Hamas Leader’s Son Draws Scorn for Life of Luxury as Gazans Scrape By

Known in Gaza as the “Father of Real Estate,” one son of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is now living it up in Turkey.

By Baruch Yadid | | Topics: Gaza, Hamas
Apparently anti-Israel "resistance" pays well, because the son of Ismail Haniyeh (pictured) is living in the lap of luxury.
Apparently anti-Israel "resistance" pays well, because the son of Ismail Haniyeh (pictured) is living in the lap of luxury. Photo: Majdi Fathi/TPS

(TPS) One of the sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is living in luxury in Turkey and even received a Turkish passport to continue his expensive lifestyle, according to an Arab media report.

Elaph, a Saudi website based in Britain, reported from its Palestinian sources that Maaz Haniyeh recently received a Turkish passport enabling to travel the world with his family while enjoying a rich life in Turkey.

A source in Gaza commenting on the Elaph report told the Tazpit Press Service, “The Hamas apparatus follows Gaza residents who go out for medical or commercial needs and collect sums of money from them and part of the profits, and on the other hand, Maaz was awarded a Turkish passport for free, due to his father’s status.”

The article, titled “Maaz Haniyeh: A Life of Extravagance, Alcohol and Women,” reports that Maaz is known in Gaza as Abu Al Aqarat, or “The Father of Real Estate” for his ownership of several apartments, villas and buildings in different areas of the Strip. Its sources said that outside of Gaza, Haniyeh’s sons drink alcohol — which is prohibited for Muslims — and hang out in prestigious clubs accompanied by women.

A journalist who lives in Gaza told TPS, “Maaz Haniyeh was forced to leave the comfortable life in the Gaza Strip and embark on the difficult and arduous resistance missions in the streets of Turkey and in its hotels.”

Two years ago Maaz was photographed next to his father, Ismail, when he was showing off a new luxury car on the streets of Gaza.

See related: Another Hamas Leader Defects, and Tells All

Maaz, one of Ismail Haniyeh’s 13 children, is not the only family member drawing scorn.

The oldest son, Abdel Salam, who chairs Gaza’s Amuaj Council for Sports and is a member of Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, is accused of abusing his positions and family name to steal Palestinian money. Abdel Salam’s ties with Qatar, which hosted the World Cup, have also been questioned.

According to United Nations figures, 65 percent of the Gaza population lives below the poverty line. In the 15 years since Hamas seized control of Gaza, 12% of the Strip’s population has fled.

Israel has been pressing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to expel Hamas figures operating in Turkey.

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One response to “Hamas Leader’s Son Draws Scorn for Life of Luxury as Gazans Scrape By”

  1. Mark Watkins says:

    Shalom,

    But of course, these self proclaimed leaders don’t want to lift up their so called brothers while they live in the lap of luxury, they are evil treacherous henchmen devoid of truth, this is but one hypocrite among millions who say they are concerned about the so called Palestinians, no, they are concerned their proxies will fail, and they will have no purpose, this is in fact what will happen, good riddance!

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