Hamas seeks to retain Saudi ties despite Brotherhood ban
Hamas is hoping to escape the anti-Brotherhood wave sweeping the Gulf and is trying to stay on good terms with Saudi Arabia.
![PALESTINIANS-EGYPT/ Palestinians Hamas supporters take part in a protest in front of the Egyptian embassy in Gaza March 7, 2014, against a recent rule by Egyptian court which banned all the activities of Hamas movement in Egypt. An Egyptian court on March 4, 2014 banned all activities of Hamas in Egypt in a further sign that Cairo's military-backed government aims to squeeze the Palestinian Islamist group that rules neighbouring Gaza, regarding it as a security threat. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem (GAZA - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2014/03/RTR3G5UY.jpg/RTR3G5UY.jpg?h=f7822858&itok=aE8X9beK)
Saudi Arabia took Hamas by surprise with its unprecedented decision to designate a number of Islamist organizations — including the Muslim Brotherhood — as terrorist groups on March 7. The decision also affirmed that the Saudis would show no tolerance for any individual who belongs to, or is affiliated with, the named groups.
Even though the Saudi decision did not include Hamas by name, the latter regards the Muslim Brotherhood as its “parent movement” under Article 2 of its charter.