A senior member of Hamas Political Bureau, Izzat Al-Risheq, refuted claims of differences or split between the movement's military and political leadership.

Rishiq clarified that such reports are baseless and aimed at distorting the movement's image, considering them desperate attempts that time proved them wrong.

"We have explained in more than one occasion that the Movement, in all of its leadership and consultative components inside and outside occupied Palestine, operates according to democratic mechanisms." Rishiq added: "This does not mean that there are no differences of opinion or viewpoints, but such differences are settled after deliberation and discussion within the Movement's consultative circle".