Social media users mocked the US action against leaders of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), with some saying it grants immunity to those who commit massacres in Gaza.
The US Department of Justice announced criminal charges against senior Hamas leaders, “for their role in planning, supporting and executing the October 7 attack on Israel.”
The lawsuit includes the names of six defendants, including the head of the movement’s political bureau, Yahya Sinwar, the late former head of the bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, the commander-in-chief of the Qassam Brigades – Hamas’s military wing – Mohammed Deif, Khaled Meshaal, Marwan Issa, and Ali Baraka.
The defendants face seven charges, including “terrorism and conspiracy to kill American citizens.”
It is noteworthy that Washington had pledged to pursue Hamas leaders, after the killing of the Israeli-American prisoner, Hersh Bolin, in Gaza.
Criticism
The US Department of Justice’s announcement regarding Hamas leaders was met with interaction among Arab tweeters, who criticized Washington’s protection of Israeli leaders who commit crimes against Palestinians in Gaza, in contrast to its accusation of Hamas leaders, some of whom are deceased.
The episode of “Networks” (9/4/2024) quoted some comments, including what was written by “Rahma” who said, “Washington is bringing criminal charges against senior Hamas leaders. As for the Zionist criminals who committed the most heinous crimes, they have immunity and no charges are brought against them.. Oh, the justice of the United States of America.”
Razan tweeted, “A side question… What is the benefit of these sanctions and accusations? America thinks it is the center of the universe and that if it is accused, the leaders will come out and surrender to it.”
In the same context, Muhammad wrote, “By God, the charges should be directed at you, Joe Biden (the US President). You are participating in the genocide, along with the occupation’s allies. Defending the right is not an accusation.”
Saleem mocked the American measure, writing, “Abu Ibrahim (meaning Sinwar) feels anxious along with the other leaders. They dropped on Gaza many times what they dropped on Nagasaki and they didn’t scare him. They threaten with a criminal case? Ridiculous.”
The presenter of the Shabakat program wondered about the meaning of the American measure, saying, “What does it mean to accuse people, some of whom are deceased, and some of whom are inside Palestine?”