Senior Hamas official walks Out During Interview Challenged on October 7 Attack
DUBAI, UAE – A senior Hamas official, ghazi Hamad, abruptly ended an interview with the BBC on Tuesday after being pressed on the justification for the October 7 attacks on Israel. The walkout occurred during a discussion about the hostage situation and the broader conflict in Gaza.
the incident underscores the deep chasm in perspectives surrounding the attacks, which triggered the ongoing war and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It highlights HamasS continued defense of the October 7 actions, despite widespread international condemnation and mounting evidence of atrocities committed during the assault. The exchange also comes as ceasefire negotiations remain stalled and the fate of over 130 hostages held in Gaza remains uncertain.
During the interview, BBC presenter Aniseh Hanshaw repeatedly questioned Hamad about whether Hamas believed the killing of civilians on October 7 was justified.According to a transcript released by the BBC, Hanshaw asked, “Do you regret that civilians were killed on October 7th?”
Hamad initially responded by stating that the attacks were a response to decades of Israeli occupation and the blockade of Gaza. He then claimed that Hamas only targeted soldiers and those involved in military activities, a claim widely disputed by evidence gathered by international organizations and media outlets.
When Hanshaw pressed further, stating that “many of those killed were civilians,” Hamad became visibly agitated. He accused the BBC of not providing a fair platform and of being biased against Hamas.
“I think this interview is not going to be productive,” Hamad said before removing his earpiece and ending the connection.
Hamad has previously defended the October 7 attacks, stating in November that Hamas had not intentionally targeted civilians and that the number of civilian deaths was a result of “circumstances during the battle.” His comments have drawn sharp criticism from Israel and Western governments.
The October 7 attacks, which involved a coordinated assault by Hamas militants on Israeli towns and military bases, resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of over 240 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military response has led to the deaths of over 34,000 Palestinians in Gaza,according to the Gaza Health Ministry,and has caused widespread destruction and displacement.
