Hundreds of Palestinians took to the streets in the Gaza Strip on Friday to protest the Hamas terror group, footage shared on social media appeared to show.

The demonstrations against Hamas – which functions as the de facto government in the parts of the Strip not controlled by the Israeli military – were planned several weeks in advance, with activists pledging a major turnout on July 26.

But as the date approached, Hamas operatives began issuing threats against Gazans considering taking part in the protests, which may well have impacted turnout.

Footage appeared to show protesters carrying signs reading, “God willing, Hamas out,” “We are not pawns,” and “We want to live.” In one video, chants of “Enough with the destruction” (of Gaza) could be heard.

It was unclear where exactly in the Strip the protests were taking place.

Other footage appeared to show armed Hamas operatives deployed in the streets to prevent demonstrations.

HORRIFIC: Hamas militias are deploying their armed, masked men into the streets across the Gaza Strip to crush the protests. pic.twitter.com/PbtAmnJ1jO — Ihab Hassan (@IhabHassane) June 26, 2026

HORRIFIC: Hamas militias are deploying their armed, masked men into the streets across the Gaza Strip to crush the protests. pic.twitter.com/PbtAmnJ1jO

— Ihab Hassan (@IhabHassane) June 26, 2026

None of the footage could be easily verified, and it was not published by the major media outlets in Gaza, which are affiliated with Hamas.

Earlier this week, several Gaza residents told The Times of Israel........

© The Times of Israel