GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The new Hamas leadership has taken dramatic steps since assuming office in mid-February that suggest its policies will differ significantly from those of previous officials. The new administration has been trying to restore ties that had been cut off or seriously frayed with many parties such as Iran, Egypt, the Syrian regime and the followers of Fatah's dismissed leader Mohammed Dahlan.

Could this be a kinder, gentler, more accommodating Hamas? Many remain unconvinced, but Iran is working toward that goal.

Hamas left Syria at the end of 2011, after the Syrian civil war broke out, out of support for the Syrian people. The regime then completely severed its relationship with the Palestinian movement, and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accused Hamas of supporting some of the armed groups fighting against the Syrian regime.

Hamas, a key pillar in the so-called anti-Israel “axis of resistance,” which includes Syria, Iran and Hezbollah, did not deny receiving Syrian support for years before it left the country, where it enjoyed great freedom of movement.