Hamas says Palestinian suffering could become Israeli election campaign tool

Hamas political bureau chief Khalil al-Hayya has criticized Israel for potentially exploiting Palestinian suffering for political gain prior to its upcoming election. Al-Hayya argued that Palestinians would continue to suffer under any Israeli leader or party, claiming that successive Israeli governments have inflicted suffering on the Palestinian people.

He rejected the use of Palestinian blood, suffering, and struggle as a tool for Israeli elections, emphasizing that their people must achieve their goals, aspirations, and legitimate rights. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is up for re-election in an election set for October 27 and has pledged to not withdraw Israeli troops from Gaza, rejecting a U.S.-led peace initiative where Hamas would surrender its weapons.

The election will be the first since Hamas led the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, resulting in 1,221 deaths and 251 hostages. Israel's military campaign has displaced almost the entire Gaza population, damaged or destroyed most buildings, and killed over 73,900 people. Polls suggest Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief and Netanyahu's war cabinet member, is one of Netanyahu's strongest opponents.

The Palestinian Authority has scheduled legislative elections for November 28, which would be the first such vote in two decades, though there is significant uncertainty about their holding. Hamas is open to meeting Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to establish a national agenda and achieve genuine Palestinian unity.

Hamas is also seeking an alliance with Mohammed Dahlan, a former Fatah figure from Gaza who has mediated with the United States regarding its peace plan.