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Exclusive: Hamas Official Discusses Decline of Iranian Support

Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya discusses the party’s loss of Iranian support and the possibility of its truce with Israel unravelling.
Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh (front, L) hugs Hamas politician Khalil al-Hayya during the funeral for seven of al-Hayya's relatives in Gaza May 21, 2007. Israel launched more strikes against Gaza militants on Sunday, killing nine Palestinians in two aerial assaults, including one that struck the home of al-Hayya, security officials said. REUTERS/Suhaib Salem (GAZA) - RTR1PXEC

Khalil al-Hayya, a prominent Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip and head of the group’s parliamentary bloc in the Palestinian Legislative Council, stressed that there have been concerted efforts to procure financial and military support to cover its losses following the decline of Iranian backing. The dip in Iranian support came as the result of its and Hamas' clashing stances on the Syrian crisis. Hayya added that new support will not hinge on political requirements.

Hayya, 53, lost seven family members in a failed Israeli assassination attempt in 2007. He said that Hamas and Hezbollah's vision is unified, and that there are no disagreements regarding the Iran issue. Hayya also denied rumors of a message sent by Izz ad-Din al-Qassam to the party stressing the need for an alliance with Iran. Hayya denied that armed Hamas militants were inside Syria fighting against the regime, stressing that Hamas is not responsible for individuals fighting on their own accord, as they are acting against the group’s decision.

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