BEIT LAHIYA, Gaza Strip – May 16, 2025 – In an act of both despair and defiance, Palestinians in northern Gaza have taken to the streets chanting, “Either kill us or let us live!” in protest at an ongoing war and humanitarian catastrophe engulfing Beit Lahiya. Their slogan captures their desperation at being caught between relentless Israeli airstrikes and Hamas rule, whilst facing daily airstrikes from Israel itself and Hamas rule from Hamas rule. NPR reported on these developments earlier.
Attracted by Israeli eviction orders that reignited fears of displacement, hundreds of residents began gathering to demand an immediate end to Gaza’s 17-month conflict. Organized spontaneously by local coordinators like Hassan Saad, demonstrations began after they started becoming too much for some local coordinators like Saad. Saad told Al Jazeera: “[Fears of displacement were] what drove us all forward with taking some sort of action demanding an end to this war on Gaza”.
Al Jazeera
Protesters, including children, can be seen holding signs in Arabic reading “We refuse to die,” underscoring Gaza’s dire humanitarian situation. Additionally, public displays of disapproval against Hamas have occurred at these demonstrations with crowds chanting: “Out, out, out Hamas!”. Such open criticism against Hamas has not been witnessed since 2007 when Hamas maintained strict control. AP News
Protests take place amidst an escalation in violence from Israeli airstrikes; reports indicate an airstrike is launched every four minutes on Gaza by Israeli planes, leading to widespread destruction and increasing deaths; further compounding an already acute humanitarian situation.
International reactions have been mixed. Some nations have demanded an immediate ceasefire while others have focused on its geopolitical implications. The United Nations has expressed concerns over humanitarian conditions but has struggled to broker lasting peace agreements.
As protests continue in Gaza, voices of Gazan residents become ever louder in calling for peace to return and for dignity and freedom to reign supreme in their lives. Their slogan “Either kill us or let us live” perfectly captures their predicament: unending violence pitted against a population yearning for tranquility amid unending turmoil.
The international community is under increasing pressure to address the source of conflict in Gaza and support efforts that promote civilian well-being and rights. Otherwise, violence may continue unchecked leaving its people mired in perpetual crisis.