Link to article https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-717386
On Saturday, September 17th, Hamas made a statement condemning missile strikes reportedly carried out by Israel on Damascus International Airport on friday, September 16th. Syrian news agency Sana reported five Syrian soldiers were killed in the strikes. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said, “The strikes against Syria are an extension of the Israeli aggression on the entire region,” Many see these latest statements by Hamas as a part of the Islamist movement’s efforts to restore ties with Syria, which deteriorated shortly after the beginning of the civil war in Syria 11 years ago. Hamas also issued a number of other statements which voiced support for Syria. Some Palestinian political analysts see the statement as an apology to the Assad regime. Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya stated that his leaders have agreed to try restoring their relations with Syria. Iran however, does not seem to support this. With a Palestinian Authority official claiming the Iranians threatened to halt funding to Hamas. and that not all Hamas leaders are happy about normalizing their groups relations with Syria. Many Palestinians criticise Hamas for renewing ties with the Assad regime which they claim is responsible for the killing of thousands of Palestinians.
Hamas is making bold moves that may prove disastrous if it creates a rift within Hamas. Many Palestinians dislike Assad’s regime, and it can be seen why. One report revealed that more than 1,800 Palestinians remain in Syrian prisons and another 636 Palestinians have died from torture in Syrian prisons. Hamas Leaders must believe that cooperation between Syria and Hamas will be beneficial to them. however it is hard to see how. Iran also plays a key part as it does not want Syria and Hamas working together. Iran may cease its funding of the group. It remains to be seen how Hamas will navigate this and how Syria, Iran and Israel will respond.
This connects to class and our talk of non-nation states. Palestine is not recognized as a state by Israel due to their strong dislike of each other and history. It is also not recognized by the United States which does, however, recognize the PLO as the legitimate representative entity for the Palestinian people. This also relates to Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs), specifically, the United Nations, which does not recognise Palestine as a member state. The UN does see Palestine as a Non-Member Observer State. Palestine may be trying to increase its political power and gain some recognition by working with Syria.