Gaza Refugees in Europe Speak Out Against Hamas Despite Fear of Reprisal

Nine months after the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the area remains divided between zones controlled by the IDF and those still under Hamas's power. According to testimonies from Gaza refugees now living in Europe, Hamas maintains significant control over civilians even outside Gaza. In Antwerp, Belgium, thousands of Gaza refugees reside, some having left before October 7, 2023. Many express ongoing fear of speaking out against Hamas due to the presence of its supporters within their communities.

Ahmad, a refugee from Jabalia living in Antwerp, broke the silence by emphasizing the need to raise their voices against Hamas. He stated, "Human lives are not a game and should not depend on certain people deciding the fate of an entire people." Another refugee, Mohammed from Rafah, shared that he still fears for his life because of his Bedouin background and his family's opposition to Hamas. He described Hamas as not only a military force but also a source of fear and ideological control, spreading hatred and terror.

Despite these voices opposing Hamas, some residents in Antwerp continue to support the group, while others oppose it but fear public expression due to Hamas's reach. One young man, who declined to be named, said he left Gaza because of war, suffering, and blockade, seeking a peaceful future for his children away from the constant threats posed by both Hamas and Israel.

Political debates also surfaced among the refugees, with some blaming Israeli policies for strengthening Hamas. One individual claimed that Israel, through financial transfers and border crossings like Erez, indirectly empowered Hamas, rather than external actors like Iran or Syria.

These testimonies highlight the complex dynamics within the Gaza refugee diaspora in Europe, where fear, political divisions, and the legacy of Hamas's control continue to shape their lives and narratives.