Hamdan referred to the issue of proposed talks about a ceasefire, adding: "we may be turning towards a direction of ceasefire, but this doesn't mean that the confrontation will stop… But I believe that the confrontation will be wider.” In this context, Hamdan enthusiastically claimed that Hamas is “facing an opportunity for a wide confrontation, which would challenge all the aid to Israel and will focus on the resistance of the Palestinian people,” calling to “develop methods of communication between actors in the resistance and strengthen the mechanisms of its activity.”
The Hamas official also lauded the mortar barrage which targeted the Kerem Shalom crossing yesterday, and in which four Israeli soldiers were killed. He added that it was aimed at the command headquarters of the Israeli activity in the area, also claiming that the barrage came to convey the message that Hamas keeps an open eye on the IDF’s preparations near Rafah, and that Israel will face more than it expects should it enter the southern city.
On the international level, Hamdan praised Russia and China for their support for Hamas in the UNSC against the “criminalization of the resistance.” He added that he believes that there is an “understanding on the Russian and Chinese side that the power of this axis of resistance is in favor of the international role of Russia and China,” adding that their role was beneficial for Hamas and they wish to see more.
Additionally, Hamdan commended the Iranian drone and missile attack against Israel, claiming that the attack proved the unity of the axis of resistance.
Hamdan also referred to the personal and organizational friction between the Hamas leadership in Gaza and abroad, deeming the opinions of Yahya Al-Sinwar and the leadership in Gaza as “important and taken into account in the decision making circles.” In this context, he accused that Israeli claims of Sinwar as sole decision maker on the ground are part of a propaganda campaign launched by Israel, adding that the terror organization’s negotiators work based on shared decision making mechanisms and principles.
‘West Bank is next’
As for the situation in the West Bank, Hamdan pledged: “I believe that the next stage will be the stage of resistance from the West Bank, and this is not just an assessment but rather from knowledge of the situation and the facts on the ground, both in regard to Hamas and other factions, and this is our priority in the next stage.” Hamdan also argued that armed militias in the area still have “a chance to reclaim the role that they had in 2002-2003,” during the second intifada.
