For months, Hamas leaders have defended the group's decision to launch an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, despite it resulting in a devastating Israeli offensive that has resulted in significant casualties among Palestinians in Gaza.
Hamas has claimed "victory" over Israel, with some officials vowing to execute similar attacks in the future. However, a senior Hamas official has recently expressed reservations about the consequences of the assault, which has also triggered a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Mousa Abu Marzouk, head of Hamas's foreign relations office based in Qatar, stated in an interview that he would not have supported the attack had he known the extent of the destruction it would cause in Gaza. He emphasized that the anticipated consequences would have made it "impossible" for him to endorse the assault.
Abu Marzouk claimed he was not privy to specific details of the October 7 attack, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and around 250 hostages taken, but he and other political leaders had supported the overall military strategy against Israel. He remarked, "If it was expected that what happened would happen, there wouldn’t have been Oct. 7."
He also indicated a possible willingness within Hamas to negotiate the future of their weapons in Gaza, a contentious issue in talks with Israel, suggesting that such a compromise might prevent further conflict. Israel has called for the dismantling of Hamas's military capabilities.
Abu Marzouk's comments raise questions about the alignment of views among Hamas leaders and whether they reflect a broader sentiment within the group or are aimed at influencing negotiations with Israel. Other leaders, particularly those with close ties to Iran and Hezbollah, have maintained a more hardline stance.
Following the publication of his remarks, Hamas issued a statement claiming that Abu Marzouk's comments were misrepresented and emphasized that the October 7 attack was a legitimate expression of resistance against occupation.
Abu Marzouk's statements appear to reflect a division among Hamas officials regarding the attack and its repercussions, highlighting the frustrations of Palestinians in Gaza who have faced severe hardships as a result. His perspective parallels earlier comments made by Hezbollah's leader regarding the repercussions of conflict on civilians.
Negotiations for a second phase of the cease-fire are expected to commence soon, focusing on a permanent cessation of hostilities, a full Israeli withdrawal, and the release of hostages. However, delays and disputes regarding the initial phase have raised concerns about the potential for renewed conflict.
Abu Marzouk, who has been seen as a pragmatic figure within Hamas, has noted that the war has profoundly affected his family. He characterized Hamas's survival as a "kind of victory," while also stating that it would be "unacceptable" to claim a true victory given the destruction inflicted on Gaza.
The Israeli military maintains that its operations comply with international law, targeting Hamas as a designated terrorist organization. Nevertheless, legal experts have critiqued Israel for excessive civilian casualties.
Abu Marzouk suggested an openness within Hamas to discuss the future of their weapons, a topic that has previously been deemed off-limits by other officials. He affirmed that the group is willing to negotiate on any issue brought to the table.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that the conflict will not conclude without dismantling Hamas's military infrastructure. While Hamas has shown a willingness to relinquish civilian governance, it remains firm on retaining its weapons.
The remarks from Abu Marzouk contradict those of Osama Hamdan, another Hamas official, who recently stated that their weapons are non-negotiable. Abu Marzouk noted that no single leader can dictate the group's agenda.
Analysts have pointed out that there are various opinions within Hamas, but once a collective decision is made, it is generally adhered to by all members. Following the initial cease-fire, Hamas fighters continue to showcase their military presence in Gaza.
Abu Marzouk refrained from specifying potential compromises regarding Hamas's weapons, though he indicated that discussions could include storing them in internationally supervised locations or halting the recruitment of fighters. Nonetheless, disarmament remains unlikely.
As negotiations concerning the second phase of the cease-fire face delays, Israeli and American officials have suggested extending the current phase. Abu Marzouk noted that discussions could include the release of additional hostages and prisoners, although Hamas would demand a significantly larger number of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for each Israeli hostage.
He expressed a willingness to consider a comprehensive deal for the simultaneous release of all hostages and Palestinian prisoners, provided Israel agrees to end the conflict and withdraw from Gaza. However, Israeli officials have previously dismissed such proposals.