In the midst of the Israeli bombing campaign against the Gaza Strip, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad hosted in Damascus on May 20 a delegation of leaders of Palestinian factions with the exception of Hamas. During the meeting, Assad stressed his country’s firm position on the Palestinian cause and continued support for the Palestinian people's struggle and legitimate resistance.
The delegation included leaders from the Islamic Jihad movement, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the Vanguard for the Popular Liberation War-Lightning Forces (As-Sa’iqa), the Palestinian Popular Struggle Front, the Palestinian Liberation Front and the Fatah movement.
In this context, Talal Naji, assistant secretary-general of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command, told Beirut-based pro-Iran and pro-Syria Al-Mayadeen television May 20 that Assad praised the fighters of Hamas, the Islamic Jihad and all resistance factions in Palestine.
In turn, the deputy secretary-general of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Abu Ahmed Fouad, also told Al-Mayadeen TV on May 20 that Assad informed the delegation that Syria’s doors are open to all resistance factions, regardless of their names.
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