Speaking with Dr. Phil, Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of a Hamas founder, has sharply criticized Western pro-Palestinian activism, arguing that parts of the movement display what he calls “suicidal empathy” toward Hamas terrorists.

In remarks circulating online, Mosab Hassan Yousef said that some Western leftists defend or rationalize Hamas violence in ways that ignore the group’s ideology and actions. Yousef, whose father Sheikh Hassan Yousef helped establish Hamas, has long positioned himself as a vocal critic of the organization, warning that sympathy for Hamas often stems from misinformation, selective outrage, or a refusal to confront the movement’s stated goals and record of attacks on civilians.

Yousef’s comments reflect a broader debate in Europe and North America, where demonstrations and campus activism have intensified since October 7. Supporters of Israel argue that slogans and messaging at some rallies cross from advocacy into legitimizing terrorism, while critics counter that protests focus on humanitarian concerns. Yousef rejects that framing, insisting that Hamas exploits Western moral language while pursuing a violent Islamist agenda that suppresses dissent and endangers both Israelis and Gazans.