Brian: Our next guest has a remarkable story. He grew up in the West Bank where his father was a founding member of Hamas. Despite being groomed for a senior role within the terrorist group, he ultimately turned against them while in prison, now working as a spy for Israel, having converted to Christianity, and seeking asylum in the U.S. Mosab, it’s great to have you here. Can you share with our audience your background for those who may not have read your book?

Mosab: I was born into the heart of the Hamas leadership. I witnessed their disregard for Palestinian lives and their brutal actions firsthand. It was in 1996 that I spent time in prison and saw the atrocities they committed, which led me to question their motives and ultimately turn against them. Despite the advantages they offered me, I could not align myself with a group that I believed would bring harm to our own people.

Brian: We’ve all seen the recent actions of Hamas, particularly on October 7th, where they committed heinous acts similar to what was seen during the Holocaust. They have now retreated to Gaza, and a ground incursion is imminent. What are your thoughts on this, and what can Israel expect upon entering Gaza?

Mosab: Firstly, the priority should be to evacuate civilians as much as possible. This is an ugly war initiated by Hamas, not Israel. Civilian safety must be the foremost concern. The next steps would involve a strategic approach to cut off the tunnels in Gaza, particularly in the northern region, followed by a siege to deplete the enemy forces. Gas warfare may need to be considered as a means to address the interconnected tunnels. Timing and thorough planning are crucial, and ensuring civilian removal from harm’s way is essential for a successful operation.

Brian: You have mentioned the challenges of providing aid to Gaza while preventing it from supporting Hamas. Do you believe aid should be withheld until the Hamas regime is no longer in power?

Mosab: Absolutely, aid should only be considered once Hamas rule in Gaza is dismantled. Destroying the tunnels and replacing the regime with a more stable governing entity, such as the Palestinian Authority or Arab League force, would pave the way for aid to reach those in need. However, as of now, sending aid would only serve to bolster Hamas’s position and hinder long-term peace efforts.

Brian: You have a unique perspective on Hamas, having grown up within their ranks. Can you elaborate on their true motives and how they view the Palestinian people?

Mosab: Hamas is not a nationalistic movement but a religious one. Their ultimate goal is to establish an Islamic state, using the Palestinian cause as a means to an end. They do not prioritize the well-being of Palestinian civilians but rather serve foreign interests, particularly Iran, who funds Hamas with close to a billion dollars annually. Hamas uses Palestinians as shields while seeking to achieve their extremist objectives. Bringing down Hamas is essential for the Palestinian people to live in peace.

Brian: What do you say to those around the world who sympathize with Hamas and criticize Israel’s actions during this conflict?

Mosab: While it may be challenging to change the minds of those who sympathize with Hamas due to emotional responses, the focus should remain on defeating the brutal terrorist organization. Winning the war against Hamas should take precedence over public opinion, and the truth will become evident in due time. It’s crucial to concentrate on strategic goals rather than the shifting tides of public sentiment.

Brian: Mosab, your unique perspective and insights are invaluable in understanding the complexities of this ongoing conflict. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us today.