BICOM

The Guardian reports today that the wheels are in motion to repair ties between Iran and Hamas, with the relationship between the two having floundered significantly during the last three years.

Iran had long been the sponsor of Hamas, to the reported tune of £14million per month in aid. However, the relationship soured dramatically shortly after the start of the Syrian Civil War. Although Damascus had hosted the exiled Hamas leadership for many years, Hamas refused to support Syrian President Assad, a close ally of Iran, leading to a serious deterioration in Iran-Hamas relations.

Hamas has controlled the Gaza Strip since violently overthrowing the Fatah faction of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in 2007. However, Hamas became further isolated following the downfall of its ideological bedfellows, the Muslim Brotherhood in neighbouring Egypt in July. Egypt’s military rulers have since closed smuggling tunnels crucial to the Gaza economy and regard Hamas as an enemy force aiding terror attacks on its forces in Sinai.

However, according to the Guardian, Hamas is now rebuilding ties with Iran and quotes Hamas official Bassem Naim who said there have been various high-level visits and meetings between the two sides, which has “led to a marked improvement and progression in the relationship.” The report also says that Hamas’ political chief Khaled Mashaal, who is now based in Qatar following the closure of the organisation’s Damascus base, has met Iranian representatives in Ankara and Doha in recent months and may soon visit Tehran.

Hamas also appears to be reaching out to Fatah with the two Palestinian factions having been at loggerheads since 2007. Reuters reported earlier this week that Hamas authorities in Gaza released seven Fatah members it had imprisoned for apparent security-related offences. A Hamas Interior Ministry spokesman was quoted saying that the release was part of efforts to “consolidate national reconciliation” with Fatah.