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.”

Asked why Hamas agreed to a cease-fire deal that excluded its previous condition of a seaport and airport, Abu Marzouk said, “It was not possible to achieve more. At this stage of the battle, we couldn’t have gained more,” he said. The Hamas deputy was vague about the movement's alternative plans should upcoming negotiations in Cairo fail to result in a full lifting of the siege against Gaza, stating, “If we cannot achieve our demands today, we will achieve some of them tomorrow.”

Abu Marzouk defended the public executions of alleged spies during the war, saying it was society’s “inherent right” to punish those who bring harm to it. He asserted, “These spies are one of the most important pillars and the true tools of the aggression that happened to the people. Because of the great harm that they inflicted on the people, they demanded their execution. The harm that the spies caused was greater than envisioned by anyone.”