Mahmoud Khalil Refuses To Condemn Hamas During US Interview

Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and green card holder, repeatedly refused to specifically condemn Hamas as a terrorist organization during a high-profile CNN interview, instead condemning the killing of all civilians and criticizing what he called 'selective outrage.' The Trump administration has targeted Khalil for deportation, citing his alleged support for Hamas and participation in pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses. Khalil, who was detained for over three months by immigration authorities before being released by a judge, insists his activism is centered on protesting the war in Gaza and advocating for human rights, not supporting terrorism. He has since filed a $20 million lawsuit against the Trump administration for false imprisonment, stating he would drop the case if given an official apology. Khalil’s case has drawn national attention and polarized opinion, with federal officials labeling him a 'terrorist sympathizer' while some lawmakers have met with him in support of his activism. The controversy underscores the broader debate over free speech, campus protests, and U.S. immigration policy in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict.