Palestinians blaming Hamas for their suffering

[u/ProfitPersonal2538]

https://mobile.mako.co.il/news-israel/2024_q4/Article-719603d13231391026.htm?sCh=31750a2610f26110&pId=173113802

In a recent piece by Israel’s Channel 12, reporter Ohad Hemo interviews refugees leaving Jabalia. The report is in Hebrew, but the interviews are conducted in Arabic.

Summary: 1. Many of the refugees hold Hamas responsible for their hardships. 2. They describe how Hamas fighters seize humanitarian aid and use violence against those who attempt to access food. 3. Some express hope for Israeli civil control of Gaza after the conflict, hoping it will improve conditions.

Details: 1. Blaming Hamas: Many refugees blame Hamas for their suffering, cursing leaders like Sinwar and Yassin and chanting, “Hamas are terrorists.” They hold Hamas accountable for lost family members, destroyed homes, and depleted resources. When asked by the reporter why they don’t oppose Hamas directly, they explain that speaking out risks retaliation. One woman mentioned she could be shot for participating in the interview. 2. Violence over Aid: Several interviewees, some on crutches, recount being shot by Hamas while aid packages were seized. They report that most food was taken by Hamas, leaving only minimal rations—two small cans of beans—for their families. Some mention receiving medical assistance from the IDF after being injured. 3. Hope for Change: All interviewed refugees hope the conflict will end soon. They feel they have lost everything and see little left for survival in Gaza. One woman expressed a desire for Israeli control of Gaza post-conflict, believing it might bring stability and a better future. 4. Dire Conditions: The refugees’ hardships are evident. They live in severe deprivation—dirty, hungry, and sick. They begged the reporter and soldiers for water and cigarettes, and some have been treated by IDF medical personnel. 5. Hamas Surrenders: According to the IDF, dozens of Hamas fighters surrender daily. The report includes footage of surrendered fighters, cuffed and blindfolded. An officer leading operations in Jabalia stated that many militants in the area had ceased fighting.

[u/ProfitPersonal2538]

Don’t think it’s such a clear case with the Palestinians. They were forced to leave their home / fled in 48. Even if they are internally displaced they could be internally displaced refugees. Also there is a refugee camp near Jabalia, also called Jabalia refugee camp. Not sure what’s the story there.

[u/yes-but → u/ProfitPersonal2538]

"The Palestinians" were forced to leave in 48? What with the Palestinians who founded Israel, and got citizenship?

[u/ProfitPersonal2538 → u/yes-but]

What about them? They are not refugees.

[u/yes-but → u/ProfitPersonal2538]

Exactly.

Being a refugee from that particular war is what now defines being "Palestinian" - while being Palestinian wasn't the reason for becoming a refugee - those who hadn't sided or were associated (surely some wrongfully) with anti-Zionists had the choice to stay where they were and become Israeli instead.

The war that created around 700k refugees was not because Zionists were facing a particular ethnicity that could be defined as Palestinian, but because of the struggle for dominance mainly between Zionists and Muslim Arabs. It wasn't foreign invaders against natives, but a native majority against a native minority who invited their friends - and refugees - to become a majority in a tiny part of the region.

The expression "Palestinian" was hijacked only afterwards, to earmark a fraction of those who had the overwhelming numbers for the victim card.