In a recent interview with The Economist, Moussa Abu Marzouk, a high-ranking official in the Hamas politburo, failed to acknowledge the group’s role in the deadliest attack in Israel’s history, which claimed over 1,200 lives. The interview took place in Doha, Qatar, three days after the horrific event.

According to Marzouk, the group “obeys all international and moral laws” and its main target was “military posts.” He dismissed the massacre of over 100 Israelis in their homes in Be’eri, a southern Israeli kibbutz, and the shooting of 260 partygoers at a music festival as unfortunate coincidences. His comments have been met with widespread disbelief and condemnation.

Abu Marzouk also suggested that many within the Hamas leadership were unaware of the planned attack, hinting at internal tensions within the group. He denied any involvement from Iran, despite the country’s known financial and military support for Hamas.

The Hamas leader failed to provide a clear vision or strategy for the group moving forward, instead focusing on Israel’s alleged wrongdoings. He offered no explanation as to how the mass murder of civilians would benefit the Palestinian cause.

Abu Marzouk’s comments reflect a disconnect between Hamas’s actions and its rhetoric, which has remained largely unchanged over the past 15 years. This disconnect, coupled with a potential miscalculation of Israel’s response, could threaten Hamas’s hold on power.

Read more at The Economist.