Hamas' Mission Is Evolving As Sands Shift in Mideast
“We will not be part in a war between Iran and Israel,” came the startling announcement from Hamas, the organization whose objective is to liberate all of historic Palestine via armed struggle. Is this the result of the collapse of the Syria-Iran-Hezbollah-Hamas partnership, or of the Syrian revolt? Maybe both, writes Isam al Khafaji.
“We will not be part in a war between Iran and Israel.” The startling announcement came not from the moderate Jordanian monarchy, nor from the Palestinian authority whose aim is to liberate the territory under Israeli occupation since 1967, but from Hamas, the organization whose proclaimed objective is to liberate all of historic Palestine via armed struggle.
Could it be a direct consequence of the collapse of the quadruple axis of resistance comprised of Syria, Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas? Or maybe the Syrian revolt was a powerful catalyst for the series of developments which were brewing beneath the surface to their climax?
It may be both.
A few months after the outbreak of the revolt, Hamas head Khaled Mishal was asked by a journalist about the departure of some of his lieutenants. “Do not make hasty judgments” was his reply. “Some of them were going for treatment abroad, others to take care of their children’s education.” By November, he himself had sealed the exodus: two training camps in Syria were closed as well as major Hamas offices there.
