Charlie Hebdo finds support in Gaza
The victims of the Charlie Hebdo attack found sympathy in Gaza, until Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu participated in the Paris unity march and the magazine published a cover with a depiction of the Prophet Muhammad.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Gaza remembers the entire world, but the world does not remember Gaza. This is what went through my mind when I saw Facebook users from the Gaza Strip declaring their solidarity with French magazine Charlie Hebdo. Many have condemned the storming of the magazine’s headquarters and the killing of cartoonists in the name of defending Islam since the incident occurred on Jan. 7.
Youth activist Mohammed Matar, known as Abu Yazan, wrote on his Facebook page: “As a Muslim, I find the murder of innocent people more despicable and offensive than any cartoon could ever be.” In addition, a photo circulated on social networking sites showing a group of children in Gaza holding signs in solidarity with Paris, as well as another photo of a girl from Gaza carrying a sign that read: “Not in my name.” Activist Majed Abusalama uploaded a picture that read “Je suis Charlie” on his Facebook page, along with poignant words condemning the killing of innocent people.
Everyone expects puritanical reactions from Gaza because it is under the rule of Hamas, the Islamic resistance movement. However, its reaction this time was exactly the opposite. Gaza’s experience with three wars in seven years, during which thousands have lost their lives due to the Israeli war machine, is enough for it to feel solidarity with others.
Hamas itself published a statement on Jan. 10 condemning the Charlie Hebdo incident: “Hamas confirms its stance regarding the recent incidents in Paris, which is consistent with the statement made by the International Union of Muslim Scholars denouncing and condemning the attack on Charlie Hebdo. No difference of opinion is an excuse to kill.”
