🟪 In an interview with Al Jazeera Mubasher, senior Hamas official and member of the negotiating team, Dr. Ghazi Hamad accused the U.S. of echoing Israeli talking points and using ceasefire talks to prolong war and starvation in Gaza. He rejected any disarmament outside the context of a full Israeli withdrawal and the creation of a Palestinian state, calling resistance a legal and moral right. Hamad also defended the October 7 attack as a historic turning point that revealed Israel’s true face and revived global attention to the Palestinian cause.
Full translated transcript below. 👇🏼
Full translated transcript below. 👇🏼
[Start of interview]
Host:
We welcome our guest in the studio, Dr. Ghazi Hamad, senior Hamas official and member of the negotiation team.
Dr. Ghazi, welcome.
The U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, currently visiting the occupied territories and Gaza, is speaking of a “comprehensive deal” and of disarmament. Let’s begin with this so-called comprehensive deal. You were calling for one from the beginning. What has changed?
Ghazi Hamad:
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
First, let me say that the American administration, politically and in negotiations, often speaks with an Israeli tongue. It echoes the Israeli position—on negotiations, disarmament, and many other issues.
This includes famine. Witkoff is parroting the Israeli line—even though every international body, from the UN to UNICEF to the World Food Programme and even Western governments, has confirmed there is a real famine in Gaza. Yet Witkoff, protected and escorted by the Israeli army, comes here and denies this truth. He’s lying to the world.
This alone proves the U.S. position is fully captive to Israel’s agenda. It’s not just about disarmament—Israel wants to strip Palestinians of their identity, their rights, and any sense of national existence. This isn’t just about weapons.
All Palestinian factions—Fatah, Islamic Jihad, the Popular and Democratic Fronts—have always used arms to fight for our legitimate rights.
Host:
Let’s come back to the issue of weapons later. For now, let’s focus on this “comprehensive deal” Witkoff is promoting. What’s changed?
Hamad:
Our position has always been clear: there should be a comprehensive deal that addresses all aspects of the Gaza situation.
But Israel blocked that path completely, rejected it outright. Even though we offered to hand over all captives—alive or dead—in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and full withdrawal. Israel refused.
They wanted to reach a partial stage, then restart the war.
We eventually accepted a partial or “bridge” deal, as a step toward the comprehensive one. But even then, Israel dragged its feet, lied, and obstructed.
Since negotiations began in February 2024 until now, Israel has used the talks as cover to continue war, famine, and massacres.
We hope there’s serious international pressure to push for a full, comprehensive agreement. Because partial deals only lead back to war.
Host:
Witkoff seems to be framing this as appeasement for the families of Israeli captives. But what is being offered to you now, and what are they demanding?
Hamad:
The talks have gone through many phases. In the most recent period, we were presented with a proposal—Witkoff’s proposal. We amended it. It went through multiple rounds.
We reached a point where four issues remained unresolved:
1. Aid delivery
2. Map and redeployment issues
3. Continuation of talks after 60 days
4. “Keys” to the prisoner files
In our last meeting with the Egyptian and Qatari mediators—whose efforts we appreciate—they saw real progress. They returned from Israel with a positive outlook.
But the very next day, the Israeli delegation withdrew. Then the U.S. began attacking Hamas publicly without explanation. This tells us these four issues still need to be resolved, and they are essential to achieving a ceasefire and an end to the war.
[1/3] Continues Below ⬇️
.
Host:
We welcome our guest in the studio, Dr. Ghazi Hamad, senior Hamas official and member of the negotiation team.
Dr. Ghazi, welcome.
The U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, currently visiting the occupied territories and Gaza, is speaking of a “comprehensive deal” and of disarmament. Let’s begin with this so-called comprehensive deal. You were calling for one from the beginning. What has changed?
Ghazi Hamad:
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
First, let me say that the American administration, politically and in negotiations, often speaks with an Israeli tongue. It echoes the Israeli position—on negotiations, disarmament, and many other issues.
This includes famine. Witkoff is parroting the Israeli line—even though every international body, from the UN to UNICEF to the World Food Programme and even Western governments, has confirmed there is a real famine in Gaza. Yet Witkoff, protected and escorted by the Israeli army, comes here and denies this truth. He’s lying to the world.
This alone proves the U.S. position is fully captive to Israel’s agenda. It’s not just about disarmament—Israel wants to strip Palestinians of their identity, their rights, and any sense of national existence. This isn’t just about weapons.
All Palestinian factions—Fatah, Islamic Jihad, the Popular and Democratic Fronts—have always used arms to fight for our legitimate rights.
Host:
Let’s come back to the issue of weapons later. For now, let’s focus on this “comprehensive deal” Witkoff is promoting. What’s changed?
