From demands to concessions: Hamas's evolving positions since 7 October

In the document, Hamas denied Israeli claims that it targeted civilians during the operation, saying its forces only targeted military sites. Avoiding harm to civilians, especially children, women, and the elderly, is a religious and moral commitment for all fighters of the Al-Qassam Brigades, it said.

In January, to mark 100 days since the start of the Gaza conflict, Abu Obaida, the spokesperson for the Al-Qassam Brigades, declared that "the battle of the Al-Aqsa Flood is pivotal in the history of our people and our nation".

In his first public address since 23 October, he said: "We were left with no option but to mobilise our strength in retaliation to the massacres aimed at crushing our people."

While commending the resistance in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq, he asserted that "the battle of Al-Aqsa Flood symbolises the struggle for the Palestinian homeland, where the populace and the resistance unite on a singular front". Drawing an Islamic link, he said: "We must inform the two billion Muslims worldwide that the enemy has destroyed most mosques in Gaza and obstructed both the call to prayer and the prayer itself, marking a blatant religious conflict."

Issuing an apology

In late March, Hamas expressed regret for any shortcomings, delays, or missteps, whether intentional or unintentional, that may have caused distress. They committed to making every effort to ensure the well-being of their people, regardless of the cost.

It delivered a message of gratitude to the resilient people of Gaza, saying it was taking action to control prices and curb monopolies. Yet it also acknowledged its inability to fully match the endurance of the Palestinian people.

In April, Obaida marked 200 days since 7 October in a televised address, saying the enemy was still struggling to repair its reputation and remained entrenched in Gaza. He said Israel was trying to convince the world that it had eliminated all resistance, which was not true, adding that the primary battleground for the resistance was the Occupied West Bank while urging the people in Jordan to up their efforts.

A promise to disarm

In April, Khalil al-Hayya, a member of the politburo, said Hamas was willing to enter into a ceasefire with Israel for a period of five years or more, conditional on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Once given statehood, he said Hamas would disarm and transition into a purely political entity, integrate its fighters into a national army, and join the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) in a united government for Gaza and the West Bank.

He confirmed Hamas's support for a fully sovereign Palestinian state across the West Bank and Gaza Strip, along with the return of Palestinian refugees in alignment with international resolutions based on the 1967 borders. Also in April, Hamas expressed disappointment at a statement from the White House (and endorsed by 18 nations) calling for the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip.

It said the statement did not address what it described as a pervasive genocidal conflict impacting its people, adding that it would consider any proposals that addressed the needs and rights of Palestinians. It also stressed the urgency of reconstruction, lifting the Gaza blockade, providing humanitarian aid, and agreeing to a prisoner exchange.

These efforts aim to fulfil the legitimate national aspirations of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.