Hama Grounds to a Halt: General Strike Erupts Over Controversial Real Estate Appraisals

April 26, 2026 - 20:06

The city of Hama witnessed a near-total shutdown today as a broad-based general strike and public vigil took effect, organized by the Committee for the Protection of Real Estate Owners' Rights. The protest action represents a sweeping wave of popular anger directed squarely at newly implemented real estate appraisal decisions, which property owners and residents alike have condemned as both "unfair and astronomical."

The strike, which began in the early morning hours, saw the closure of most shops, markets, and businesses across key districts of the city. Streets that normally bustle with commercial activity fell silent as citizens heeded the call to demonstrate their collective rejection of the valuation measures. The Committee stated that the vigil, held in a central public square, was intended to give a unified voice to thousands of property owners who now face crippling tax burdens and potential forced sales based on the new assessments.

Affected residents have described the appraisals as arbitrary and disconnected from local economic realities. Many report that the assessed values of their homes and commercial properties have skyrocketed by several multiples, far exceeding any reasonable market estimate. For families already struggling with the rising cost of living, these figures threaten to push them into insolvency. The Committee has vowed to continue the strike and peaceful protests until the authorities agree to review and rescind the contested decisions, warning that the current situation is untenable and threatens the social fabric of the city.