Will Iran, Hamas resume relations?
Following a split between Iran and Hamas over a number of regional issues, most prominently the Syrian conflict, the two sides have once again restored relations, according to sources in Hamas.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — High level sources within Hamas have confirmed that warm relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been restored, following a number of meetings between the two sides held in various Arab and Islamic capitals. These meetings were convened to restore what has been tarnished over the last two years, following the Hamas leadership’s withdrawal from Syria and its decision to support the “revolution.”
Multiple sources from within Hamas, speaking in a number of separate interviews, have told Al-Monitor that prominent figures in the Iranian government have contacted leaders in Hamas to hold meetings with the goal of healing the rift between the two sides. This has led to a series of preliminary understandings that has [tentatively] revived ties between the two parties once again.
The same sources pointed out that the two highest-level meetings to have been held between the two sides involved the head of Hamas’ political bureau, Khaled Meshaal, and another unnamed high-level representative. They met in the Turkish capital of Ankara during Meshaal’s visit to Turkey in October. The other top-level meeting was held in the Qatari capital of Doha.
Both sides held a number of meetings bringing together leaders of varying degrees of seniority in four Arab and Islamic capitals: Doha, Beirut, Ankara and Tehran. Over the course of these meetings, both sides have discussed the details of cultivating relations and the need for moving past earlier crises. And, according to sources in Hamas, this has in fact taken place.
