Hamas delegation’s visit to Syria signals restoration of ties
A high-ranking Palestinian delegation has met Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus. Arriving from Algeria, officials discussed the result of their meetings there for reconciliation among Palestinians.
Assad underlined the importance of unity among Palestinians as a source of strength in the face of the Israeli aggression and for regaining their rights. He asserted that Syria will always remain in support of resistance against Israel.
Members of the delegation expressed appreciation for Syria’s historic support to Palestinians, describing it as their safe haven during hardships.
They said they stand beside Syria in this years-long war waged by the US and its allies. Following the meeting, representatives of Palestinian factions held a press conference.
The most significant aspect of the visit was that Hamas officials were present. This is their first visit to Syria in a decade after they left cutting ties with the Syrian government at the start of Syria’s crisis. During the press conference, Hamas officially announced the restoration of relations with Syria.
The visit comes shortly after Palestinian factions came together under Algerian reconciliation initiative in which they met and agreed to end disputes and division for the sake of unifying ranks in the face of Israel.
Palestinian factions’ visit to Syria reiterates the Arab country’s pivotal role in supporting Palestinian resistance against Israel, even during the war its facing. And receiving Hamas officials in Damascus is yet another proof of Syria’s commitment to the Palestinian cause, despite Hamas’s stance over the Syrian crisis and disagreements in 2012.
