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Hammad’s Controversial Statement

During a recent interview with an Egyptian television channel, Hamas leader Fathi Hammad sparked controversy by claiming that half of the Palestinians are Saudi and the other half are Egyptian. He expressed frustration over the lack of support from other Arab countries for Gaza. While his statement may have been intended to appeal to Arab solidarity and garner support for the Hamas-ruled territory, it is crucial to examine the historical accuracy of his claim. (1)

Historical Context and Complex Heritage

Firstly, it's important to note that Fathi Hammad is a political leader, not a historian. While his expertise in politics is undisputed, his understanding of the historical roots of Palestine is less certain.

Palestinian ancestry is far more intricate than a simple 50/50 split between Egyptians and Saudis. A more pertinent question might be: Do Palestinians have Arab origins? The answer is both yes and no. When Muslims conquered Palestine in the 7th century, the region was already populated, primarily by Christians. Historical records indicate that these inhabitants were not expelled en masse, and even Jewish immigration was welcomed. Although Arab immigration occurred, it was not on a scale that dramatically altered the demographic landscape. (2)

This historical narrative suggests that the indigenous population of Palestine integrated with Arab immigrants, resulting in a blended cultural and genetic heritage. Furthermore, Arab presence in the region predates the 7th century. For example, the Nabataeans, Arab rulers of parts of Jordan and Palestine, existed in the 3rd century (3), and the Natufians, ancestors of modern Arabs, lived in Palestine as early as 12,000 BC (4). Thus, the Arabization of Palestine was a gradual process, not a sudden transformation.

Cultural and Genetic Integration

Palestinians today are the result of millennia of cultural and genetic mixing involving various peoples who lived, settled, and invaded the land. This is not unique to Palestine; societies globally have undergone similar processes. Modern Egypt, for instance, is a product of ancient Egyptians intermingling with Arabs, Nubians, Greeks, and others. Similarly, the population of Spain reflects a mix of Roman, Visigoth, Moorish, and other influences.

The idea that Palestinians must maintain racial purity to be considered indigenous is untenable. No society can sustain genetic homogeneity over centuries, especially smaller populations. Isolation could lead to inbreeding and genetic issues, threatening long-term survival.

The Al-Masri Surname: Evidence of Mixed Heritage

Hammad's argument about Palestinian origins relies heavily on the presence of the Al-Masri surname, which means 'the Egyptian.' This simplistic approach overlooks the complexity of historical and genealogical ties. Surnames can be acquired through various means, including marriage and migration. Therefore, having the Al-Masri surname does not definitively indicate Egyptian ancestry. It more likely signifies intermarriage and cultural blending over generations.

Even if a significant number of Al-Masri families moved to Palestine, they would have inevitably integrated with the local population. The presence of shared surnames with neighboring countries is common globally and does not undermine a people's indigenous identity.

Final Thought

Hammad is considered a controversial figure who hasn’t always used appropriate language to represent the Palestinian viewpoint (5), and his sloppy remarks don’t align with history or with how Palestinians perceive their origin.