Saudi writer Abdullah Al-Otaibi has sharply criticized Hamas, calling its October 7 attack on Israel a “heinous crime against Palestinians.” He further argued that media figures who publicly back Hamas are complicit in the group’s actions.

The statement is striking, given the widespread support for Palestinian resistance across much of the Arab world. Al-Otaibi’s comments highlight growing internal divisions within the region, where some reformist and moderate voices are openly challenging traditional narratives.

Al-Otaibi, known for his work in major Arabic newspapers and his role at the Al Mesbar Studies and Research Centre, often engages with sensitive political and social issues in the Middle East. His remarks reflect a broader debate over Hamas’s role, not only in the conflict with Israel but also in shaping Palestinian suffering through its strategies and governance.

By framing Hamas’s actions as harmful to Palestinians themselves, Al-Otaibi has underscored an alternative perspective that questions both militant tactics and the media platforms that amplify support for them.