The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has called for a global escalation of protests from August 1 to August 3, denouncing what it describes as Israel’s ongoing genocide and starvation campaign in the Gaza Strip.

The group urged supporters and justice movements worldwide to organize mass rallies, protests, and sit-ins in cities globally, with a special focus on Sunday, August 3, designated as a “Global Day of Support for Gaza, Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa, and Palestinian prisoners.”

The August 3 date carries deep significance, initially proposed by Hamas’ former leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated by Israel in Tehran on July 31, 2024. Haniyeh had called for the day to mark international solidarity with Gaza just days before his death.

Hamas’ statement emphasized sustained demonstrations in capitals and cities worldwide, alongside intensified actions at Israeli, American, and allied embassies to pressure governments supporting Israel’s occupation. “We call for stepping up worldwide mobilization… against the continuation of Zionist aggression, genocide, and starvation in Gaza,” the statement read, urging protests until the “aggression and starvation” targeting civilians, including children, women, and patients, cease.

The call comes amid a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that at least 147 Palestinians, including 88 children, have died from hunger and malnutrition since October 7, 2023. Israel’s military campaign, now in its tenth month, has resulted in nearly 60,000 Palestinian deaths—mostly women and children—while devastating Gaza’s infrastructure and severely restricting humanitarian aid.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) issued a warning on Tuesday, stating that a “worst-case scenario” of famine is unfolding in Gaza, driven by unprecedented food shortages, mass displacement, and the collapse of essential services.

Hamas’ appeal reflects growing Palestinian frustration with what they perceive as inadequate global action to halt the crisis. Organizers of the August 1–3 protests aim to amplify pressure on governments for an immediate ceasefire and the lifting of Israel’s siege, as international demonstrations continue to grow in scale and frequency. (ILKHA)