Rear hatch lightbulb removal?

I've done a search, and no answers to my question on this forum. I want to remove the 2 lightbulbs on each interior side of the hatch door. Do the clear plastic lenses just pop off (there seemed to be quite a bit of resistance when I tried to remove them) and I didn't want to break them, or do you have to remove the interior panel to access these bulbs? These two lamps stay on permanently when the hatch is open....they don't turn off after 5-10 minutes like the other interior lamps, so I want to remove them. Thanks in advance for all help.........MB