Hamas Seizes on Comments From Former Biden Official
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Hamas called remarks from former U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller that Israel committed war crimes in Gaza a significant admission that "exposes U.S. administrations' attempts to conceal the reality of this brutal war against innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip."
Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. State Department for comment.
Why It Matters
The comments point to Hamas seeking to capitalize on any sign of support for positions that could be viewed as negative for Israel at a time it is under heavy military pressure and seeks international backing for an end to the war in Gaza as soon as possible.
Hamas has not agreed to U.S. and Israeli conditions for a ceasefire to allow the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinians prisoners, but which would leave the door open for Israel to continue its military assault with the goal of destroying the Islamist group that launched an attack on Israel in October 2023.
Israeli army tanks take position at the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip on May 29, 2025, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant movement Hamas.
Israeli army tanks take position at the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip on May 29, 2025, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant movement Hamas.
JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images
What To Know
Hamas said Miller's comments were an "acknowledgment that condemns the occupation, confirms its crimes," and U.S. efforts to "conceal the reality" in Gaza, in a statement on Tuesday. Miller had served in the State Department when President Joe Biden was president.
Responding to questions on Sky News' Mark Stone as to whether what was happening in Gaza is a genocide, Miller said: "I don't think it's a genocide. "I think it is without a doubt that Israel has committed war crimes," he added.
Hamas said: "This acknowledgment not only indicts the occupation itself but also holds Washington directly responsible as an actual partner in the war crimes and genocide being committed against our Palestinian people in Gaza—through funding, arms supply, political and diplomatic protection, and misleading media coverage."
On Saturday, Hamas responded to a 60-day ceasefire proposal by Special Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, demanding a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, unimpeded aid access, and the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 10 living and eighteen deceased Israeli hostages.
Witkoff described the response as "totally unacceptable and only takes us backward."
What People Are Saying
Hamas, in Arabic statement sent out on Telegram: "We call on the international community and international judicial institutions to translate these serious admissions into urgent investigations and legal proceedings, and to hold accountable all those who were involved in or complicit with these crimes—whether they are Zionist war criminals or those who provided them with support and cover."
U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff wrote on X Saturday: "Hamas should accept the framework proposal we put forward as the basis for proximity talks, which we can begin immediately this coming week."
Tsach Saar, deputy Israeli consul general in New York previously told Newsweek: "It's not for us to determine who is going to be there the day after [the war is over]. We are making sure that it's not going to be Hamas."
What Happens Next
Hamas said it is prepared to resume Qatar- and Egypt-led talks to resolve remaining disputes and reach a ceasefire deal, but it is unclear that agreement with Israel can be reached given the differing demands.
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