ChatGPT about Gazans and Arabs

by Steven Shamrak

A friend of mine had a ‘talk’ with ChatGPT recently. Here are some answers he received:

Q1. Do Arab states truly care about Gazans in a purely humanitarian sense?

ChatGPT: Arab leaders - especially Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and UAE - see the Palestinian cause as a core emotional issue for Arab identity and legitimacy at home. But when it comes to real costs, like hosting large numbers of Palestinians permanently, the support is limited. They prefer to keep the issue alive as a pressure card against Israel and as a source of credibility with their own people.

ChatGPT: Qatar does not “care” in the sense of humanitarian altruism alone; it uses Gaza (and especially Hamas) as a lever of regional influence. For years, Qatar has funded Hamas salaries to buy political clout with Islamist movements, maintain leverage with Israel, the US, and Egypt, and boost its standing as a key mediator with the group.

Q2. Why do Arab states not accept Gazan refugees, like Poland does with Ukrainians?

ChatGPT: Permanent Palestinian refugee populations historically became deeply politicized, forming opposition movements. Lebanon’s civil war is a prime example - Palestinian armed groups played a huge role.

ChatGPT: Hosting millions of Gazans elsewhere weakens the claim that Palestinians have a right to return to Gaza/Israel.

ChatGPT: The Palestinian cause is a unifying rallying point in Arab politics. It’s useful for diverting popular anger away from domestic issues.

ChatGPT: If the humanitarian motive were dominant, you’d see large-scale resettlement options. But instead, every Arab leader says, “No, the refugees must stay where they are until there’s a final deal with Israel.”

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