Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices

Evaluate the character of Hassan. Why did he remain a figure of reverence for Yousef, even as their beliefs ran in opposing directions? Did his actions merit his characterization as a good man living in bad times?

There are many instances where Yousef describes brutal actions from the Israeli military amid the conflict with Hamas. Is there a way to reconcile this with his later conclusion that Israel bears no responsibility for the conflict and that Palestine (especially its leadership) is primarily at fault?

What were the biggest motivations for Yousef to accept the offer to become an Israeli spy? Was his decision to aid them wholly inspired by his time in the prison, or did his loyalty to Israel build over time? Reference examples from the text.

Are there any aspects of Yousef’s account of his espionage career that you find implausible? If so, what parts, and why? If not, how does he substantiate his claims?

Were the circumstances for Yousef’s family different at the end of his espionage career compared to the beginning? How have Yousef’s actions impacted them compared to Hassan’s?

Does the book succeed in its professed purpose of offering a contrast to the “conventional wisdom” in the West regarding Israel and Palestine? Does his core thesis on the causes of the conflict seem more or less relevant since the book’s publication in 2011?

Yousef doesn’t broadly discuss the end of the First Intifada, wherein the Israelis withdrew from Gaza; he instead moves on to the parliamentary elections that Hamas won in 2006. Research this event and discuss how these events might have impacted his narrative.

The book ends on a resounding note of hostility toward the religion of Islam. How does this conclusion impact the book as a whole, particularly his message of loving one’s enemy?