This is how Hamas treats homosexuals; Why is the world silent?

In the Gaza Strip, the harsh reality of LGBTQ+ Palestinians under Hamas rule is marked by severe persecution and brutality.

Hamas, the Islamist organization that governs Gaza, enforces Sharia law, under which homosexuality is not only illegal but punishable by extreme measures, including torture and execution.

This oppression stands in stark contrast to the freedoms enjoyed by LGBTQ+ people just across the border in Israel, where the queer community is protected by laws and fully integrated into society.

Being gay in Gaza and Palestinian-controlled areas is a perilous existence

For LGBTQ+ Palestinians in Gaza, life is in constant peril. Human rights organizations have documented numerous cases in which Hamas executed people suspected of being gay or lesbian. These executions are often publicized using videos and photos to sow fear and demonstrate the regime’s strict compliance with its interpretation of sharia law. The intention is clear: to eliminate all forms of dissent and maintain a strict moral code as defined by their interpretation of Islamic law.

Hamas’ treatment of LGBTQ+ people includes brutal practices such as executions and torture, and the US State Department confirms that Hamas – as well as the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank – persecute gay people. Reports of this oppression are unfortunately common. Such acts are not only a violation of basic human rights, but also a clear indication of the regime’s intolerance and cruelty towards LGBTQ+ people.

A desperate flight to safety – gay Palestinians must come out in order to “come out”

Faced with such severe repression, many LGBTQ+ Palestinians risk their lives every year to flee to Israel. The journey is fraught with dangers. They must evade detection by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, cross the perilous border and often rely on clandestine networks to seek refuge. The contrast between the two regions is stark: in Israel, LGBTQ+ people find legal protection, social acceptance and community support that are completely absent in Gaza.

Israel offers a sanctuary where LGBTQ+ rights are enshrined in law. The state provides comprehensive health care, including to LGBTQ+ people, and the community is widely represented and advocated for. Israel ranks among the top countries in the world with the highest percentage of LGBTQ lawmakers and politicians. Israeli cities like Tel Aviv are known worldwide for their vibrant LGBTQ+ scenes, where pride parades and public celebrations are commonplace, symbolizing the freedom and acceptance that are the norm in Israeli society.

The dark irony of seeking asylum…

This irony is not lost on LGBTQ+ Palestinians seeking asylum in Israel. They are fleeing a regime that openly tortures and executes them for their identity and heading to a nation that, although politically and militarily opposed to Hamas, offers them refuge and security. This situation highlights a profound human rights problem that transcends political boundaries and highlights the fundamental right to live without fear of persecution for one’s identity.

For those who arrive in Israel, the transition is dramatic. Many experience the relief of living openly for the first time, supported by a network of LGBTQ+ organizations and advocates who help them integrate into society. They find a stark contrast in a country that champions LGBTQ+ rights, providing insight into the freedoms they were denied in Gaza.

International response and accountability exists, but it is far too silent, indifferent and ignorant of the LGBTQ needs of Palestinians.

The international community has remained largely silent on the plight of LGBTQ+ people in Gaza and the Palestinian territories in the West Bank, which are often overshadowed by broader geopolitical conflicts. However, this issue requires attention and action.

Human rights organizations have called for increased awareness and pressure on Hamas to end its brutal practices against LGBTQ+ people. The global community must support efforts to provide safe passage and asylum for those fleeing persecution, and to promote broader human rights reforms in regions under oppressive regimes.

Notably, the voices of protesters who accuse Israel of human rights violations remain entirely silent on the actual human rights violations perpetrated by Hamas and the Palestinian Authority against their own people – particularly in the LGBTQ+ community.

Additionally, it is essential to recognize the courage of LGBTQ+ Palestinians who speak out against the regime, often at risk to their lives and those of their loved ones. Their voices are crucial to denounce the human rights violations they experience and to defend the freedoms they seek.

A call for compassion and justice; Hamas targets LGBTQ Palestinians while targeting Israelis

Hamas’ harsh treatment of LGBTQ+ Palestinians constitutes a serious human rights violation that requires urgent attention. Although the geopolitical complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are immense, the fundamental human rights of LGBTQ+ people must not be overshadowed. Their suffering is a stark reminder of the brutality marginalized groups face under oppressive regimes.

In a world where LGBTQ+ rights are increasingly recognized as fundamental human rights, the plight of LGBTQ+ Palestinians under Hamas is a call to action. It is a call for compassion, justice and for the global community to stand against the persecution of individuals based on their sexual orientation. Their journey from fear to freedom highlights the profound impact of living in a society that respects and protects the rights of all its citizens, regardless of their identity – and draws into stark contrast the differences between Israel and Hamas .

Yuval David is a multi-Emmy Award-winning Jewish actor, filmmaker, journalist, and LGBTQ+ activist and advisor. A creative and compelling storyteller, on stage, screen, media and social media, Yuval shares the tale of Jewish activism and lasting hope. Follow him on Instagram and X.