RAMALLAH, West Bank — Hamas leaders have recently been probing the restoration of ties with Syria, with Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah serving as mediators. According to the Gaza newspaper Al-Quds, Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh told Turkish journalists during a July 20 conference call that he hopes relations with Damascus can be “repaired and rebuilt.” Haniyeh said that the resumption of ties with Syria has been under discussion across the movement’s institutions.

Hamas once had good relations with Syria, which beginning under President Hafez al-Assad and until 2012 had hosted the movement’s head and members of its political bureau, in effect offering them protection from Israeli attack. A rift emerged after the civil conflict erupted in Syria and the movement refused to side with the regime against its citizens. That decision led to Hamas' leaders, including the then-political bureau chief, Khaled Meshaal, departing Damascus in 2012 and Syrian security forces shuttering the movement’s offices.

Defending Hamas' position on the civil war, Haniyeh asserted to the Turkish journalists, “Hamas' decision to exit Syria was thoroughly considered within the movement.” That said, times have apparently changed.

A Hamas leader who spoke to Al-Monitor on the condition of anonymity, remarked, “With the Palestinian issue at rock bottom today, Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, and the Muslim Brotherhood remain steadfast in their support of the Palestinians. It is only normal for us to strengthen our relations with parties that support us.” He added, “There has been a decision in the movement not to further discuss this issue in the media since such a step needs careful consideration.”