Hamad:
Our position has always been clear: there should be a comprehensive deal that addresses all aspects of the Gaza situation.
But Israel blocked that path completely, rejected it outright. Even though we offered to hand over all captives—alive or dead—in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and full withdrawal. Israel refused.
They wanted to reach a partial stage, then restart the war.
We eventually accepted a partial or “bridge” deal, as a step toward the comprehensive one. But even then, Israel dragged its feet, lied, and obstructed.
Since negotiations began in February 2024 until now, Israel has used the talks as cover to continue war, famine, and massacres.
We hope there’s serious international pressure to push for a full, comprehensive agreement. Because partial deals only lead back to war.
Host:
Witkoff seems to be framing this as appeasement for the families of Israeli captives. But what is being offered to you now, and what are they demanding?
Hamad:
The talks have gone through many phases. In the most recent period, we were presented with a proposal—Witkoff’s proposal. We amended it. It went through multiple rounds.
We reached a point where four issues remained unresolved:
1. Aid delivery
2. Map and redeployment issues
3. Continuation of talks after 60 days
4. “Keys” to the prisoner files
In our last meeting with the Egyptian and Qatari mediators—whose efforts we appreciate—they saw real progress. They returned from Israel with a positive outlook.
But the very next day, the Israeli delegation withdrew. Then the U.S. began attacking Hamas publicly without explanation. This tells us these four issues still need to be resolved, and they are essential to achieving a ceasefire and an end to the war.
[1/3] Continues Below ⬇️
.
Host:
Israel and the U.S.—via Witkoff—are now linking disarmament to ending the war. Western governments, including those considering recognition of a Palestinian state, are doing the same. Hamas insists resistance arms are a national right under international law. Is a ceasefire really dependent on disarmament?
Hamad:
Let me be clear: arms are synonymous with the Palestinian cause.
Every Palestinian grew up understanding this. All our factions have fought, died, and bled for our rights.
There is national consensus—disarmament would mean the end of the resistance and the cause.
Look at the Palestinian Authority: when it gave up armed resistance and recognized Israel, what did it achieve after 30 years? More settlements, more land theft, more humiliation.
Israel wants a weak Palestinian side that surrenders everything.
But we’ve said clearly: if the occupation ends and a Palestinian state is established, our arms will become part of the state’s military. But as long as there is occupation, armed resistance is our right.
If we disarmed today, Israel would keep killing us tomorrow.
It happened in Lebanon. It’s happening now.
The issue of weapons must be addressed only in the context of ending the occupation—not before.
We will not hand our weapons to a criminal, genocidal, apartheid settler state. No Palestinian with honor would.
Even now, Israel undermines the PA, demolishes homes, assassinates leaders. It doesn’t want peace or coexistence. It wants domination.
Our steadfastness in Gaza and the West Bank is our strength—our will, our arms, our resistance. Gaza has withstood the region’s strongest army for nearly two years. Yes, there’s destruction—but Israel hasn’t won.
Only Palestinians can decide the future of our weapons.
Host:
You say disarmament won’t happen until there is a full national homeland. France and Britain are offering recognition based on 1967 borders. Is that what you mean?
Hamad:
Unfortunately, even the New York conference showed the world still doesn’t understand: the problem isn’t Palestinians. It’s the occupation.
Israel is responsible for all issues—Jerusalem, refugees, settlements.
This is a violent, criminal occupation.
The world must stop asking Palestinians to disarm, and start demanding Israel end the occupation.
International law, the UN, and the ICJ all say Israel’s occupation and settlements are illegal.
We are not terrorists. We are fighting for our freedom.
Even October 7 was a response to 77 years of Israeli crimes—not the start of history.
For decades, the world ignored our pain. October 7 was the result.
Host:
Some say that despite all this, Israel now has a historic opportunity to liquidate the Palestinian cause. Gaza has been destroyed, its people starved. The West Bank is being emptied. Resistance in Lebanon has been attacked. Arab regimes continue supporting Israel. Did you hand Israel this opportunity?
Hamad:
Let me ask: before October 7, was the world even discussing Palestine?
Ask President Abbas—was anyone paying attention?
Even the Biden administration offered only “humanitarian support.” They told the PA to forget the two-state solution.
October 7 changed all that. Yes, we paid a price—but what option did we have? Surrender to Ben Gvir and his extremist settlers?
He was desecrating Al-Aqsa, talking daily about annexing the West Bank. Our options were: surrender or resist.
Thanks to resistance, we’ve seen major gains:
1. The world is recognizing Palestine again.
2. Israel’s image as a democracy is shattered.
3. The myth of Israeli invincibility is gone.
Today, people are marching against genocide in every Western capital. Netanyahu is wanted by the ICC. Israel stands accused of genocide and ethnic cleansing.
