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.”

Several hours later, Jarwan deleted the post following the controversy it was causing. “This has become a platform for the exchange of insults,” he posted on Facebook.

Yaziji, who holds a doctorate in Quranic studies from Egypt's Ain Shams University (2007), is a professor of Quranic studies at the Islamic University in Gaza and preacher at various mosques in Gaza City. He is a former general director of the public administration for preaching and guidance in the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Gaza. He was also a member of the first military group of Hamas formed before 1987.