Gaza Activists Call for June 26 Protests as Hamas Condemns Them

Protest organizers in Gaza say demonstrations under the names “The June 26 Revolution” and “Day of Rage” are set to begin this evening at 4:00 p.m. in multiple locations across the Strip. The planned rallies come amid a severe humanitarian crisis, continuing fighting, and growing public anger over hunger, displacement, and destruction. Organizers describe the action as a peaceful, popular protest, saying its “only weapon is the free voice” and that only the Palestinian flag will be raised.

The call quickly triggered an internal political backlash. Activists linked mainly to Fatah, including Hamza al-Masri and Muataz Azzaiza, both based outside Gaza, are behind some of the appeals, while Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad accuse the effort of serving Israel. Hamas-aligned channels have mocked the initiative, calling it “Fawda 2026,” and portraying the organizers as collaborators. Mohammed Lafi, a supporter of the “resistance” camp, urged protesters not to turn the rallies into an internal confrontation and instead direct anger at Israel.

The Palestinian Council of Scholars issued an unusually harsh statement saying that calls to act against “resistance” groups during wartime are religiously forbidden and could serve the enemy. It said there is a difference between legitimate criticism and incitement that could fracture internal unity. At the same time, some Gaza residents voiced support for protest. Mustafa Ibrahim wrote on X that the anger in Gaza’s streets is “entirely legitimate,” though he warned against steps whose consequences have not been considered. Another resident, Abu Nail, said criticism of a ruling authority is not betrayal or collaboration with the enemy.

Israeli attention has also fueled suspicion. Agriculture Minister and former Shin Bet chief Avi Dichter called on Gaza residents yesterday to demonstrate against Hamas, a move opponents of the protest immediately used to question its aims. Palestinian analyst Mohammed Abu-Kamar said Israeli media are amplifying the demonstrations, which is making many Palestinians wary. He predicted that families and clans in Gaza would try to prevent internal escalation and preserve stability. Hamas Political Bureau member Khaled Meshaal told the Algerian newspaper Al-Shorouk that the right to protest is a basic right of the Palestinian people, but said the leadership has instructed not to restrict free expression and to focus the anger on Israeli “occupation crimes.” Past Gaza protests, including against Hamas and the war’s humanitarian toll, have usually faded quickly, and it remains unclear how many people will turn out or how Hamas will respond.