It was “better” to leave than let “the Jews take us”

This testimony undercuts the blanket PA narrative of forced expulsion by describing a family that left voluntarily out of fear before any Jewish forces removed them.

Hiribya refugee Suad Al-Muqayyad: "My uncle lived in Majdal (i.e., southern Israel), and he went to my mother. My mother had no brother or family except him. [They were] orphans. They raised each other. My uncle lived in Majdal and my mother lived in Ni'ilya. He said to her: 'Sister, the Jews entered Al-Jiyya and Hamama, come with me along with your children.' She said: 'We're not coming.' He said: ‘Is it better that the Jews take us? ... Are you coming?' She said: 'No.' He got angry at her and said to her against her will: 'Come, let's go,' and we left."

[Official PA TV, Between Two Nakbas, Aug. 25, 2026]