‘The View’ Crowd Gasps as Whoopi Goldberg Reveals Surprising Ignorance About Hamas Elections

What started as a routine discussion about the Middle East on a recent episode of The View quickly spiraled into controversy when Whoopi Goldberg made a comment that left the studio audience—and her co-hosts—stunned.

The segment began with Alyssa Farah Griffin, the show’s token Republican, reflecting on the latest hostage negotiations in Israel. She even vowed to wear a MAGA hat on air if Donald Trump succeeded in freeing Israeli hostages, promising, “If he gets the hostages out, I’ll wear a MAGA hat and say thank you.” Though she didn’t follow through, she did give Trump and his team credit for the deal, noting, “Sometimes the only way to get peace is to sit down with some of the most evil people and try to end the bloodshed.”

Sunny Hostin, meanwhile, struck a somber tone, expressing her hope for lasting peace and reminding viewers to separate the Palestinian people from Hamas. “Remember the Palestinians are separate from Hamas. They couldn’t vote, they had no rights in their country,” she said, her words intended to clarify the difference between the two groups.

But it was Whoopi Goldberg’s comment that triggered audible gasps from the crowd. “It has been my daily prayer that there be peace there,” she said, before repeating the claim that Palestinians in Gaza never voted for Hamas. The statement hung in the air, with some audience members visibly confused.

The Facts: A Missed History Lesson

What Whoopi missed—and what many viewers quickly pointed out online—is that Gazans did, in fact, vote for Hamas in the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections. After Hamas won, they violently ousted their opposition, consolidating power and ending any future elections. For nearly two decades, Hamas has ruled Gaza with an iron fist, and no new elections have been held since.

While it’s true that many ordinary Gazans live under harsh conditions and may not openly oppose Hamas for fear of retribution, the idea that they never had a say in Hamas’ rise to power is simply inaccurate. Pretending otherwise, as some critics noted, is “just ridiculous.”

Why It Matters: The Danger of Misinformation on TV

Moments like these highlight the power—and the pitfalls—of daytime talk shows. Millions tune in, often taking what they hear at face value. When hosts like Whoopi Goldberg misstate basic facts about major geopolitical events, it not only misinforms viewers but also distorts public understanding of a conflict that desperately needs clarity and nuance.

As one commentator put it, “Someone at ABC News should be watching that show and be ready to make a very simple correction. Whoopi just said they didn’t vote for Hamas, but they did. That’s the truth.”

The Aftermath: Social Media Reacts

Within minutes, clips of Whoopi’s comments went viral. Critics called out the show for failing to correct the record, while supporters urged viewers to focus on the broader message of peace. But for many, the incident was a stark reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread—even from the most well-meaning sources.

Conclusion

In a world where headlines move fast and facts are often sacrificed for soundbites, it’s more important than ever for public figures to get it right. The View’s latest controversy is a lesson in the importance of accuracy—especially when the stakes are this high.

This article is a dramatized account and commentary based on recent events on The View. Not all quotes are verbatim.