Saudi-Hamas relations on verge of complete rupture
Relations between Saudi Arabia and the Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip are witnessing deep tension that risks further escalation in light of the Arab nation's decision to cut ties with Qatar, one of Hamas’ main financial backers.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — The relationship between Hamas and Saudi Arabia is currently in a stalemate, and tension is expected to intensify in the coming days in light of the Saudi crisis with Qatar, Hamas’ most important ally among the Arab states.
Hamas’ foreign relations chief Osama Hamdan said in an interview with Al-Mayadeen TV May 31, “Our relationship with Saudi Arabia is at a standstill at the moment.”
He said that Hamas “seeks to liberate Palestine as a whole,” in reference to the movement’s opposition to the Arab Peace Initiative, put forth by Saudi Arabia at the Arab Summit in Beirut in 2002, in which the Arab states pledged to recognize Israel and normalize relations with it after the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, which Hamas completely rejects.
However, after Saudi Arabia severed ties with Qatar and demanded Doha halt support to Hamas, the movement condemned this move and remained silent regarding the Gulf crisis.
