Hamas Political Chief Al-Hayya Signals Openness to Palestinian Talks in Al-Arabiya Interview

Hamas political office chief Khaleel al-Hayya appeared in an exclusive interview broadcast by Saudi Arabia’s Al-Arabiya Television on September 26, discussing the terrorist organization’s stance on the stalled Gaza agreement, Palestinian elections, and diplomatic engagement with Washington ^[1][2][3].

Al-Hayya stated that Hamas has met with American officials on more than four occasions, emphasizing that the organization’s demands remain focused on securing Palestinian rights, which he characterized as “the gateway to stability in the region” ^[3]. The interview marked a rare public platform for the Hamas political leader to articulate the group’s negotiating position following months of deadlock over ceasefire terms.

A significant development aired during the broadcast was al-Hayya’s explicit confirmation of willingness to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ^[1][2]. This statement carries potential weight for Palestinian unity efforts, which have remained fractured since Hamas and Fatah’s last major confrontation. The expressed openness to direct talks with Abbas represents a potential diplomatic opening, though no meeting has been scheduled.

Al-Hayya revealed that Hamas has endorsed a roadmap proposed by international mediators, including references to the Miladinov brothers’ involvement in ceasefire negotiations ^[1][2][3]. He emphasized that halting military operations against Palestinians constitutes the “first priority,” while Palestinian unity would follow as a “second phase” objective ^[3].

The Hamas leader also addressed the humanitarian toll of the conflict, stating that the organization does not accept Palestinian blood being used “as fuel for Israeli elections” ^[3]. He further disclosed that Hamas is pursuing diplomatic initiatives related to developments in Yemen, though specific details were not elaborated in available reports ^[1][2].

During the interview, al-Hayya commented on international representation at the United Nations, suggesting it would have been preferable to prevent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from attending UN meetings rather than preventing the Palestinian President from doing so ^[4].

In a separate statement released following the broadcast, al-Hayya addressed personal losses, noting that his family’s sacrifices mirror those of the Palestinian people broadly. He stated that the loss of his children and grandchildren “does not increase my determination except to continue pursuing the goals of our people” ^[5][6].

The interview comes amid continued international mediation efforts to resolve the Gaza conflict. Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have been engaged in shuttle diplomacy to bridge gaps between Hamas and Israeli negotiating positions. Al-Hayya’s public statements on willingness to engage with Abbas and his characterization of Hamas’s adherence to proposed roadmaps suggest the organization is attempting to position itself as a serious negotiating partner while maintaining its core demands regarding Palestinian rights and the cessation of military operations.

Al-Arabiya, a Saudi state-owned news channel based in Riyadh and operated by the MBC Group, has maintained editorial independence in covering Palestinian-Israeli developments despite its Saudi ownership.