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In December in Doha, The Grayzone\u2019s Aaron Mate interviewed senior Hamas negotiator and former Gaza Health Minister Dr. Basem Naim. Dr. Naim described the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire as largely ineffective due to Israeli violations, including ongoing attacks, restrictions on humanitarian aid, and closures of the Rafah crossing. He emphasized that Hamas has complied with its obligations, while Israel has not, making discussion of a second phase premature.<\/p>\n
Dr. Naim stressed that decisions about Gaza\u2019s future must involve all Palestinian factions, rejecting international proposals that marginalize Palestinians. He supports limited international involvement to supervise ceasefires, aid delivery, and reconstruction at Gaza\u2019s borders, but strongly rejects unconditional Hamas disarmament, citing Palestinians\u2019 legal right to resist occupation. Long-term ceasefires could be possible only if tied to a credible political process toward a sovereign Palestinian state.<\/p>\n
He criticized the UN for vague resolutions selectively applied to Israel, reaffirmed Hamas\u2019s support for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem and the right of return, and highlighted the ongoing fragmentation between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. He also discussed Hamas\u2019s efforts to secure the release of political prisoners, including Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti.<\/p>\n
Dr. Naim framed Hamas\u2019s October 7 operation and other acts of resistance as responses to decades of siege, occupation, and systemic injustice, arguing that resistance is inevitable under such conditions.<\/p>\n