The Dispatch Podcast What The People of Gaza Actually Think | Interview: Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib (RE-AIR)
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Jul 7, 2025 Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Palestinian-American activist and senior fellow at The Atlantic Council, shares his insights on life in the Gaza Strip. He discusses the complexities of public opinion in Gaza, the contrasting approaches of Hamas and the PLO, and the impact of events like October 7. Alkhatib delves into the support for Hamas, challenges of Palestinian governance, and the urgent need for a moderate voice advocating peace. The conversation offers a nuanced perspective on the hopes for Palestinian sovereignty and potential coexistence with Israel.
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Ahmed's Personal Gaza Story
- Ahmed Fouad Al-Khatib grew up in Gaza and came to the US as a teenager through a State Department exchange program.
- He applied for asylum due to political unrest and threats after Hamas's violent takeover in Gaza in 2007.
Gaza's Pre-2005 Complexity
- Gaza was under direct Israeli occupation until 2005 with multiple control points and settlements.
- The socio-political environment was complex with Israeli military, Palestinian Authority, and rising Hamas influence.
Oslo Optimism and Hamas Rise
- The 1990s in Gaza had a hopeful atmosphere due to Oslo Peace Process optimism.
- Hamas's messaging gained traction as an alternative to the corrupt Palestinian Authority at the time.
