Hamas remains unrepentant about October 7 attack on Israel

In a recent interview with CNN, Ghazi Hamad, a key negotiator for Hamas and a member of the militant group's political bureau, discussed the ongoing conflict with Israel. The interview took place in Doha, Qatar, amid significant tension following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,200 people and the taking of over 250 hostages. Hamad expressed that Hamas feels bolstered by the international support gained since their actions, indicating a lack of remorse over their role in the violence. He framed October 7 as a pivotal moment for the Palestinian cause. Hamad further justified the considerable civilian casualties among Palestinians, which have reportedly exceeded 65,000 since the war began. He asserted that the devastation in Gaza, where nearly all of its two million residents have been displaced and the infrastructure is in ruins, was a necessary and justified response to Israel's actions. This extreme toll has been characterized by Hamad as an unavoidable sacrifice in the struggle for the Palestinian cause. Regarding ongoing ceasefire negotiations, Hamad shared that talks have remained “frozen,” despite claims from U.S. President Donald Trump that a resolution is close. He reiterated Hamas's commitment to an all-encompassing deal that would involve the release of the remaining 48 hostages but maintained that they would not concede on crucial issues, such as disarming. His comments reflected a skepticism toward the U.S. as a mediator, claiming that Hamas cannot fully trust Trump or the American administration. Hamad's conclusions from the recent events underscore a heightened sense of insecurity among Hamas leaders. Following the attack on their delegation in Doha and the risk of being targeted by Israel, Hamad observed that Hamas leaders no longer feel safe anywhere, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of Israeli military actions. This sobering realization framed his security precautions during the interview, such as rigorous checks before the event began. The negotiation landscape remains contentious, with stark divisions and a lack of trust between the involved parties.