Hamas’s Response to The New York Times Media Mischief Regarding Resistance Weapons

TEHRAN (Defapress) - According to the Palestinian Sama News Agency, the Hamas movement stated in response to remarks attributed to "Mousa Abu Marzouk," that the media statements in the interview conducted with the American newspaper The New York Times dated February 24 are incorrect.

Hamas added that the interview was conducted several days ago, and the published remarks do not reflect the full responses provided. Instead, these statements are taken out of the original context of the interview and contradict the issues discussed.

According to Hamas’s report, Abu Marzouk emphasized that the October 7 operation (Al-Aqsa Storm) demonstrates the right of the Palestinian people to resist occupation and siege and that the occupiers are the primary responsible party for the genocide in Gaza.

Hamas also stated that Abu Marzouk reaffirmed the movement’s steadfast positions and the right of the Palestinian people to resist until the occupiers are eradicated. He added that Hamas remains committed to the right of the Palestinian people to use various forms of Resistance, especially armed Resistance.

The group further stated that Abu Marzouk emphasized that the weapons of the Resistance are the right of the Palestinian nation, aimed at defending the Palestinian people and their sanctities and that retreating from this right is impossible as long as the occupation of Palestinian lands continues.

Hazem Qassem, the spokesperson for the Hamas movement, denied the remarks attributed to Mousa Abu Marzouk and stressed the legitimacy and non-negotiability of the weapons of Resistance.

He clarified that Hamas adheres to the weapons of Resistance as a legitimate tool, and as long as the occupation of Palestinian territories continues, this issue will not be negotiable.

The Hamas spokesperson added that the statements attributed to Abu Marzouk do not represent the official position of Hamas.

Qassem also condemned the destructive and aggressive actions of the occupiers in their numerous wars against the nations of the region, particularly in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Ismail Ridwan, another Hamas leader, emphasized that the weapons of Resistance are a red line that is not negotiable. He accused the occupiers of attempting to evade the implementation of a ceasefire agreement.

He called on mediating countries to pressure the occupiers to fully implement the agreement.

The New York Times, quoting Abu Marzouk, claimed that Hamas did not have prior or specific knowledge of the October 7 attack plan.

The American media outlet alleged that Abu Marzouk told them: "If I had known that October 7 would result in such widespread destruction, I would have prevented it."

According to The New York Times, "Abu Marzouk said that Hamas was unaware of the details of the plan but agreed with the overall strategy of attacking Israel."

Additionally, The New York Times, quoting Abu Marzouk, claimed that he said: "Hamas is ready to negotiate the future of its weapons."