The United Arab Emirates is betting that recent anti-Hamas protests in Gazan towns, supported by influential tribes and clans, will strengthen Abu Dhabi-based Mohammed Dahlan’s chances of playing a prominent role in the territory’s post-war administration.

Protesters suggested they focussed their demands on Hamas because the group was the one party they were most likely to influence.

“We want to stop the killing and displacement, no matter the price. We can’t stop Israel from killing us, but we can press Hamas to give concessions,” said Mohammed Abu Saker, a father of three.

“We are not against the resistance. We are against war. Enough wars, we are tired,” another protester said.

Some protesters took issue with Israeli portrayals of the protests as an uprising against Hamas rather than against everyone, including Hamas, Israel, the West Bank-based, internationally recognized Palestine Authority, the Arabs, and the international community.

“Everyone failed us,” a third protester said.

“People are angry at the whole world… We want Hamas to resolve this situation, return the hostages, and end this whole thing,” said yet another.

Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, encouraged Gazans to sustain the protests because expelling Hamas from Gaza was the only way Israel would end the war.

“You should…demand the removal of Hamas from Gaza and the immediate release of all Israeli hostages. This is the only way to stop the war,” Mr. Katz said.

The protests erupted as efforts to revive the Gaza ceasefire talks stalled.

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff suggested Israel would be free to attack Gaza as long as the group refuses to accept his latest ceasefire proposal unconditionally.

The recent protests have reinforced Messrs. Witkoff and Netanyahu’s belief that increased pressure will force Hamas to concede.

Well-connected veteran Israeli journalist Ehud Yaari asserted this week that “

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)