Palestinians who criticize Hamas may face severe consequences. Those who speak out against the group’s actions or policies risk being arrested, detained, and even tortured. In some cases, critics have been accused of collaborating with Israel or other enemy entities, leading to harsh punishment.

– Arrests and Detention: Hamas security forces have been known to arrest and detain Palestinians who express dissenting opinions or criticize the group’s actions.

– Torture and Ill-Treatment: Detainees may face torture, beatings, and other forms of ill-treatment to extract confessions or silence them.

– Intimidation and Harassment: Critics may face intimidation, harassment, and threats against themselves and their families.

Human Rights Watch documented numerous violations of international humanitarian law by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in 2023, including deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian objects. Palestinians who spoke out against these actions or criticized Hamas’s policies were often targeted.

While specific examples of Palestinians criticizing Hamas are scarce, the group’s authoritarian rule and repression of dissenting voices have been well-documented.

Here are some well-documented examples of repression against Palestinians who criticized Hamas:

– In 2018, Hamas security forces arrested 14 Palestinian activists who participated in protests against the high cost of living in Gaza.

– In 2020, Hamas detained journalist Hisham Sakallah for criticizing the group’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

– Amnesty International reported in 2019 that Hamas forces tortured and ill-treated detainees, including those suspected of collaborating with Israel.

– Human Rights Watch documented in 2018 cases of torture and abuse against Palestinians detained by Hamas.

– In 2019, Hamas summoned and intimidated Palestinian journalists who reported on anti-Hamas protests.

– In 2022, Hamas harassed and threatened Palestinian activists who advocated for women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights.

– Nabil Al-Habashi, a Palestinian writer, was arrested and detained by Hamas in 2019 for criticizing the group’s policies.

– Rami Aman, a Palestinian activist, was arrested and detained by Hamas in 2020 for organizing a virtual conference with Israeli peace activists.

– Amnesty International: “Gaza: Authorities must end crackdown on protesters and respect rights to freedom of assembly and expression” (2018)

– Human Rights Watch: “Gaza: Hamas Should End Impunity for Torture” (2018)

– Human Rights Watch: “Gaza: Hamas Should End Repression of Protesters” (2020)

– Committee to Protect Journalists: “Hamas detains journalist Hisham Sakallah in Gaza” (2020)