The October 7 pogrom—or the organized massacre of a particular ethnic group—resulted in over 1,000 Israeli deaths, and 251 individuals were taken hostage and brought back to Gaza. This triggered Israel's launching of a full-scale military campaign against Hamas, which has led to the deaths of approximately 48,000 Palestinians and widespread destruction of infrastructure throughout Gaza.
Speaking to the Times, Marzouk stated that if he had known the consequences of the attack, it would have been "impossible" for him to support it. He also indicated that Hamas may be open to negotiating the future of its weapons in Gaza, a stance that other officials in the group have so far rejected.
"We are ready to speak about every issue. Any issue that is put on the table, we need to speak about it," Marzouk said.
However, it is unclear whether his position is shared by Hamas’s broader leadership. The organization is composed of multiple factions, some with close ties to Iran and Hezbollah, which have historically taken more hardline stances. Hamas official Osama Hamdan appeared to contradict Marzouk’s remarks during a press conference in Doha, stating that "the weapons of the resistance" were not open for discussion.
Marzouk, who is believed to have a net worth in the billions, also claimed that he was not informed of the specific plans for October 7. However, he said that Hamas’s political leadership, including himself, endorsed a military attack against Israel.
Marzouk’s remarks come as US officials have discussed a potential extension of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, which began on January 19.
The initial phase is nearing its conclusion but both sides have accused each other of violations. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to travel to the region this week to negotiate an extension.
"We have to get an extension of phase one. I'll be going to the region this week, probably Wednesday, to negotiate that, and we are hopeful that we have the proper time to begin phase two and finish it off and get more hostages released," Witkoff said, reports Reuters.
The first phase of the ceasefire agreement includes an exchange of 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza for nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners held by Israel. The second phase would involve a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of approximately 60 remaining hostages.
