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Hamas unfazed by Fatah outreach to Iran

Syria is still a sticky issue between Hamas and both Fatah and Iran.
EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.

Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh speaks during a ceremony to mark the 33rd anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, in Tehran's Azadi square February 11, 2012. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi  (IRAN - Tags: ANNIVERSARY POLITICS RELIGION) - RTR2XN6M

Soon after Hamas' fallout with Iran over Syria settled, some warmth returned to their relations. Meetings between Hamas and Iran were renewed at the highest levels in December 2013.

Yet just as Hamas thought that its relations with the Iranians had been restored, Jibril Rajoub, a member of Fatah's Central Committee, visited Tehran Jan. 27. The visit was the first of its kind by a Fatah official in years, and raised many questions about Hamas' ability to maintain the alliance with Iran that has endured for nearly 10 years. The trip drew the interest of Hamas amid talk that Fatah — its biggest rival in the Palestinian arena — would seek to exploit Hamas’ cool relations with Iran.

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