Full Breakdown
Hamas Spokesperson Ghazi Hamad Declares Unchanged Mission Amid Trump-Era Gaza Deal
8/5/2026, 9:41:22 PM
Core Event
In a televised interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, Ghazi Hamad—spokesperson for Hamas’s Political Office—said the group will not alter its “holy mission” to end the Israeli occupation. When asked whether Hamas would disarm under the Trump-administration-coordinated agreement that creates a Board of Peace and a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), Hamad avoided a direct answer and instead emphasized a possible shift in tactics. “This is an exceptional phase in Palestinian history. Because of forced necessity, the hard circumstances in Gaza, we accept this agreement. But I think that as Hamas, I can confirm that we didn't change our mentality, our goal to end the occupation, to continue to end the occupation with the Palestinian factions, because this is our holy mission,” — Ghazi Hamad, terror group's spokesperson “Maybe this time [Hamas will use] some different tactics, different tools, different methods,” — Ghazi Hamad, terror group's spokesperson
Background & Context
The agreement, announced by the outgoing Trump administration, seeks to stabilize Gaza by establishing joint administrative bodies. He framed acceptance of the arrangement as a pragmatic step to protect civilians, while insisting that Hamas’s overarching goal remains the end of Israeli occupation.
Official Statements & Responses
Hamad asserted that Israel’s “state of arrogance” and “supremacy” will prevent it from honoring any commitments, and therefore Hamas will continue armed resistance with all Palestinian factions. He denied that Hamas is a terrorist organization, claiming the group “only resists Israel” and does not target Europeans, Christians, Jews, or Western people. Hamad also portrayed Hamas’s handling of hostages from the October 7 attack as “very, very kind,” alleging provision of food and shelter. He reiterated that Hamas’s ideology is rooted in “humanity, law, ethics, and morality,” despite earlier statements in October 2023 that suggested a willingness to repeat the October 7 massacre until Israel is “annihilated.”
Data & Statistics
- The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned Hamad since 2024; he is currently based in Qatar (NGO Monitor).
- On August 1, the U.S. Justice Department confirmed the arrest of a UK-based individual for operating a sham charity linked to Hamad and Gaza’s Ministry of Social Development (MoSD).
- NGO Monitor cited coordination between MoSD and three U.S. NGOs: Mercy Corps (received $9 million from USAID-BHA in 2022), ANERA (received $79.2 million from USAID 2013-2022 and a further $12.5 million earmarked for 2024-2029), among others.
Implications
Hamad’s refusal to renounce armed resistance and his suggestion of “different tactics” signal that Hamas does not view the Trump-era framework as a pathway to disarmament. The spokesperson’s claims of humanitarian conduct and non-terrorist status contrast sharply with international designations of Hamas as a terrorist organization, potentially complicating diplomatic efforts and aid coordination linked to the Board of Peace and NCAG.
