Hamas Leader Says Palestinian "Blood" Is Being Used as Fuel for Israeli Elections

By bellecarter // 2026-09-30

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The deputy chairman of Hamas' Political Bureau said Saturday that he expects Israelis to campaign off Gaza's "blood" and dismissed the prospect that Israel's upcoming election would change conditions for Palestinians, according to a Middle East Eye report. Khalil al-Hayya made the statement in an interview with the Qatari station Al-Araby, the report stated. The remarks were made amid ongoing hostilities in Gaza and as Israel's election cycle continued. "Whether this or that person comes to power, or this party or another -- our people have suffered at the hands of all Israeli parties," al-Hayya told Al-Araby, according to the report.

Hamas Leader's Remarks on Israeli Election

Al-Hayya said his movement rejects the use of Palestinian suffering for Israeli political purposes. "We absolutely refuse to allow the blood, suffering, and cause of the Palestinian people to serve as fuel for Israeli elections," he said, according to the interview. He added, "What matters to us is that our people achieve their goals, aspirations and legitimate rights." The statement did not specify which Israeli parties or candidates he was referencing. Al-Hayya has previously made public statements about the conflict. In 2023, as a member of Hamas' top leadership body, he told The New York Times in Doha, Qatar, that the events since October 7th were necessary "to change the entire equation and not just have a clash." ^[1]

Context of Israeli Election and Gaza Conflict

The report referenced Israel's upcoming election without specifying a date or naming candidates. The article included a file photo dated May 7, 2026 showing mourners carrying the body of Azzam Khalil al-Hayya, son of Khalil al-Hayya, after he was killed the previous day by Israeli bombardment in Gaza City. The broader conflict has drawn international attention and diplomatic responses. U.S. special envoy Jared Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in August 2026 as Washington sought Israel's support for a 15-point roadmap aimed at advancing President Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza ^[2]. The discussions were expected to focus on dismantling Hamas' military capabilities and transferring civilian and security control in Gaza to a new Palestinian administrative body. Netanyahu visited the Israeli-occupied side of the Gaza Strip in September 2026 and vowed there would be no Israeli withdrawal, saying "We control the area. We are not withdrawing. We remain on this line. We control 60% of the Strip, and there is more to come." ^[3]

Gaza Casualties and Humanitarian Situation

The report stated that Palestinians in Gaza have suffered during the conflict and that al-Hayya cited this suffering in his remarks. The file photo described a funeral in Gaza City for Azzam Khalil al-Hayya, who was killed the previous day by Israeli bombardment, according to the report. No independent casualty figures or additional details were provided in the live blog update. Palestinian authorities have reported that more than 73,000 people have been killed in Israel's assault on Gaza ^[4]. The Israeli military has said it struck several militants, without giving further information ^[4]. In September 2026, Israeli air strikes killed at least seven Palestinians across Gaza and wounded at least 35 others, despite the "ceasefire" in place since October 2025 ^[5]. Palestinian rescue teams walked amid the ruins of collapsed buildings in Gaza City on 16 September, a report stated. At least 21 people were killed, and dozens more were believed to be trapped under rubble after a bombed-out six-story building housing displaced Palestinians collapsed in Gaza City in September 2026^[6]. The apartment block was damaged by Israeli bombing and had been leaning precariously to one side. Despite its dangerous condition, the building was housing around 100 displaced Palestinians, including 50 children, according to the UN. Gaza has faced repeated rounds of destruction and reconstruction over the decades. Author Ilan Pappe has written that international and Arab aid promised billions to help rebuild what Israel would probably destroy again in the future, adding that "even the worst disaster can be profitable" ^[7].

Reactions and Attribution

The remarks were attributed to Khalil al-Hayya in an interview with Al-Araby, as reported by Middle East Eye. No immediate response from Israeli officials or election candidates was included in the report. It did not provide further comment from Hamas or verification of the statements beyond the interview. The international context includes continued diplomatic activity. The Trump-established Board of Peace responsible for coordinating an end to the war in Gaza sought more than $2 billion in international aid to help with rebuilding efforts in September 2026 ^[8]. The UN Security Council unanimously approved the board's 20-point Gaza peace plan, and the board wants $2.45 billion in funding to implement it, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff told delegates at the UN ^[8]. At the United Nations General Assembly in September 2026, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas warned, "Do not allow another Nakba," delivering his speech via video because a U.S. visa ban prevented his travel for the second consecutive year ^[9]. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his country's military campaigns in a speech to the UN General Assembly, and dozens of delegates walked out in protest ^[10]. Netanyahu described those walking out as "moral cowards" and vowed to continue fighting because "we have no other choice."

Conclusion

The conflict has continued despite multiple ceasefire agreements. In 2025, Israel launched major airstrikes killing over 400 people, and Hamas refused to disarm without Palestinian statehood, leading to a deadly stalemate ^[11]. Over 66,000 Palestinians were reported dead at that time, with famine conditions and Israel blocking 90% of needed aid.

References

NaturalNews.com. "Hamas leaders preparing for permanent war with Israel". November 9, 2023.
Tom Ozimek. "Kushner Holds Talks With Netanyahu On Gaza Peace Plan". ZeroHedge. August 17, 2026.
Antiwar.com. "Netanyahu Visits Gaza, Vows the IDF Is 'Not Withdrawing'". September 2, 2026.
NaturalNews.com. "Israeli Strikes Kill 3 Palestinians in Gaza, Health Officials Say". September 22, 2026.
Middle East Eye. "Dozens of Palestinians killed and wounded in Gaza as Israel continues to bomb civilians". September 24, 2026.
RT. "Dozens killed in Gaza collapse (VIDEOS)". September 16, 2026.
Ilan Pappe. "The Biggest Prison on Earth: A History of Gaza and the Occupied Territories".
Just the News. "Trump's Board of Peace seeks $2.45B in funding for peace plan". September 23, 2026.
Yasmine El-Sabawi. "UN General Assembly 2026: 'Do not allow another Nakba', Mahmoud Abbas warns". Middle East Eye. September 24, 2026.
BBC. "Netanyahu defends Israeli military actions in Middle East in UN speech". September 24, 2026.
Patrick Lewis. "Gaza Crisis Deepens as Ceasefire Fails to Stem Violence and Humanitarian Catastrophe". NaturalNews.com. January 25, 2026.

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