**Gaza Unrest: Citizens Demand End to Hamas Rule Amid Ceasefire Collapse**

Recent demonstrations in Gaza mark an unusual moment of dissent against Hamas, amid a breakdown of peace talks.

For the second consecutive day, Palestinians in Gaza held protests against the lingering conflict with Israel, expressing their discontent not only with the war but also with Hamas, the governing faction in the territory. This wave of protests, deemed rare for openly criticising the ruling group, has surfaced as citizens grapple with the emotional aftermath of a collapsed ceasefire agreement hoped to lead to permanent peace.

The protests have primarily taken place in the northern town of Beit Lahiya, where hundreds have gathered despite the area suffering significant damage from ongoing assaults. Participants voiced chants such as “Hamas out! Hamas is terrorism!” and “We want to live freely,” illustrating a growing impatience among the populace towards the governing authority's management of the conflict.

Witnesses noted that while initial protests emerged spontaneously, by the second day, awareness across social media platforms began igniting a more organized opposition, leading to increased turnout. Footage shared online showcased crowds, including signs calling for an end to the warfare.

Notably, while the majority of protests remain modest in scale, the ongoing calls for demonstrations reveal a stirring hope among some Gazans. As public sentiment grows against the conflict and the leadership, these protests could represent a pivotal turning point in how Gazans engage with their rulers amidst ceaseless turmoil.

Although the situation remains volatile, the emergence of public dissent adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing crisis, indicating a desperate yearning for change and a more peaceful existence.