From the Liveblog of
Sunday, July 30, 2023
Gazans hold rare rally against Hamas over power woes
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleThousands have taken to the streets across the Gaza Strip to draw attention to chronic power outages and difficult living conditions, in a rare public show of discontent with the territory’s Hamas government.
Hundreds join marches in Gaza City, the southern town of Khan Younis and other locations, chanting, “For shame” and in one place burning Hamas flags.
The demonstrations are organized by a grassroots online movement called “Alvirus Alsakher,” or “the mocking virus.”
“Where is the electricity and where is the gas?” the crowds shout in Khan Younis. “For shame. For shame.”
הפגנות חריגות מאוד בכמה מוקדים ברצועת עזה נגד חמאס, על רקע משבר החשמל והטינה הכללית. "מכרו את עזה תמורת דולרים" ועוד דברים שלא נשמעו כבר תקופה pic.twitter.com/q7IhMeEcXy
— Nurit Yohanan (@nurityohanan) July 30, 2023
The crowds also criticize Hamas for deducting a roughly $15 fee from monthly $100 stipends given to Gaza’s poorest families by the wealthy Gulf state of Qatar.
Police eventually move in and disperse the gatherings, destroying mobile phones of people filming in Khan Younis and arresting several, according to witnesses.
The Times of Israel Community.