Daijiworld Media Network – Gaza
Gaza, Apr 2: In a rare and bold act of defiance, a family in Gaza has openly admitted to killing a Hamas-run police officer, accusing the force of murdering their relative. The shocking incident has added to growing signs of public discontent against the militant group after 18 months of conflict with Israel.
The Hamas-run interior ministry swiftly condemned the act, warning that any attempt to disrupt public order would not be tolerated. However, this latest episode follows last month’s protests in northern Gaza, where hundreds of demonstrators chanted slogans against Hamas, reflecting a growing willingness among civilians to voice dissent.
On Wednesday, fresh protests erupted in Beit Lahiya, where frustrated residents chanted ‘Hamas out’ and ‘Enough death’ in response to new Israeli evacuation orders. The military justified the orders, citing militant rocket attacks from the area. Observers noted a reduced presence of Hamas security forces in recent weeks, possibly emboldening people to take to the streets.
The unrest escalated when a viral video surfaced showing the brutal street execution of the Hamas officer. The footage showed him being shot in the head and then riddled with bullets as bystanders cheered on. The family responsible, well-known in Deir Al-Balah, issued a social media statement confirming the killing, claiming it was an act of retaliation rather than premeditated murder. They disputed Hamas’ claim that their relative had been killed by shrapnel, asserting that he was deliberately shot by police.
Hamas, in response, vowed to bring the culprits to justice, denouncing the killing as an act that serves ‘Zionist interests’ by weakening Palestinian unity.
Meanwhile, another family in Gaza City has also accused Hamas police of killing their relative and has sworn vengeance, further intensifying tensions in the war-ravaged enclave.
With increasing public resentment and continuing violence, the latest developments signal a growing challenge to Hamas' grip over Gaza.