In the latest twist in the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, a former Hamas minister, Yousef al-Mansi, has thrown his hat into the ring, vigorously criticizing current Hamas leadership during his interrogation by the Israeli domestic intelligence service, Shin Bet. Al-Mansi, who once served under former ruler Ismail Haniyeh and held various roles in Hamas, now finds himself living in luxury in Qatar's opulent embrace, while the Gaza Strip grapples with the aftermath of its leaders' actions.
In the 14-minute Shin Bet video, Al-Mansi asserts that the current Hamas leadership has turned the Gaza Strip into a wreckage, setting it back years. The despair of the Gaza population is palpable, and Al-Mansi isn't pulling any punches when it comes to expressing their resentment toward Yehya Sinwar and his group. According to Al-Mansi, the people of Gaza both fear and detest Sinwar, and many visually implore God for his demise.
Al-Mansi goes on to decry Sinwar's "delusions of grandeur," claiming that the Hamas leader sees himself as above all else and makes decisions unilaterally. The former Hamas minister likens Sinwar's actions to that of a madman, stirring an image of chaos and discord within the Gaza Strip.
Al-Mansi is equally harsh on Sinwar's role in the October 7, 2023, massacre, an event Al-Mansi calls "heresy." In his opinion, Sinwar and his group are responsible for the brutal killings of thousands of innocent people and hostage-taking, taking an immense toll on the entire Gaza Strip. Al-Mansi also claims that the once-formidable Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing, have largely been destroyed, with over 90% of their members decimated.
It is worth noting that Israel has officially acknowledged the death of 7,000 Hamas members or allied terrorists in the last conflict, with Gaza suffering continuous attacks since the temporary ceasefire in late 2023.
The escalating conflict between Hamas and Israel has resulted in massive civilian casualties, severe humanitarian crises, and both parties accusing the other of cruelty. The criticisms leveled against Sinwar by Al-Mansi and the international community not only place further strain on the already tumultuous relationship between the two sides but also raise questions about the future of the Gaza Strip and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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