And after 22 days of war, Israel still hasn’t defeated Gaza, retrieved captives, or established control. Gaza has become a model of heroic resistance.
[2/3] Continues Below ⬇️
Israel and the U.S.—via Witkoff—are now linking disarmament to ending the war. Western governments, including those considering recognition of a Palestinian state, are doing the same. Hamas insists resistance arms are a national right under international law. Is a ceasefire really dependent on disarmament?
Hamad:
Let me be clear: arms are synonymous with the Palestinian cause.
Every Palestinian grew up understanding this. All our factions have fought, died, and bled for our rights.
There is national consensus—disarmament would mean the end of the resistance and the cause.
Look at the Palestinian Authority: when it gave up armed resistance and recognized Israel, what did it achieve after 30 years? More settlements, more land theft, more humiliation.
Israel wants a weak Palestinian side that surrenders everything.
But we’ve said clearly: if the occupation ends and a Palestinian state is established, our arms will become part of the state’s military. But as long as there is occupation, armed resistance is our right.
If we disarmed today, Israel would keep killing us tomorrow.
It happened in Lebanon. It’s happening now.
The issue of weapons must be addressed only in the context of ending the occupation—not before.
We will not hand our weapons to a criminal, genocidal, apartheid settler state. No Palestinian with honor would.
Even now, Israel undermines the PA, demolishes homes, assassinates leaders. It doesn’t want peace or coexistence. It wants domination.
Our steadfastness in Gaza and the West Bank is our strength—our will, our arms, our resistance. Gaza has withstood the region’s strongest army for nearly two years. Yes, there’s destruction—but Israel hasn’t won.
Only Palestinians can decide the future of our weapons.
Host:
You say disarmament won’t happen until there is a full national homeland. France and Britain are offering recognition based on 1967 borders. Is that what you mean?
Hamad:
Unfortunately, even the New York conference showed the world still doesn’t understand: the problem isn’t Palestinians. It’s the occupation.
Israel is responsible for all issues—Jerusalem, refugees, settlements.
This is a violent, criminal occupation.
The world must stop asking Palestinians to disarm, and start demanding Israel end the occupation.
International law, the UN, and the ICJ all say Israel’s occupation and settlements are illegal.
We are not terrorists. We are fighting for our freedom.
Even October 7 was a response to 77 years of Israeli crimes—not the start of history.
For decades, the world ignored our pain. October 7 was the result.
Host:
Some say that despite all this, Israel now has a historic opportunity to liquidate the Palestinian cause. Gaza has been destroyed, its people starved. The West Bank is being emptied. Resistance in Lebanon has been attacked. Arab regimes continue supporting Israel. Did you hand Israel this opportunity?
Hamad:
Let me ask: before October 7, was the world even discussing Palestine?
Ask President Abbas—was anyone paying attention?
Even the Biden administration offered only “humanitarian support.” They told the PA to forget the two-state solution.
October 7 changed all that. Yes, we paid a price—but what option did we have? Surrender to Ben Gvir and his extremist settlers?
He was desecrating Al-Aqsa, talking daily about annexing the West Bank. Our options were: surrender or resist.
Thanks to resistance, we’ve seen major gains:
1. The world is recognizing Palestine again.
2. Israel’s image as a democracy is shattered.
3. The myth of Israeli invincibility is gone.
Today, people are marching against genocide in every Western capital. Netanyahu is wanted by the ICC. Israel stands accused of genocide and ethnic cleansing.
And after 22 days of war, Israel still hasn’t defeated Gaza, retrieved captives, or established control. Gaza has become a model of heroic resistance.
[2/3] Continues Below ⬇️
Host:
What does Hamas expect now from the Arab and Muslim world?
Hamad:
We expect a lot. The Arab and Muslim nations are bound to Palestine spiritually and historically. This is the land of the prophets, the land of Al-Aqsa.
We’ve seen solidarity—delegations from Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan. But we need more—financially, politically, in every way.
Why are Arab states normalizing with Israel? This is a genocidal state, starving children. How can anyone with dignity raise the Israeli flag?
The first step must be for Arab peoples to demand severing ties with Israel.
Netanyahu said Israel deserves a place under the sun. No—it deserves to be isolated.
We need boldness. Fear and cowardice are no excuse. This is a historic moment. Either we remain humiliated or we rise with dignity.
Host:
Some will say: “Why should I fight your battle?” How do you respond?
Hamad:
That’s a defeatist, selfish attitude. This is not just our cause—it’s the Arab world’s cause. Just as we stood with Bosnia or other oppressed people, this is a human cause.
