Was October 7 worth it? Hamas leaders divided on the question

Hazem Qassem, spokesperson for Hamas in Gaza, condemned senior Hamas leader Mousa Abu Marzouk's statement that he would not have supported the October 7 attack if he knew what he knows now about its outcome.

Qassem said that "Hamas is committed to the weapon of resistance. The statements attributed to Dr. Mousa Abu Marzouk do not represent the position of Hamas."

Abu Marzouk reportedly told the New York Times that "If it was expected that what happened would happen, there wouldn’t have been October 7," and even denied having specific information about what the offensive involved and even hinted at being willing to negotiate the matter of Hamas' arms in Gaza, according to Arutz Sheva.

Abu Marzouk's statement comes as the first phase of the hostage deal is coming to an end, with the remaining slain hostages set to be released in the next few days in exchange for over 600 Palestinian terrorists, whose release was delayed by Prime Minister Netanyahu due to Hamas "degrading" ceremonies for live and slain hostages and their failure to precure Shiri Bibas on time and as agreed.

While Israeli sources speaking to Israeli media said they were confident Hamas was interested in extending the types of hostage for terrorist exchanges conducted during the first phase, there is much more pessimism regarding moving to the deal's second phase.

Hamas condition for the second phase is that Israel officially end the war and almost entirely pull out of the Gaza Strip, conditions to which Israel is strongly opposed.

Meanwhile, Israel is insisting that any post-war deal must include the complete disarmament of Hamas and the removal of the terrorist group as an organization with any governing power - which Hamas opposes just as strongly.

The Trump administration, meanwhile, is sending mixed signals, showing support for both anything Israel wishes to do against Hamas while insisting that the hostage deal be completed.