LONDON — Aimen Dean, ex‑Al‑Qaeda operative turned MI6 intelligence asset, issued a stark critique this week on social media, urging Gulf Arab states to abandon support for Gaza amid Hamas’s role in prolonging the conflict, his X account confirmed.
Dean, author of Nine Lives: My Time as MI6 Spy inside Al‑Qaeda, described the 18‑month war as fueled by terrorism, not a legitimate struggle. He argued that Israel had increased daily work permits for Gazans to 22,000 and began peace negotiations mediated by Saudi Arabia before October 7, which Hamas allegedly disrupted at Iran’s behest.
He contrasted the devastation in Gaza with scenes of normalcy in Ramallah, including luxury shopping and celebrations, questioning why the suffering was concentrated in one area while others appeared unscathed.
A Tale of Two Palestinian Cities.
— Aimen Dean (@AimenDean) June 29, 2025
Some were outraged when I stated earlier that we, as Gulf Arabs, no longer wish to destroy our nations and futures for a cause that, for 70 years, has brought us nothing but terrorism, accusations, betrayal, and alliances with our enemies. The… pic.twitter.com/62joFI9kYJ
The 'Icon Mall' grand opening, Ramallah, West Bank. pic.twitter.com/pqtXhqUUM8
— Jasem Aljuraid (J.J.) | جاسم الجريّد (@JJJuraid) April 14, 2025
Dean stressed that Gaza has been “free” since Israel’s 2005 withdrawal, asserting the 2007 blockade followed Hamas’s violent coup against the Palestinian Authority, including killing 300 PA police officers. He pointedly asked why Gaza did not open its gates toward Egypt, which he noted enforced a sealing of its border.
The former banker‑turned‑spy said Gulf Arabs no longer wish to “destroy our nations and futures for a cause that, for 70 years, has brought us nothing but terrorism.” He challenged Western observers who issue solidarity calls from a place of safety, stating, “Don’t lecture us from safety. Don’t demand sacrifice from others while you live off hashtags.”
His message sparked debate across the Middle East. Nora al‑Khalifa, a Dubai‑based political commentator, responded on X that Dean’s views reflect a growing sentiment in Gulf capitals uneasy about ideological alignment with Hamas. She said, “Gulf citizens are tired of giving their blood and treasure to a movement that advances Iran’s agenda, not regional peace.”
This article is based on verified information from Aimen Dean’s X post and reputable expert commentary.