Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian, an Armenian Christian, called for Hamas to surrender its weapons and end the conflict it initiated on October 7th. Following her statement, Hamas supporters, including Huthaifa Azzam, son of al-Qaeda founder Abdullah Yusuf Azzam, reportedly criticized Aghabekian, questioning her identity and Palestinian affiliation. Protests related to the ongoing conflict and the status of hostages were also reported across Israel. Aghabekian's call for Hamas to disarm was met with attacks from Hamas activists who questioned her identity as an Arab, Muslim, or "real" Palestinian, according to one source. The source also characterized such attacks as demonstrative of the Muslim Brotherhood-led ideology within Hamas. Simultaneously, demonstrations were organized throughout Israel, with activists blocking roads and gathering in locations such as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Kfar Saba to advocate for the release of hostages. Reports also emerged of armed clashes within Al-Madhani Hospital in the Shuja'ia neighborhood, where Hamas is accused of using patients as human shields. Meanwhile, a public opinion poll indicated that IDF Chief Eyal Zamir ranked highest among respondents when compared with Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz. Commentary from one source suggests that Western activists and journalists misunderstand Hamas's objectives, believing the group seeks a Palestinian state within a two-state solution, while the source asserts Hamas aims for Arab and Muslim supremacy. The same source noted that some Palestinians have publicly supported the diverse nature of Palestinian identity, including Christian and Armenian members. The situation highlights ongoing tensions and internal divisions within Palestinian political discourse, as well as continued public pressure in Israel regarding the hostages.
