In response to an invitation from Hamas senior official Osama Hamdan, Elon Musk declined to visit the Gaza Strip, citing concerns over the current dangerous situation.
Hamdan issued the invitation at a press conference on Monday in Beirut. “We invite him to visit Gaza to take an objective look at the extent of the atrocities and destruction committed against the Gazan people.”
Musk’s decision was conveyed through a reply to businessman Walter Bloomberg’s tweet on X, on Tuesday, where he expressed reservations about safety in Gaza despite a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas. “Seems a bit dangerous there right now,” Musk replied, “but I do believe that a long-term prosperous Gaza is good for all sides.”
Musk visited Israel on Monday, and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. The tech mogul also visited Kibbutz Kfar Aza, a target of Hamas’ attack on October 7.
During the visit, Musk stood behind Netanyahu’s policy to “eliminate” the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, underlining his commitment to assisting Israel in disarming and combatting “extremism” in the Gaza Strip.
Musk received the gift of a necklace from the father of a hostage, adding a symbolic touch to his visit to Israel. He promised to wear it until the hostages held by Hamas are freed.