Twitter buzzes with 'Arab April Fools'

Users on the popular social media site took advantage of April Fools Day to point out the myriad problems in the Middle East.

By JPOST.COM STAFF

APRIL 1, 2015 17:09

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(photo credit: REUTERS)

A new hashtag swept through Twitter on Wednesday, as people began using the hashtag #ArabAprilFools.

Users on the popular social media site took advantage of April Fools Day to mock Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Hamas and the rest of the Middle East, including the status of women in the Arab world. Some used the hashtag to take a jab at Hamas, the Palestinian Authority and their respective leaders Khaled Mashaal and Mahmoud Abbas.

Mahmoud Abbas and Khaled Meshal donate their fortunes to the Palestinian cause. #ArabAprilFools
— Jonathan Schanzer (@JSchanzer) April 1, 2015

Arab leaders will actually help the Palestinians instead of just the Palestinian cause for self gain and increase popularity #ArabAprilFools
— Jafar (@IraqiNotArab) April 1, 2015

#Hamas to use donated concrete to build homes & schools instead of terror tunnels #ArabAprilFools
— Judean Peoples Front (@JudeanPF) April 1, 2015

Pro-Palestinian activists to spend time actually helping Palestinians instead of just demonizing Israel #ArabAprilFools
— Judean Peoples Front (@JudeanPF) April 1, 2015

Mahmoud Abbas and top leaders from Hamas have agreed in principle to stop stealing Western aid for a period of six months. #ArabAprilFools
— Ted (@TBillsss) April 1, 2015

#hamas promises to call #Israel prior to each rocket launch. #ArabAprilFools
— Mike (@mrjc1) April 1, 2015

@glcarlstrom Ismail Haniyeh finally admits he plundered money frm Gazans #ArabAprilFools
— Marjerin Pelantar (@techboy_88) April 1, 2015

Palestinians stop incitement against jews #ArabAprilFools
— Silem (@psSilem) April 1, 2015

Others made fun of Israel, though comparatively few.

Israel admits hummus and tabouleh are Arab foods #ArabAprilFools
— Anج (@Angieslyst) April 1, 2015

.@UN human rights council to pass non-Israel bashing resolution #ArabAprilFools
— Judean Peoples Front (@JudeanPF) April 1, 2015

.@Mondoweiss to check facts before publishing anti-Israel article #ArabAprilFools
— Judean Peoples Front (@JudeanPF) April 1, 2015

Hezbollah invades Israel in order to "liberate" Palestine #ArabAprilFools
— Omareos (@omarkk97) April 1, 2015

For some, Saudi Arabia was the main target.

Saudi Arabia allows women to drive cars, planes and go outside without being accompanied by a man #ArabAprilFools
— Jafar (@IraqiNotArab) April 1, 2015

KSA offering free driving classes for women. Govt spox: "We made a mistake. Consider this our apology." #ArabAprilFools
— Gracilitarsus (@Iteration23) April 1, 2015

Saudi Arabia is going to stop funding terror groups such as Al Nusra front and ISIS #ArabAprilFools
— ArabAjami (@ArabAjami) April 1, 2015

Though Iran is not an Arab country, the hashtag was still used to point out its problems, especially after the failure to draw up a preliminary nuclear deal outline with world powers.

Iran "to phase out the death penalty by 2030". #ArabAprilFools
— Iyad El-Baghdadi (@iyad_elbaghdadi) April 1, 2015

Iran and Israel sign a peace treaty #ArabAprilFools
— Anج (@Angieslyst) April 1, 2015

Obama to accept Iran's highest state medal for "services to Islamic Republic" in nuclear talks #ArabAprilFools pic.twitter.com/Uc7KruZSmO
— سلطان سعود القاسمي (@SultanAlQassemi) April 1, 2015

Others used the hashtag to point out problems in Egypt.

Egypt agrees to open Gaza border crossing permanently under international supervision. #ArabAprilFools
— Iyad El-Baghdadi (@iyad_elbaghdadi) April 1, 2015

Egypt admits it lost the 1973 War #ArabAprilFools
— Anج (@Angieslyst) April 1, 2015

#ArabAprilFools! RT @hannahgais U.S. military aid to Egypt is ceased yet again, citing need to push for democratic legitimacy.
— Hend (@LibyaLiberty) April 1, 2015