Senior Hamas Leader Expresses Concerns for Hostages in Gaza Amid Uncertainty

A senior Hamas official told CNN that he cannot provide any assurances about the wellbeing of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Basem Naim, a member of Hamas' political bureau, mentioned that all war prisoners are experiencing the same challenges as their people on the ground, facing bombardment and starvation. He also denied the allegations of sexual abuse made by a United Nations special representative, stating that there is no clear and convincing evidence to support these claims.

In a recent Zoom interview from his office in Istanbul, Turkey, Naim discussed with CNN the ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Israel, the situation of 130 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas, and Hamas' role in the aftermath of the Israeli military's actions in Gaza following the October 7 terrorist attacks that resulted in the loss of over 1,200 lives.

Naim disputed the characterization of Hamas' actions as terrorism during the interview, claiming that his organization does not intentionally target civilians. He instead pointed the finger at Israel, accusing them of engaging in what he called "state terrorism" in Gaza. Additionally, he reiterated Hamas' call for Palestinians to participate in "armed resistance" against Israel, especially during the holy month of Ramadan that started on Sunday evening.

Israel has denied targeting civilians and blames Hamas for using civilian infrastructure as cover. According to the health ministry in Gaza, over 31,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed since the Israeli military campaign started.

The fate of hostages and allegations of sexual violence.

A week after a United Nations team led by UN special representative Pramila Patten reported finding evidence that some women held captive by Hamas had been sexually assaulted, Naim strongly denied the allegations. He stated that there was no proof or solid evidence from eyewitnesses and that the UN representative had not met any of the victims.

Patten's team conducted interviews with 34 individuals, including released hostages, survivors, witnesses, health and service providers, and first responders to the October 7 attack.

The UN report states that based on the firsthand accounts of released hostages, the mission team gathered compelling evidence of sexual violence, including rape, sexualized torture, and inhumane treatment inflicted upon women and children during their captivity.

Hamas has denied international organizations any access to those hostages still in captivity to assess their wellbeing.

Hundreds were killed at the Nova music festival site.

Hundreds were killed at the Nova music festival site.

Leon Neal/Getty Images

Related article

UN report finds ‘convincing’ information that hostages in Gaza were raped

Naim denied the allegations of sexual violence, but mentioned that Hamas couldn't confirm the safety of the hostages due to ongoing attacks in Gaza. He emphasized the importance of a ceasefire to gather more information on their well-being.

The likelihood of a ceasefire being reached is still up in the air.

Mediators have been discussing a deal that would occur in multiple phases. The initial phase would involve a temporary ceasefire lasting about six weeks, along with the release of approximately 40 Israeli hostages and a significant number of Palestinians.

Hamas has finally presented their much-anticipated ceasefire proposal. According to a diplomatic source briefed on the matter, the proposal suggests that Israel releases between 700 and 1,000 Palestinian detainees. In return, Hamas would release Israeli women, including IDF soldiers, as well as children, elderly individuals, and hostages who are wounded or ill. This information aligns with earlier reports from Reuters.

Hamas has always insisted on a lasting ceasefire and the removal of Israeli soldiers as part of any agreement, which Israel has refused. The proposal suggests that a permanent ceasefire would follow the release of hostages and prisoners, along with a set deadline for Israel to withdraw from Gaza.

Upon receiving the latest proposal, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office called it “ridiculous” and said Thursday that “Hamas is continuing to hold to unrealistic demands.” However, an Israeli delegation is being sent to Doha, Qatar for further talks.

A diplomat mentioned, "Our impression is it is not going to be easy to convince the Israelis of this."

Naim, a representative of Hamas, was asked why they would not agree to a temporary ceasefire despite the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He pointed the blame at the Israeli government and stated that Hamas would not be so easily fooled into accepting a temporary ceasefire. Naim shared these thoughts with CNN before the latest Hamas proposal was made public.

He questioned the idea of agreeing to a short-term humanitarian ceasefire lasting only six weeks or two months, giving the Israelis everything they wanted. Naim emphasized the importance of seeking a permanent solution, rather than a temporary fix. He believed that any sensible politician would aim for a lasting peace to allow for the recovery and rebuilding of Gaza.

An Israeli government official responded to Naim's remarks by stating that Prime Minister Netanyahu's government has already released 112 hostages and is determined to free all remaining hostages. The official mentioned that if Hamas' unrealistic demands become more realistic, there could be another opportunity for a humanitarian pause to negotiate a hostage release deal.

It is important to note that Israel has placed restrictions on the amount of humanitarian aid allowed into certain areas of the Gaza Strip. According to international humanitarian law, Israel is obligated to ensure that the civilian population in Gaza does not suffer from lack of food.

Hamas takes responsibility for the well-being of its people. Since the beginning, they have worked towards ending the violence and protecting their people. They have reached out to mediators to achieve a complete ceasefire. However, they feel unjustly accused of committing crimes and preventing humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza.

Many civilians in Gaza have been pointing fingers at Hamas for the increasing starvation. Displaced individuals have accused Hamas of diverting humanitarian aid intended for civilians to their fighters when discussing aid distribution.

However, Naim refuted these allegations by stating that Hamas was fighting for the people, not against them.

Ramadan, also known as the ‘month of jihad’, is a time of heightened tension in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This year, it coincides with the ongoing war in Gaza, Israeli military actions in the West Bank, and calls from Hamas for more attacks.

Hamas has urged Palestinians in the occupied West Bank to keep protesting against the Zionist occupation in solidarity with Al-Aqsa Mosque and Gaza during Ramadan, the month of jihad and resistance.

Naim believes that Palestinians have the right to seek freedom, dignity, and an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital, using both diplomatic channels and what he refers to as "armed resistance."

Naim rejected the notion that Hamas is trying to incite terrorist attacks against Israel during Ramadan. He emphasized that Hamas does not aim at civilians but specifically targets Israeli settlers who are armed and individuals involved in violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Hamas has a history of targeting civilians, including women and children, and has killed hundreds of them in its attack on October 7. They have also been carrying out attacks on Israeli forces for years.

This report was contributed by CNN’s Alex Marquardt.

Editor's P/S:

The ongoing