Gazans prepare more protests of Hamas policies
Activists are preparing to stage new popular demonstrations across the Gaza Strip, blaming Hamas’ governance for high prices and increasing unemployment.
GAZA CITY — Demonstrations are expected across the Gaza Strip, blaming Hamas for high prices and increasing unemployment rates.
“We Want to Live” is a popular movement that began in March 2019 with social media calls for peaceful demonstrations over the difficult economic conditions and the high unemployment rates in Gaza. The demonstrations, which evolved into strikes, mass civil disobedience and camping on the streets of Gaza, were heavily repressed by Hamas security forces, who arrested dozens of demonstrators.
After the drowning deaths of Gazan migrants off the Greek coast on Nov. 6, the “We Want to Live” movement resurfaced to demand a decent life for Gazans.
In a Nov. 21 statement, the movement announced it would continue to protest the high cost of living and demand economic and social rights in Gaza. “The increase in prices is emptying our pockets amid illegal and inhumane taxes and tolls that the de facto government is taking by force from merchants, suppliers, companies and businessmen in the Gaza Strip,” it read.
