Hamas dismisses Al-Arabiya TV's 'baseless' report of internal rift over Israeli captive
DaysofPal- Hamas has strongly denied recent claims aired by Al-Arabiya TV suggesting internal disputes within the movement's leadership over the release of an Israeli-American captive earlier this month.
In a press statement issued Tuesday, Hisham Qassem, Hamas's media official abroad, described the report as 'baseless,' accusing the channel of participating in a smear campaign targeting the Palestinian resistance at a time of intensified Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip.
'The report aired by Al-Arabiya is filled with lies and fabricated accusations,' Qassem said. 'It comes at a time when our people are enduring a brutal campaign of extermination and starvation carried out by the Israeli occupation forces (IOF).'
Al-Arabiya had reported that the May 12 release of Aidan Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier captured by Hamas, sparked a rift between the movement's political leadership and its military wing, the Qassam Brigades.
According to the channel, the disagreement stemmed from the belief that Alexander's release would lead to progress on ceasefire talks and increased humanitarian aid access, outcomes that ultimately did not materialize. Rather, the occupation intensified its assaults, shattering any hopes that were attached to the gesture.
Qassem rejected these allegations outright, saying the report aligns with what he described as 'Zionist propaganda,' and urged Al-Arabiya to issue a formal apology.
'We call on the channel's management to issue an official apology and refrain from participating in the distortion of the Palestinian resistance's image,' he said, adding that Al-Arabiya has 'repeatedly published unfounded claims intended to delegitimize both the resistance and the broader Palestinian struggle.'
The report, Qassem continued, is particularly harmful at a time when Gaza's civilian population is facing catastrophic humanitarian conditions due to Israel's continued bombardment, displacement campaigns, and blockade.
'Our people are facing relentless attacks, displacement, and the collapse of basic living conditions under ongoing IOF aggression,' he stated.
The Qassam Brigades declared on May 12 that Aidan Alexander had been released after 'important contacts with mediators' to secure a ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza.
In an official statement at the time, Hamas emphasized that the step was taken in 'a spirit of positivity and flexibility' in response to international mediation efforts.
'This step came as part of the efforts of the mediators to stop the ceasefire, open the crossings, and bring aid and relief to our people in the Gaza Strip,' the statement read.
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