An anti-Hamas opposition leader has detailed his dramatic escape from the Gaza Strip, where he was arrested and tortured 20 times, and is now living safely in Italy. Moumen al-Natour, who spoke to the Mirror from Gaza last year while evading capture, has now invited reporters to his safe house in a small Italian market town, expressing his gratitude for being alive.
The Great Escape
Al-Natour's escape, which he describes as a rescue operation from death and extreme danger, involved weeks of secret planning. He was forced to flee after enduring repeated torture and imprisonment. During his years of advocating for human and economic rights in Gaza, Hamas soldiers even held a gun to his 10-year-old brother's head, threatening to kill him unless he revealed al-Natour's location. Despite this, al-Natour initially remained in Gaza to fight against Hamas rule but eventually realized he had to leave or be killed.
His plan involved crossing dangerous frontlines between Hamas and Israeli forces, aided by an Italian lawyer who saw his story in the Mirror and on social media. The lawyer convinced Italian authorities to shelter al-Natour and his family, including his seven siblings and mother.
Living in Fear
Al-Natour remains terrified of Hamas's reach and insisted his location not be revealed. He described his time in Gaza as being within a hair's breadth of death, facing situations he only saw in Hollywood movies. Hamas detained him over 20 times after he co-founded the 'We Want to Live' Movement, which protested corruption and repression. During one period, Hamas raided his house more than a dozen times over four days, beating his sisters and threatening his brother.
A Vision for Peace
Despite his ordeal, al-Natour is passionate about peace in Palestine. He speaks regularly with family and friends in Gaza and dreams of building a better future for all Palestinians. He rejects both Israeli occupation and Hamas's role, advocating for governance by technocrats focused on economy, education, and health. He calls for Hamas leaders to leave Gaza, allowing younger fighters to disarm, and emphasizes the need for mutual recognition between Israelis and Palestinians.
Al-Natour believes in building relationships from the ground up, with doctors, lawyers, and teachers from both sides working together. He insists on teaching peace, not hatred, in schools to create a generation that believes in coexistence.
Support from Italy
Italian lawyer Alessandra Casula, impressed by al-Natour's bravery and nonviolence, has been instrumental in his escape. She is now seeking full refugee status for him and his family. Al-Natour plans to campaign for peace worldwide and hopes to return to Gaza once Hamas's power and Israeli occupation end.
