘Is this really happening in Bournemouth?’ I’d never go out wearing my usual skull cap, I don’t show outward signs of being Jewish. I know community members who have even removed their mezuzah from their front door.”
Michaels described the antisemitic crimes as “a measure of what’s going on across the country, demonstrations where people cover their faces. They don’t want to be recognized because they know what they’re doing is wrong. We do the best we can to secure our safety. But when people attack our homes, when they shoot pellets — it gets to a point where it’s no longer a manageable situation. We’re frightened.”
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DNC Rejects Resolution Calling for US Arms Embargo on Israel

Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, speaks during an interview on party strategy. Photo: Screenshot
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) on Tuesday rejected efforts by the party’s progressive wing to push through an arms embargo on Israel, instead opting to form a task force aimed at addressing internal party divides over the war in Gaza.
A resolution backed by activists on the far left sought to suspend US military aid and halt arms transfers to Israel, a move critics warned would punish a key ally at a time when it faces existential threats from Hamas and other terrorist groups. The resolution also notably did not mention Hamas, which has ruled Gaza for nearly two decades and started the war with its Oct. 7, 2023, invasion of and massacre across southern Israel. The measure was decisively voted down in the resolutions committee.
Party leaders then advanced a more moderate resolution that underscored support for Israel’s security while calling for increased humanitarian access to Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and progress toward a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Although the resolution passed in committee, DNC chair Ken Martin withdrew it amid concerns it could further inflame divisions within the party.
“There’s a divide in our party on this issue,” Martin said, “This is a moment that calls for shared dialogue, calls for shared advocacy.”
For many Jewish Democrats and pro-Israel voices, the rejection of the arms embargo resolution was a relief. They argued that weakening Israel’s ability to defend itself would embolden Hamas and Iran-backed groups that openly seek Israel’s destruction.
“Today, the Democratic Party sent a clear and resounding message by defeating a reckless and divisive resolution: we stand with the people of Israel and will continue to do so. For more than 75 years, the U.S.–Israel relationship has been strong because it’s grounded in shared values and mutual security interests,” Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI) president and CEO Brian Romick said in a statement.
“In this critical moment, Democrats stood firm, rejected this dangerous effort, and sent a message that they remain united in our commitment to Israel’s security and our long-standing alliance,” Romick continued.
Although many within the Democratic party’s progressive flank expressed disappointment, moderates stressed that the party cannot afford to abandon a fellow democracy and strategic ally in the Middle East, particularly as Israel continues to face security threats on multiple fronts.
While the task force is expected to revisit the issue, Tuesday’s outcome underscored the DNC’s reluctance to embrace rhetoric that could be perceived as anti-Israel. With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, leaders hope the party can avoid alienating key constituencies, including anti-Israel activists on the far left, while maintaining its commitment to Israel’s security and a two-state solution.