WATCH: Golden Moment, Grim Cost
SHOCKING: Hamas Official Calls Gaza Carnage a 'Golden Moment'
Senior Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad justifies October 7 attack and dismisses Gaza civilian casualties while claiming attack brought international attention to Palestinian cause.
Senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad defended the deadly October 7 attack on Israel in a CNN interview, calling it a "golden moment" for the Palestinian cause, even as Israel's subsequent offensive in Gaza has killed tens of thousands.
Hamad, who survived the Israeli strike in Doha two weeks prior, highlighted growing international condemnation of Israel and the recent recognition of Palestinian statehood by several countries as proof of the attack's benefit. He remained unapologetic about the massive civilian casualties in Gaza.
"I know the price (is) so high, but I’m asking again, what is the option?” Hamad told CNN when pressed on Hamas's culpability for the suffering. He claimed the attack forced the world to finally look at Israeli "atrocity" after 77 years.
Refusing Responsibility and Internal Anger
Challenged with footage of people in Gaza expressing anger at Hamas, including one who accused the group's external leadership of "gambling and adventuring with us", Hamad quickly dismissed the images. He blamed public discontent on Israeli aggression, although Hamas has reportedly tortured and killed those who participate in anti-Hamas protests.
Hamad also denied Israel’s accusations that Hamas is using hostages as human shields in Gaza City, insisting the captives are treated according to "Islamic principles." He rejected reports of sexual abuse and poor treatment, stating, "there is no one proof to prove that we use these things against people.”
Ceasefire Stalled, Blame on US
Hamad said the September 9 Israeli strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar, which he described as a "miracle" to survive, immediately halted ceasefire negotiations. He described the talks as "Frozen."
He accused the US of lacking honesty and neutrality, suggesting Washington was doing Israel's bidding.
Rejecting any calls to disarm, Hamad affirmed that Hamas’s armed wing is a "legitimate and legal weapon" against "occupation". “We will never surrender. We will never surrender,” he concluded, underlining that the demand for Hamas's dissolution remains far from the group’s intention.