Ibrahim Issa, a popular host on Egyptian television, spoke out this week against a senior Hamas figure who claimed that the security of the Gazans was the responsibility of the UN and not of the terrorist movement that controlled the Gaza Strip. In a video translated by the Israeli MEMRI Institute, Issa clarified: "This is chutzpah and a disgraceful statement. The Hamas government must resign."
At the beginning of his speech, the presenter asks: "How did Musa Abu Marzouq respond to the question of why Hamas did not build bomb shelters in Gaza during its 16 years in power?" Immediately afterwards, he presents the response of the deputy head of Hamas, who is currently in Qatar: "These tunnels are supposed to protect us from planes. We are fighting from inside the tunnels. Everyone knows that 75% of the people in the Gaza Strip are refugees. It is the responsibility of the UN to protect them. According to the Geneva Convention, it is the occupation's responsibility to provide them with all services, as long as they are under occupation."
To this, Issa replies: "This statement is the closest thing to audacity, and the furthest thing from responsibility. That's the most disgraceful statement you can make. That's how Hamas leaders talk to their people, telling them, "You are not under my responsibility. You are the people of the United Nations, not my people." People are angry that I criticize Hamas during the war, but Hamas themselves say that the Palestinians are not under their responsibility."
"Soon they will start talking about the need to provide assistance... Didn't you just say it's none of your business? That you are responsible only for Hamas and its fighters? Have you dug tunnels to protect yourself? What about the children? Should they ask the UN to protect them? And he says it while sitting in Qatar. The number one mission of any government in the world is to protect people's lives and defend its borders. But you [Abu Marzouq] say: "We are a resistance movement - and protecting people is not our responsibility." So enough, get out of power. Stay in your tunnels, attack. But don't be responsible for the people."
"Instead you staged a coup and ousted the Palestinian Authority and threw their officers off the rooftops. If you're not responsible, why are you still in government?!" he concluded.
Egyptian TV Host Ibrahim Eissa Slams Hamas Official Mousa Abu Marzouk's Claim That Gaza Civilians' Safety Is the Responsibility of the U.N., Not Hamas: This Is an Insolent and Disgraceful Statement; Hamas Government Must Step Down #Hamas #Egypt #Palestinians #Gaza pic.twitter.com/amrs5CJKXM
— MEMRI (@MEMRIReports) November 2, 2023
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