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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Hamas deputy leader Mousa Abu Marzouk caused a stir in Gaza when on Sept. 11 he publicly mentioned the possibility of direct negotiations with Israel. Speaking exclusively to Al-Monitor, Abu Marzouk explained that his statement was a “quiet cry of anger to whom it may concern” after Gaza was “turned into a pile of rubble and a pool of blood” in the most recent war with Israel.
The Hamas leader elaborated by saying the practice of indirect negotiations with Israel was “difficult,” as mediators (without naming names) “burden the file with their interests and others.’” He reaffirmed, however, that Hamas’ official policy “does not recognize Israel and does not negotiate with it. This policy is still in place.”
