Palestinian Hamas restores relations with Syrian government
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Hamas, a Palestinian Islamic group, visited on Wednesday Damascus and restored relations with Syrian government.
France 24 reported, quoting Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas chief of Arab relations, “This is a glorious and important day, in which we come back to our dear Syria to resume joint work.”
Hamas used to be one of Syria’s closest allies in large part due to a shared enmity towards Israel.
However, the Islamic group supported the 2011 street uprising against Syrian government and vacated their headquarters in Damascus in 2012, which disturbed their Iranian ally.
Normalizing ties with the Syrian government may restore Hamas’ inclusion in a so-called “axis of resistance” against Israel, according to analysts.
The meeting coincided with the broader rapprochement between Hezbollah and Hamas in Lebanon, the source said, citing Maha Yahya of the Carnegie Middle East Center.
“All the states we notified of our decision were welcoming and supportive of the move, including Qatar and Turkey, who encouraged us to take the step,” al-Hayya added
The thaw between Hamas and Damascus was brokered by Tehran and Hezbollah, a senior Hamas source said.
It was “too early” to talk about relocating its headquarters to the Syrian capital, the source added, citing an official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.