When Hamas came to power in 2006 (following a fair election, as confirmed by the UN and US), they repeatedly sent peace feelers to the Israeli government. They were clearly looking for some sort of settlement. However, the Israeli government dismissed those peace feelers. Hamas and the Israeli government eventually entered into a ceasefire, but even that was broken by the Israeli government soon after it was initiated. If Israel agrees to a two-state solution, which they currently show no sign of doing, there is ample evidence that Hamas would also agree.

Regarding the specific video shared above from Ghazi Hamad, first, this is an unofficial message. Hamas’ updated charter, released in 2017, expresses agreement to co-exist with Israel. Second, the speaker begins by saying, “We should teach Israel a lesson.” This statement is key and frames the rest of his message. If Israel were to change course and respect Palestinian rights, there would be no reason “to teach them a lesson.”