'Only a smokescreen': Hamas condemns rising settler violence, Ben-Gvir's treatment of prisoners

Hamas issued two statements on Sunday, condemning escalating settler violence in the West Bank and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's visit to Damon Prison. Hamas claimed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is allowing settler violence as part of a "genocidal war" against Palestinians, calling Israeli condemnations of these attacks a "smokescreen" to ease international pressure and avoid responsibility. The group asserted that Netanyahu is appeasing right-wing extremists by giving settlers "free rein to escalate their organized terrorism."

• Hamas also criticized Ben-Gvir for "turning the women's suffering into a showpiece before cameras" during his visit to female prisoners, which he described as Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists.
• Ben-Gvir stated, "Our hostages did not have shampoo and did not have these conditions [in Gaza]," adding that "Terrorists, both male and female, will receive the minimum required by law, and nothing beyond that."
• Hamas warned against turning prisons into arenas for "violations, humiliation, threats, torture, and murder."
• The group further criticized the international community and the United Nations for failing to hold Israel accountable, which it believes encourages continued violations.