Hamas doesn't equal "the Palestinians". Nor are all Palestinians Muslims. The majority are not members of Hamas, and there are also secular and Christian Palestinians. However, what is perceived as the "problem" with the Palestinians is their resistance to being ethnically cleansed and subjected to apartheid. All categories of Palestinians (Christian, Muslim, and secular) are participating in this struggle, and it is not a religious struggle.

It is not a religious issue for "the Palestinians". It may be a religious issue for some Palestinians, but that is not what was said.