Sagarika Mitra, Content Head of JAN KI BAAT sheds light on the opulent life of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, whose actions starkly contrast with the suffering endured by the millions of Gazans – he has led into this war.
As I write this article, the Gaza Strip is under a relentless barrage of Israeli airstrikes, leaving neighborhoods in ruins and residents in a state of perpetual fear. The death toll has soared to a devastating 830, with over 4,250 wounded within Gaza alone. Both sides have suffered, with casualties surpassing 1,500 in just four days.
Amidst this turmoil, the question arises: Where are the leaders of Hamas, the architects of this war? Specifically, we shed light on the opulent life of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, whose actions starkly contrast with the suffering endured by the millions of Gazans he has led into this war.
Ismail Haniyeh, once a resident of the Al-Shati Refugee Camp in Gaza, now resides in the luxurious hotels of Doha, Qatar, since 2016. While he initially justified his absence by citing his candidacy for Hamas leadership, the election concluded long ago, and yet he remains comfortably abroad. Even his family joined him in Qatar, courtesy of special arrangements through the Rafah crossing reportedly by Egyptian authorities.
A recent video showed Haniyeh smiling as he watched the attacks on Israel unfold, moments later, he declared a new era in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His opulent life in Qatar stands in stark contrast to the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
Haniyeh may not have orchestrated the military specifics of recent attacks, but his leadership and rhetoric have defined the narrative. He labeled these attacks as the beginning of a new era in the conflict, leaving many to question his commitment to his people’s well-being.
The Wealth Accumulated by Haniyeh and His Sons:
Hamas’ Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh possesses an estimated capital of $4 million. Reports say he strategically registered most of his assets in Gaza under the names of family members and fellow Hamas leaders, allowing them to accumulate properties in affluent neighborhoods, each valued at a minimum of $1 million.
Hamas leaders imposed a 25% “tax” and a $2,000 fee on vehicles passing through smuggling tunnels from Egypt to Gaza, generating immense profits. They also levied taxes on various traded goods and took over land near the sea, selling it for personal gain. Fictitious worker recruitment served as another channel for funneling money from overseas, all under the names of supposed soldiers and officials.
Haniyeh’s sons, including Ma’az, are living lives of extravagance. Ma’az, with a Turkish passport obtained due to his father’s position, invests in Turkish real estate while being known as “The Landlord” in Gaza for his multiple property holdings.
Control Over Real Estate and Sports:
Haniyeh’s family influence extends to several sectors in Gaza. His sons, like Humam and Ma’az, own numerous apartments with uninterrupted power supply, thanks to a private generator. Contrast this with the constant outages that people of Palestine have to constantly endure. Meanwhile, Muhammad, another son, holds Turkish citizenship and oversees the family’s foreign funds.
The stark disparity between Ismail Haniyeh’s lavish lifestyle and the dire circumstances endured by ordinary Gazans is a glaring example of hypocrisy. While the people of Gaza suffer the consequences of ongoing war, their leaders are amassing wealth and living luxuriously. It is a painful reminder of the stark divide between the rulers and the ruled, leaving Gaza’s populace to bear the brunt of this tragic conflict.
As an Indian journalist, I am forced to make a comparison in conclusion. The parallels between Hamas’ leaders and Kashmiri separatist leaders, such as the late Syed Ali Shah Geelani, are undeniably striking. Both preached a path of turmoil and ‘resistance’ to their followers, while their own families enjoyed the benefits of a better life abroad.
In Kashmir, separatist elements, including the Hurriyat faced the might of Indian law and their anti national activities were choked by the Modi government’s crackdown.
Hamas’ leadership is living opulently on foreign soil while Gaza suffers the ravages of war – world leaders and the global community must take note. This is a testament to how these leaders have crossed all bounds of humanity for their own selfish political aspirations.
SHARE
