Hamas Leader Claims Majority of American Youth Are Part of "Hamas Resistance"

Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal claimed in an interview with Al Jazeera on Wednesday that a “slight majority” of Americans aged 18–21 not only support the Palestinian cause but actively back Hamas’s “resistance.” No evidence was provided for the statistic, which Mashaal framed as proof of what he called a global shift in favor of Hamas following the October 7 massacre and the ensuing war.

Mashaal asserted that the Palestinian issue has entered the consciousness of “young Americans and Europeans,” describing this as “a new division of resistance.” He said that protests across the West, along with activity on university campuses and in political movements, represent “a great gain for the Palestinian cause.”

Mashaal also claimed that Israel’s international image has deteriorated, citing the ICC arrest warrant issued for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and accusing Israel of committing “a real Holocaust.” He alleged that Israel is now viewed as “a killer” on the world stage.

Mashaal reiterated Hamas’s absolute rejection of disarmament, which he described as “taking out the souls” of Palestinians. He framed Hamas’s arsenal as an expression of national identity and a necessary safeguard against Israel.

According to Mashaal, Hamas believes it can persuade the Trump administration to accept its position, and discussions on the matter are reportedly taking place through intermediaries.

When asked about the proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF) included in Phase II of President Trump’s ceasefire plan, Mashaal warned that the force must not “impose peace.” He said international troops could only be tolerated if their role were limited to preventing clashes while ensuring the IDF remains outside Gaza. Any broader mandate, he insisted, would amount to renewed occupation.

Mashaal claimed Hamas and Egyptian officials have already agreed on a technocratic body to govern Gaza, describing an eight-member slate he said represents “the diversity of Gazan society” and could work with local police.

Mashaal argued that normalization between Israel and the Arab world has become more remote after October 7. He said Arab publics overwhelmingly oppose ties with Israel and accused the Trump administration of pushing regional normalization in order to “save Israel from itself.”

He closed by acknowledging the immense human toll in Gaza but framed it as the “price” of what he called two years of “resistance.”