UN condemns Hamas for using force against Gaza protesters
International leaders hit out at Gaza rulers after Palestinian demonstrations against taxes, unemployment and electricity shortages are brutally quashed by rulers
The United Nations has condemned Hamas for using force to squelch protests by Gaza Palestinians over new taxes, unemployment and electricity shortages in the coastal strip.
Hamas, which took control of Gaza in 2007, has arrested dozens of protesters and journalists.
Youth movements and groups that reject the militant group’s rule over Gaza have organised the demonstrations and are marching in the streets under the banner “We Want to Live!”
Nickolay Mladenov, the U.N. special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, criticised the Hamas tactics.
“I strongly condemn the campaign of arrests and violence used by Hamas security forces against protesters, including women and children, in Gaza over the past three days,” he wrote. “I am particularly alarmed by the brutal beating of journalists and staff from the Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) and the raiding of homes. The long suffering people of Gaza were protesting the dire economic situation and demanded an improvement in the quality of life in the Gaza Strip. It is their right to protest without fear of reprisal.”
Other Palestinian factions over the weekend called on Hamas to allow peaceful public demonstrations and to release the jailed protesters. The factions also called on Hamas to halt the high taxes on goods entering Gaza, The Jerusalem Post reported.
Mladenov called for reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah, the ruling party of the Palestinian Authority led by Mahmoud Abbas, as well as the other Palestinian factions.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
