Mahmoud Khalil’s Perspective on the October 7 Attack

In a recent interview with The New York Times, anti-Israel activist Mahmoud Khalil discussed his views on the October 7 terror attack by Hamas. Speaking on “The Ezra Klein Show,” Khalil, a graduate student at Columbia University, expressed his belief that the attack, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths in Israel, was a misguided but desperate attempt to draw global attention to the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. Although he condemned the violence and acknowledged the wrongness of targeting civilians, Khalil emphasized that the attack was meant to highlight the ongoing struggles faced by Gazans under Israeli policies.

The Context Behind Khalil’s Statements

Khalil explained that the attack was perceived as a way to break the silence surrounding Palestinian issues, especially as political processes seemed stalled. He noted that with the imminent Saudi-Israel deal, Palestinians felt excluded from discussions about their future statehood and self-determination. Despite his understanding of the motivations behind the attack, Khalil made it clear that he does not support Hamas’ actions, stating that their calculations were flawed and morally wrong.

Legal Challenges and Activism

Mahmoud Khalil has been a prominent figure in anti-Israel protests on American college campuses since the attack. His activism led to his arrest by immigration authorities at Columbia University in March. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted Khalil’s protests as contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests, leading to an immigration judge ruling for his potential deportation. However, a federal judge later released Khalil on bail while his legal proceedings continue.

Broader Implications and Reactions

During his interview, Khalil also expressed empathy for Gazans’ anger towards Israel, citing decades of dispossession and violence against Palestinians. He argued that expecting Palestinians to be “perfect victims” after years of suffering is unrealistic. This perspective sheds light on the complex emotions and motivations driving Palestinian activism and highlights ongoing tensions in the region.