The Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, which has conducted scientific polling in Gaza and the West Bank for decades, found before this war began that about equal numbers of Palestinians supported Hamas and the secular Fatah movement led by President Mahmoud Abbas, who recognizes Israel and cooperates with it on security.

Uday Al Rabay, 22, was beaten for four hours and died after he participated in an anti-Hamas protest in the Palestinian territories last week, said a senior officer affiliated with the opposition

The rare protests against Hamas reflect growing internal dissent within Gaza, potentially altering the region's political landscape. This shift could have significant implications for both Israel and the United States, who have long regarded Hamas as a major obstacle to peace efforts. The Islamist group is committed to ultimately destroying Israel.