Why this Hamas leader will not tell you what you want to hear
Hamas leader Ahmed Youssef sees the critical light he shines on his own party as essential to its legitimacy in Gaza, though many others among the leadership wish he would toe the line.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Ahmed Youssef, a member of Hamas’ Shura Council and former political adviser to former Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, has always sung a different tune, owing to his honesty and moderate positions on political and social issues. His academic background includes a master’s degree in media and a doctorate in political science. Youssef has written dozens of books, including “American Muslims: A Community Under Siege.”
Youssef regularly writes articles for local websites criticizing Hamas’ performance, such as his piece published in 2014 headlined, “Have mercy on Gaza and return favor to its residents.” In this article, Youssef held both Fatah and Hamas responsible for the ongoing Palestinian division, as these movements put their partisan interests above those of the nation. He also said that Gaza is going through an “unprecedented unstable political situation.”
