The head of Hamas’ political bureau abroad, Khaled Meshaal, has recently called on Saudi Arabia to resume relations with the Hamas movement, and praised Riyadh’s historical role in supporting the Palestinians. He also called on Saudi Arabia to host the Hamas leadership on its territory.

In a July 4 interview with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Arabiya TV, Meshaal affirmed that Hamas did not and will not be a part of a particular axis in the region, because it is a resistance movement that needs the support of all, and that since its inception, Hamas has opened up to all countries. Thanking Iran for supporting Hamas with weapons does not mean that the movement agrees with its regional or international policies, he continued.

Saudi authorities have a majority stake in MBC, the parent company of Al-Arabiya.

Commenting on calls that Hamas sever relations with Iran, Meshaal said that his movement will not break off any relations that serves the interests of the Palestinian people. He further stressed Hamas’ rejection of any aggression against any Arab and Muslim country, in reference to the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.