In a rare and dramatic display of public defiance, hundreds of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have taken to the streets to protest against Hamas, the militant organization that has ruled the enclave since 2007. And reports say that Indonesia has agreed to accept tens of thousands of workers from the Strip, with Hamas powerless to stop them. A pilot group of 100 is already on its way.
In a rare and dramatic display of public defiance, hundreds of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have taken to the streets to protest against Hamas, the militant organization that has ruled the enclave since 2007. The protests, which erupted in multiple areas including Beit Lahia, Gaza City, Jabalia, and Khan Yunis, saw demonstrators chanting “Hamas out!” and “We want to live in freedom,” openly blaming Hamas for perpetuating the war with Israel and worsening living conditions.
These protests—among the largest seen in Gaza in years—coincide with the deepening humanitarian crisis and renewed Israeli military operations following the collapse of a temporary ceasefire. Young people burned tires, chanted “We want to eat,” and called for an end to Hamas’s rule. Witnesses reported that Hamas responded harshly, dispatching masked militants from the Al-Qassam Brigades to intimidate and disperse crowds. Some protesters were beaten, and Hamas accused rival faction Fatah of instigating the demonstrations.
Despite these threats, protests have continued into a second day, with thousands turning out, chanting slogans that would once have been unthinkable under Hamas’s tight grip. Analysts suggest the protests reflect a broader, grassroots demand for both peace and regime change in Gaza, driven by years of hardship and disillusionment.
The Israeli government has noted the unrest. Defense Minister Israel Katz urged more Gazans to rise up and demand Hamas’s removal, while Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his position that there will be no return to the status quo ante of October 6. Israel’s current operations, officials say, are designed not only to free hostages and dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure but to create conditions for a different future in Gaza.
In tandem with this social upheaval, reports have emerged of a pilot initiative to allow Gazan workers to emigrate to Indonesia. The Israeli military coordinator for Palestinian affairs, Major-General Ghassan Alian, confirmed that roughly 100 Gazans will be allowed to depart for employment in Indonesia’s construction sector.
The move is being quietly framed as a model for broader voluntary emigration efforts, offering an alternative to endless warfare and deprivation. Reports say the eventual deal may lead to tens of thousands leaving the Strip, possibly for good.
Israeli officials view the emigration pilot as both a humanitarian gesture and a strategic step toward reducing tensions in Gaza. According to sources familiar with the program, the goal is to test logistical and diplomatic feasibility for potentially thousands more to follow—should third countries agree to participate.
However, the publication of the deal stirred controversy. Critics within the Israeli defense establishment feared that publicizing the agreement prematurely could jeopardize its expansion. Indonesia’s government has historically opposed any measures that could be construed as facilitating displacement, and had earlier in 2025 issued statements rejecting proposals to relocate Gazans to its territory.
By framing this as temporary labor migration, rather than permanent resettlement, Israeli planners hope to avoid triggering political backlash. The program’s success depends heavily on Indonesia’s cooperation and the international community’s willingness to support such humanitarian corridors.
The convergence of these two developments—internal unrest and external emigration opportunities—marks a potential inflection point. Combined, they suggest a weakening of Hamas’s authority and a growing appetite among Gazans for alternatives to militant rule. For Israel, these trends align with its broader post-October 7 strategy: applying military, psychological, and political pressure to fracture Hamas’s hold over the population while offering civilians a way out.
Good that some are going to Indonesia, and being admitted there. They’ll be among fellow Muslims. I pray that continues.