Palestinians protest against Hamas amid growing war frustration
Gaza: Hundreds of Palestinians staged protests in northern Gaza, marking one of the largest demonstrations against Hamas since the conflict with Israel began. The protests, which erupted in Beit Lahia, called for an end to the war and demanded that Hamas relinquish power.
Videos circulating on social media showed protesters chanting slogans such as "Out, out, out, Hamas out" and "Hamas terrorists" while holding signs that read "Stop the war" and "We want to live in peace." Similar demonstrations were reported in the Jabalia refugee camp, where protesters burned tyres and chanted, "We want to eat," reflecting the deepening humanitarian crisis.
According to witnesses, Hamas militants, some armed and others wielding batons, forcibly dispersed the crowds, with several protesters being assaulted. Hamas security forces in civilian clothing allegedly infiltrated the gatherings to break them up.
The protests were largely mobilised through Telegram, though no specific group or leader has claimed responsibility for organising them.
A protester identified as Mohammed told AFP that he joined the demonstration to "send a message on behalf of the people: Enough with the war." Another protester, Majdi, said, "People are tired" and questioned why Hamas does not step down if it would help protect civilians.
Meanwhile, Hamas' political rival, Fatah, has called for Hamas to step aside. Monther al-Hayek, a Fatah spokesperson in Gaza, urged Hamas to relinquish control to ensure the survival of the Palestinian people.
غزة تنتفض ضد حماس.. مشاهد جديدة لتظاهرات حاشدة في بيت لاهيا للمطالبة بإيقاف الحرب وإنهاء حكم الحركة وخروجها في القطاع#العربية #غزة pic.twitter.com/1vfy8h9FlC
— العربية (@AlArabiya) March 25, 2025
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Maharashtra sets up state vaccination task force to strengthen immunisation programme
Mumbai (PTI): The Maharashtra government has set up a State Vaccination Task Force to strengthen the regular immunisation programme and review the progress of related campaigns, a health department official said on Monday.
The State Vaccination Task Force will comprise at least 29 members and will be headed by the administrative head of the health department, he informed.
The government has also constituted separate district-level and municipal vaccination task forces to improve implementation and address challenges at the grassroots level, he said.
Municipal task forces, chaired by respective civic commissioners, have been constituted in view of the vast urban population in Maharashtra and the role of civic bodies in implementing different health programmes.
The district-level task forces will function under the chairmanship of collectors.
"Complete immunisation of children at the appropriate age is an extremely simple, cost-effective and highly effective measure to reduce child mortality and the prevalence of diseases among kids. Immunisation is a powerful tool for reducing illness in children," maintained the official.
To ensure full vaccination of all children, the state government implements various campaigns from time to time as per the central government guidelines, he pointed out.
"Active participation and cooperation of other relevant government departments are essential (in making these campaigns successful)," according to the official.
The state-level body will review the regular immunisation programme, associated campaigns and vaccine-preventable diseases in detail. It will also conduct focused assessments of high-risk districts and municipal corporations, including vacancies at district, municipal and sub-district levels, availability of cold chain equipment, resource gaps and training requirements, he noted.
The state task force will review allocation and utilisation of funds for immunisation and ensure timely action by officers concerned based on reports from district and municipal task forces and state-level monitoring mechanisms, the official said.
It will also ensure active coordination and participation of other government departments in immunisation drives, while district and municipal task forces will carry out similar functions at their respective levels, the official added.
