Hamas Announces Resumption of Relations with Syria

On Thursday, Hamas confirmed its commitment to building and developing solid relations with the Syrian regime after nearly 10 years of tension between the two sides. In an official statement, Hamas announced its decision to resume relations with Syria "in service of our nation and its just causes, at the core of which is the Palestinian issue, especially in light of the rapidly changing regional and international developments surrounding our cause and our nation." The movement expressed its hope for "Syria to regain its role and position in the Arab and Islamic nations, supporting all sincere efforts for the stability, safety, prosperity, and progress of Syria." Relations between Hamas and the Syrian regime were severed in 2012, following the outbreak of the Syrian revolution and the departure of Hamas leaders from the Syrian capital Damascus to Qatar and other countries.