Fury in Gaza: Hamas Terrorists’ Families Escape to Qatar While Residents Remain Trapped

An increasing number of families belonging to Hamas terrorists are successfully leaving the Gaza Strip for destinations abroad, including Qatar and Turkey, a development that is fuelling intense anger and despair among the general population of Gaza who remain trapped by bureaucratic hurdles. This exit is happening beneath the radar, largely due to a mechanism that sees Israel approving the departure lists.

Many Gaza residents have been struggling with a complex visa and permit process, often finding themselves stuck for years. Yet, families connected to Hamas are allegedly securing exit permits and completing the process in a matter of days. Since the start of the ceasefire, over 6,000 Gazans have departed for foreign countries, but the ease of passage for Hamas-affiliated families has become a volatile source of resentment.

The Al Jazeera Connection

The exodus was recently highlighted when family members of several Al Jazeera reporters, who were exposed by the IDF during the war as active Hamas terrorists, were able to leave Gaza for Qatar. The list of those exiting continues to grow, exposing the deep disparity in access to the outside world.

Close relatives who have already left include:

Residents Speak Out

The perceived ease of exit for terrorist relatives has intensified the frustration of ordinary Gazans.

'A,' a resident of Gaza, told the press: "The people in Gaza are very tired, very sad, very desperate, and very angry, because we have been stuck here for two years, unable to travel or leave anywhere, and there are not even doors for immigration." She noted that the families of Hamas operatives are exiting easily to countries like Turkey, Qatar, and Malaysia, asking, "Why is this happening to us? What is our fault?"

'G,' another resident, echoed the sentiment of rage and betrayal: "What is this, people are flying and we are buried here? Hamas sits and controls Gaza, and [Prime Minister] Netanyahu has not managed to control it. They live freely. Their families go abroad as if nothing happened, and we are stuck here for two years with no single door open."

The Exit Mechanism

Israel's security establishment maintains control over the lists of those allowed to depart, reviewing the majority of requests. Those leaving must typically meet pre-defined criteria: holding dual citizenship, possessing a visa for a third country, or having approval for medical treatment abroad. Departures occur via the Kerem Shalom crossing, from where travelers continue abroad via Ramon Airport or the Allenby Bridge.

However, the speed with which Hamas-affiliated families meet these criteria and secure approvals, often within days, demonstrates a glaring contrast with the overwhelming majority of Gazans who remain trapped with no concrete path out.