Iran - August 17, 2024

Hamas Representative in Tehran Khaled al-Qaddumi offered a somber view on the ceasefire and hostage-release negotiations.

In an interview with Phoenix TV on Wednesday, al-Qaddumi also shed light on Iran's response to Israel's assassination of the head of the political bureau of the Palestinian resistance group.

"We are in close relations with our friends and brothers in Iran. They are updating us from time to time what they are planning for and how they will proceed further. That is normal," said al-Qaddumi.

Despite a desire for stability, al-Qaddumi expressed a pessimistic stance towards the Gaza ceasefire negotiations.

"I don't want to speak on behalf of the Iranians. As I said earlier, it's not that we want to have a war game over here. We need to go for a solution that can grant stability and revive stability to the region. In that way, the choice of war, the choice to defend ourselves is on the table. Because one, the mentality of the Israeli leadership. They don't want to go for the peace of their own people even, rather to the peace of the others. Two, the escalation elements are unfortunately high by the Israeli and the American attitude. Three, we want to arrive at a deal. We want to arrive at a solution. If not through the talks, it will be through the field. We don't have any other option, unfortunately," al-Qaddumi said.

Shotlist:

Tehran, Iran - Aug 14, 2024 (Phoenix TV - No access Chinese mainland/Al-Arabiya/Persian language TV Stations outside Iran. Strictly No Access BBC Persian/VOA Persian/Manoto TV/Iran International TV)
1. Various of interview in progress
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Khaled Al-Qaddumi, representative of Hamas in Tehran:
"We are in close relations with our friends and brothers in Iran. They are updating us from time to time what they are planning for and how they will proceed further. That is normal."
3. Various of interview in progress
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Khaled Al-Qaddumi, representative of Hamas in Tehran (partially overlaid with shot 5):
"I don't want to speak on behalf of the Iranian. As I said earlier, it's not that we want to have a war game over here. We need to go for a solution that can grant stability and revive stability to the region. In that way, the choice of war, the choice to defend ourselves is on the table. Because one, the mentality of the Israeli leadership. They don't want to go for the peace of their own people even, rather to the peace of the others. Two, the escalation elements are unfortunately high by the Israeli and the American attitude. Three, we want to arrive at a deal. We want to arrive at a solution. If not through the talks, it will be through the field. We don't have any other option, unfortunately."
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
5. Reporter in interview
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
6. Various of interview in progress, painting on wall