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Battle of the generations kicks off in Hamas

Young Hamas members are raising their voices against the deteriorating political and economic situation in the Gaza Strip and rejecting ideas by some of their leaders that are inconsistent with their line of thought, as if the era of full compliance with commands is over.
Palestinians watch an anti-Israel rally organised by the Hamas movement in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip July 29, 2016. REUTERS/Suhaib Salem  - RTSKAVD

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — A Facebook comment Nov. 18 by Hamas leader Subhi al-Yaziji, who criticized the increasing emigration of young Gazans, provoked the wrath of a large segment of young Palestinians, especially those affiliated with Hamas, who believe emigration has become the last option to break free from the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip.

Yaziji’s comment was a reply to a Facebook post by journalist Wael Jarwan, a presenter of Hamas-affiliated radio station Sawt al-Aqsa. Jarwan wrote, “Every time the crossing opens, Gaza loses [part] of its finest youths.” Yaziji replied, “Maybe the contrary, Gaza could be getting rid of its hypocrites.”

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