In a remarkable display of dissent within the Gaza Strip, residents have openly criticized Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar following the release of a video by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This footage, which swiftly circulated online, depicts Sinwar and his family using an underground tunnel in Khan Younis to evade the ongoing conflict, a move that has sparked widespread condemnation among Gazans.
Mustafa Asfur, a prominent voice on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), did not mince words in his critique, labeling Sinwar as a coward for seeking refuge underground while leaving the civilian population to face the dangers above. "This rat, Yahya Sinwar, quickly ran to hide underground," Asfur remarked, his post rapidly amplified by the IDF Arabic spokesperson's account. Asfur's indignation was palpable as he accused Sinwar of abandoning his people in their time of need.
Yayha Sinwar: Hamas leader in Gaza didnโt expect consequences of Oct 7 attack to be โthis dangerous'
โ Shiri_Sabra (@sabra_the) February 17, 2024
A friend of leader Yahya Sinwar said the calculations "didn't go as planned" & the reaction of the Israelis was "uncontrolled, without any justification"
-Sky News pic.twitter.com/M6XtoTCGF4
Echoing this sentiment, Ghassan, another resident, criticized Sinwar's hypocrisy, pointing out the stark contrast between the leader's safety and the peril faced by the general populace. This criticism gains further weight from a past statement by senior Hamas figure Musa Abu Marzouk, who once claimed that the elaborate tunnel network was intended for fighter protection, not civilian safety. Ghassan's comments underscore a deep-seated frustration with Hamas's leadership and priorities.
Wissam Al-Khalidi, a member of the Palestinian National Council, also voiced his disapproval, questioning the moral justification of Sinwar's actions. His statement reflects a broader concern over the wellbeing of over two million residents living above the tunnels.
Here is a record of Yahya Sinwar in the tunnel in Khan Yunis... look at that rat! The IDF will reach him and destroy him! pic.twitter.com/aRSxzJKgQW
โ ืืืกืฃ ืืืื - Yoseph Haddad (@YosephHaddad) February 13, 2024
Despite these criticisms, there are voices within Gaza that continue to support Sinwar. Palestinian author Rafat Mura highlighted the fear Sinwar instills in Israeli officials, viewing it as evidence of his effectiveness against Israel. Mura's perspective suggests a division in public opinion, with some still valuing Sinwar's leadership and strategic objectives.
We may assume that Mr. Sinwar is somewhere below the southern Gazan cities of Khan Yunis or Rafah, surrounded by hostages abducted from Israel barely clinging to life. On the streets above, Gazans serve as his human shields โ some voluntarily, some not. https://t.co/7DYra59HpB
โ FDD (@FDD) February 17, 2024
This outpouring of criticism from within Gaza marks a significant moment of public dissent against Hamas leadership. The controversy surrounding Sinwar's actions during a time of crisis reveals deep fractures within Palestinian society, highlighting the complex dynamics at play as the conflict continues.