Host:
Did Israel succeed in terrorizing the region into submission by using Gaza as a warning?
Hamad:
No—Gaza inspired a global awakening.
Despite all the destruction, Gaza endured the mightiest army in the region. That shattered the myth of Israeli dominance.
Our pain, hunger, and sacrifice showed the world there is a people who fight with courage and dignity.
Resistance requires sacrifice. Without it, we remain at the bottom. But we believe we’ve entered a new era.
Host:
Israeli media says Shin Bet has created a unit to assassinate Hamas leaders abroad. Is Hamas vulnerable?
Hamad:
Israel is expert in assassination. They’ve killed leaders from Hamas, Fatah, Islamic Jihad. They see it as a badge of honor—but it’s a disgrace.
We’ve lost many, but we are not afraid. We’ve broken the fear barrier.
October 7 proved Israel can kill, but it cannot defeat the resistance.
Resistance continued after the deaths of Sheikh Yassin, Rantisi, and others.
We take precautions. But we are not afraid. The occupation must end—77 years of suffering is enough.
Host:
What message do you send now to the hungry children of Gaza, to the widows, the orphans, the exhausted?
Hamad:
We speak to you with broken hearts.
We know your pain and suffering.
We are working day and night to end this war, to secure aid and support.
Gaza’s people have endured every form of torment, yet remain resilient. You are unmatched in history for your patience, courage, and steadfastness.
We believe your sacrifice will open the door to freedom.
This war, starting on October 7, marked the beginning of Israel’s gradual collapse. Gaza has written a new chapter in history.
Your pain, your wounds, your cries—they live in our hearts.
We are doing everything we can, under incredibly difficult conditions, with political and military doors closed to us. But we are certain: our cause is just, and it will triumph—because of your strength and your endurance.
Host:
Thank you, Dr. Ghazi Hamad, senior Hamas official and member of the negotiation team
——
[3/3] END
What does Hamas expect now from the Arab and Muslim world?
Hamad:
We expect a lot. The Arab and Muslim nations are bound to Palestine spiritually and historically. This is the land of the prophets, the land of Al-Aqsa.
We’ve seen solidarity—delegations from Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan. But we need more—financially, politically, in every way.
Why are Arab states normalizing with Israel? This is a genocidal state, starving children. How can anyone with dignity raise the Israeli flag?
The first step must be for Arab peoples to demand severing ties with Israel.
Netanyahu said Israel deserves a place under the sun. No—it deserves to be isolated.
We need boldness. Fear and cowardice are no excuse. This is a historic moment. Either we remain humiliated or we rise with dignity.
Host:
Some will say: “Why should I fight your battle?” How do you respond?
Hamad:
That’s a defeatist, selfish attitude. This is not just our cause—it’s the Arab world’s cause. Just as we stood with Bosnia or other oppressed people, this is a human cause.
Host:
Did Israel succeed in terrorizing the region into submission by using Gaza as a warning?
Hamad:
No—Gaza inspired a global awakening.
Despite all the destruction, Gaza endured the mightiest army in the region. That shattered the myth of Israeli dominance.
Our pain, hunger, and sacrifice showed the world there is a people who fight with courage and dignity.
Resistance requires sacrifice. Without it, we remain at the bottom. But we believe we’ve entered a new era.
Host:
Israeli media says Shin Bet has created a unit to assassinate Hamas leaders abroad. Is Hamas vulnerable?
Hamad:
Israel is expert in assassination. They’ve killed leaders from Hamas, Fatah, Islamic Jihad. They see it as a badge of honor—but it’s a disgrace.
We’ve lost many, but we are not afraid. We’ve broken the fear barrier.
October 7 proved Israel can kill, but it cannot defeat the resistance.
Resistance continued after the deaths of Sheikh Yassin, Rantisi, and others.
We take precautions. But we are not afraid. The occupation must end—77 years of suffering is enough.
Host:
What message do you send now to the hungry children of Gaza, to the widows, the orphans, the exhausted?
Hamad:
We speak to you with broken hearts.
We know your pain and suffering.
We are working day and night to end this war, to secure aid and support.
Gaza’s people have endured every form of torment, yet remain resilient. You are unmatched in history for your patience, courage, and steadfastness.
We believe your sacrifice will open the door to freedom.
This war, starting on October 7, marked the beginning of Israel’s gradual collapse. Gaza has written a new chapter in history.
Your pain, your wounds, your cries—they live in our hearts.
We are doing everything we can, under incredibly difficult conditions, with political and military doors closed to us. But we are certain: our cause is just, and it will triumph—because of your strength and your endurance.
Host:
Thank you, Dr. Ghazi Hamad, senior Hamas official and member of the negotiation team
——
[3/3] END
🔗 Full interview:
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