Gaza Refugees in Belgium Speak Out Against Hamas Despite Ongoing Fears

Nearly nine months after the ceasefire in Gaza, the region remains tightly controlled, with Hamas dominating most of the Strip and Israel controlling nearly 60 percent. Thousands of Gazan refugees living in Antwerp, Belgium, continue to live in fear of Hamas, even far from the conflict zone. Many refugees arrived in Antwerp before October 7, 2023, and some reportedly work for Hamas, intimidating those who oppose the group.

Ahmad, a refugee from Jabalia, broke the silence surrounding Hamas’s control, emphasizing the need to raise their voices against the terror group. He criticized Hamas for holding Gazans hostage and questioned the price Hamas is willing to pay at the expense of its people. Another refugee, Muhammad from Rafah and a member of the Tarabin Bedouin tribe, whose family opposes Hamas, called for all Palestinians to resist Hamas’s rule, describing the group as controlling Gaza through money and weapons.

Muhammad also highlighted the cynical tactics of Hamas militants hiding in Gaza hospitals, including maternity and imaging wards. Mahmoud, another refugee in Europe, condemned Hamas for spreading hatred and outdated ideologies of violence against Jews, questioning why Palestinians should be burdened with centuries-old conflicts.

On the streets of Antwerp, some locals openly blame Israeli policies, particularly those of Prime Minister Netanyahu, for strengthening Hamas through financial flows, including money allegedly funneled via Qatar. While some refugees still support Hamas, many fear openly opposing the group due to its extensive reach, even abroad. One young man expressed his desire to leave Gaza’s cycle of violence and blockade, hoping for a peaceful future for his children away from threats posed by both Hamas and Israel.