In this conversation, Bishop Justin Duckworth sits down with Palestinian Christian theologian Dr. Yousef to explore one of the most misunderstood topics in modern geopolitics: Hamas, its origins, and the broader Palestinian struggle for liberation.

Dr. Yousef, whose family descends from Gaza, offers a nuanced historical analysis while maintaining an unwavering commitment to Christian nonviolent resistance. The History of Hamas Hamas's establishment in 1987 and its roots in the 1970s Israel's role in allowing Islamic radicalism to rise as a "divide and conquer" strategy

The 2005 democratic elections and Jimmy Carter's validation of the process

Why Palestinians elected Hamas: corruption and the failure of the Oslo Accords

The 2017 revision of Hamas's charter and common misconceptions

The two-state solution and Palestinian acceptance of 22% of their land

Living Under Occupation Gaza as a concentration camp: the 17-year blockade Daily realities of apartheid and military law Dr. Yousef's personal experience as a Christian unable to freely worship in Jerusalem

The historical context before October 7th, 2023

Why history didn't start in October 2023

Christian Nonviolent Resistance
The irony: Palestinians advocating for peace while Western Christians support war

The wealth of nonviolent Palestinian resistance movements ignored by media

From protests to turning tear gas canisters into jewellery

Why Israel has historically opposed nonviolent resistance The role of international community failure in bolstering groups like Hamas

New Zealand's Complicity

Rocket Labs launching satellites for Israeli intelligence

Refusal of humanitarian visas for Gazans (including families who died at St. Porphyrios Church)

Christian Zionism and biblical language weaponized to justify genocide

The parallel between New Zealand's settler colonialism and Israel's Silent complicity: avoiding conversations to preserve "church unity"

The Ceasefire Reality Why the current ceasefire is "Pax Romana" not true peace

Over 100 killed during the supposed ceasefire Israel's failure to meet agreed terms (300 vs 700 aid trucks) 80-90% of Gaza City's residential buildings demolished

Ongoing ethnic cleansing under cover of "peace"

What Christians Must

Do Pray loudly as an act of protest

Don't turn away from graphic images - keep hearts tender

Elect leaders who support Palestinian self-determination

Come and see: visit Palestine and witness the reality

Confront the algorithm: listen to opposing viewpoints Be transformed by the gospel, not news platforms

Understanding Genocide

Defining genocide beyond the Holocaust model "Ecclesialcide": the destruction of Gaza's church (5% killed, 45% displaced)

Israeli propaganda controlling TikTok, X/Twitter, and social media algorithms

Netanyahu's meetings with influencers to shape narrative

Background:

Hamas won democratic elections in 2005, validated by Jimmy Carter and international observers

Gaza has been under complete blockade since 2006

The Oslo Accords (1993-1994) failed to deliver Palestinian statehood Israel has demolished 80-90% of residential buildings in Gaza City

5% of Gaza's Christian population has been killed; 45% displaced

New Zealand companies like Rocket Labs are directly involved in providing Israeli intelligence capabilities

Resources Mentioned

Kairos Palestine Document (ecumenical Christian commitment to nonviolence)

Hamas Charter 2017 (revised version)

UN definitions of genocide

Reports on New Zealand's involvement (Rocket Labs, visa refusals)

Call to Action

Pray - Loudly, publicly, as protest against governments supporting genocide

Learn - Read beyond your news feed; engage with opposing viewpoints

Act - Support Palestinian self-determination through your vote and voice

Visit - Come to Palestine and witness the reality firsthand

Share - Help break through the algorithm by sharing this conversation

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