Gaza Refugees in Belgium Speak Out Against Hamas Control and Fear

Nearly nine months after the ceasefire in Gaza, the region remains tightly controlled, with Hamas dominating most of the territory and the Israeli military controlling about 60 percent. Thousands of Gazan refugees living in Antwerp, Belgium, express ongoing fear of Hamas even while in Europe. Many refugees arrived before October 7, 2023, and some reportedly work for Hamas, creating an atmosphere of intimidation for those opposing the group.

Ahmad, a refugee from Jabalia, broke the silence surrounding Hamas’s control, emphasizing the need to raise their voices against the group’s hold over Gazans. He criticized Hamas for holding the population hostage and questioned the price Hamas is willing to pay at the expense of the people. Another refugee, Muhammad from Rafah, who belongs to a Bedouin tribe opposed to Hamas, called for all Palestinians to resist Hamas, describing the group as controlling Gaza through money and weapons. He highlighted Hamas militants hiding in hospitals and medical facilities in Gaza.

Mahmoud, another refugee in Europe, condemned Hamas for spreading hatred and outdated ideologies of violence against Jews, questioning why Gazans are subjected to such narratives. On the streets of Antwerp, some locals openly blamed Israeli policies, particularly those of Prime Minister Netanyahu, for strengthening Hamas through financial flows, including money allegedly funneled via Qatar through the Erez crossing.

Despite some support for Hamas among certain refugees, many live in fear of the group’s reach, which extends even into Europe through its affiliates. A young refugee, who chose to remain anonymous, cited the ongoing war, blockade, and lack of future prospects in Gaza as reasons for fleeing, hoping for a peaceful life for his children away from the threats posed by both Hamas and Israel.