Refusal to Apologize for the Cost of War: Senior Hamas Official Distances Himself from Gaza Civilians’ Suffering

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When pain, death, and hunger in Gaza are described as a “golden opportunity” in Hamas’s rhetoric, the question of the price to be paid becomes more pressing than ever.

In an interview with CNN, senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad firmly defended the October 7 attack, refusing to apologize for the heavy humanitarian toll endured by Gaza’s civilians, as the third anniversary of the war approaches.

The interview took place just two weeks after Hamad survived an Israeli strike targeting Hamas’s negotiating delegation in Doha. He described the October attack as a “golden opportunity.”

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Refusal to acknowledge suffering

According to CNN, Hamad expressed no remorse over the consequences faced by Palestinian civilians, who have borne the brunt of Israel’s war that has claimed over 65,000 lives.

Since the outbreak of hostilities, most of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents have been displaced at least once, as famine spreads across the enclave. Despite this, Hamad refused to apologize or accept responsibility.

“I know the price is extremely high, but what is the alternative?” he said, arguing that the world is now beginning to recognize “Israel’s brutality,” pointing to widespread condemnations at the United Nations and growing calls for official recognition of a Palestinian state.

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His comments came the same day Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the October 7 attack in a UN address, stressing that Hamas would have no role in a future Palestinian state. They also preceded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled address to the General Assembly.

The Hamas attack left around 1,200 people dead in Israel and over 250 taken hostage, many of whom were later released.

While the October 7 events were unprecedented in Israel’s history, the vast destruction, famine, and mounting casualties in Gaza have led to harsh criticism of Netanyahu’s government, accused of responding disproportionately and even committing acts “tantamount to genocide.”

Asked by CNN whether Hamas bore responsibility for the civilian death toll and whether the attack justified such losses, Hamad maintained his position: “I know the price is extremely high, but again, what was the alternative?”

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Anger in Gaza and rejection of criticism

In recent months, growing numbers of Gazans have expressed frustration with Hamas, accusing the movement of prolonging the war and leaving civilians to suffer.

CNN showed Hamad footage of people in Gaza urging Hamas to step down. The movement has responded harshly to critics.

In one clip, a protester said: “Our message to Hamas is: stop gambling with our lives. You are disconnected from reality, especially since the leadership lives abroad while we die here. Some say they sacrificed our children while staying in hotels.”

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Hamad refused to watch the footage for more than a few seconds, pushing the tablet away. He acknowledged people’s suffering but placed the blame squarely on Israel. “I know, I have seen, I am aware that people are suffering,” he said.

Internal criticism has grown louder. In April, a 22-year-old Palestinian was tortured and killed by Hamas gunmen after publicly criticizing the movement and joining rare anti-Hamas protests. In May, demonstrations against Hamas erupted in northern Gaza, marking one of the largest protest movements since the October 7, 2023 attacks.

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